About this role
- Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
- Address: Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX
- Salary: £27,694 to £31,022 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week
- Contract: Fixed Term or Secondment opportunity for 14 months
This role is open to full time, part time, and job share applications, all of which will be assessed equally.
What we are looking for
We are looking for an Emergency Planning Support Officer (Communities) to support our Joint Emergency Planning Unit (JEPU).
The successful person will share our values, commitment, and motivation to make a difference for our residents, clients, and communities.
About Suffolk Joint Emergency Planning Unit
The Joint Emergency Planning Unit was formed in 2005 between all Suffolk local authorities to provide an emergency planning and business continuity planning service. The team provides a focal point for civil emergency preparedness within Suffolk councils and provides a 24/7 out of hours duty service and initial emergency management capability.
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to join Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils (BMSDC) Emergency Planning Officers in enhancing community resilience in Mid Suffolk by promoting and supporting the development of local Community Emergency Plans at a Town and Parish Council level.
While this post sits within our Operations Directorate the day-to-day activity of the Emergency Planning Support Officer (Community Resilience) will be managed by the Suffolk Joint Emergency Planning Unit District Emergency Planning Manager for BMSDC.
Some of the activities this role includes are:
- To promote and support communities to encourage community resilience and business continuity in their local areas.
- To seek and coordinate opportunities to promote Community Emergency Planning, for example joining existing community engagement events or meetings.
- To support the development of new Community Emergency Plans, as well as review and provide feedback on existing plans.
The role also includes supporting the District Council’s response in the event of an emergency or serious threat to public wellbeing at the direction of the Suffolk JEPU and BMSDC Officers through liaison with Community Emergency Planning Groups during incidents.
About you
We are looking for an enthusiastic, experienced Support Officer, with a good level of admin and IT experience and a flexible approach, able to manage and adapt when priorities compete or change.
Ideally you will have experience of undertaking project work in order to support the delivery of community resilience projects.
Strong communication skills are essential as you will be required to develop and maintain good relationships with current and potential new Community Emergency Planning Groups as well as partner agencies.
You will also need to demonstrate effective organisational skills and an ability to prioritise and manage a busy workload.
About us
At Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils we are passionate about building communities that people want to live, work, visit and invest in.
We serve around 200,000 residents across our two districts and are well known for our collaboration and partnership working across public, private and voluntary sectors.
We believe that the heart of Suffolk is an incredibly special place to live and work, with:
- 60 conservation areas
- two National Landscapes
- many picturesque market towns
It is no surprise we are ranked among the top 50 places to live in the UK (United Kingdom).
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Generous leave entitlement (26 days a year, rising to 31 days after 5 years).
- Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Wellbeing Support and Employee Assistance Programs.
- Private Health Care Options.
- Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
- Paid volunteering days.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (Business needs permitting).
- Great learning and development opportunities.
For more information, visit our Employee Benefits page.
Our ways of working
We believe work is what we do, not just where we go.
We work in a hybrid way, with a mix of office, home, and remote based working (Business need permitting). Our hybrid working arrangements support flexibility and collaboration, helping our teams to thrive.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, providing opportunity and ambition for all, supporting and enabling our people to deliver the best possible services for our residents.
For more information
If you wish to discuss the Hybrid working approach for this role, or for an informal discussion, please contact Ben Wilding on 01284 758462
Please read the Job Description and Person Specification.pdf before applying for this job opportunity.
Closing date: 5pm, 20 February 2026.
How to apply
Please ensure your:
- application form is fully completed, including employment and education history
- supporting statement clearly addresses how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
How to apply
Step 1 - read the advert and the Job Description and Person Specification (JD and PS).
Step 2 - complete the Supporting Statement template
Step 3 - complete the online application and upload your statement.
Your statement needs to indicate how you meet the criteria in the ‘Person specification ’ section of the (JD and PS)
Your statement should:
- Be no more than 2 sides of A4
- use the template provided (other formats will not be accepted)
- be uploaded on your online application, as without this, your interest will not be progressed.
Other facts
About Suffolk Jobs Direct
Reimagine the possibilities.
As one of the largest employers in Suffolk, we have a huge variety of exciting careers to offer people as keen to make a positive impact on the world around them as we are.
As a modern, flexible, and effective council, we’re driven to make a difference to the environment, the communities we serve, and the careers of our people. We explore innovative ways to encourage, respect, and enable everyone to be the best they can be.
By creating meaningful connections with our people and our partner organisations, we’ve built a culture of mutual collaboration, trust, and respect where everyone is supported to be their authentic selves.
We aim to inspire and empower. To improve and evolve. To develop and innovate. To take pride and ownership of the world around us and ensure that we leave a positive and lasting legacy. That’s why it’s time to reimagine a career with the council and take a fresh look at what we can offer you.
What you'll do
- The Emergency Planning Support Officer will promote and support community resilience by developing local Community Emergency Plans. They will also assist in the District Council’s response during emergencies.
Ready to join Suffolk Jobs Direct?
Take the next step in your career journey