Overview

Job Title: Emergency Response Officer
Location Base: 18 Catherine Street, 1798 Catherine St, Plymouth PL1 2AD.

Salary: £27,000 to £28,811 per annum

Hours: 35 per week
Contract: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Driving: UK Manual Driving Licence held for a minimum of 2 years and access to a vehicle

Additional Requirements: To be considered for this role, candidates must currently reside in Devon or Cornwall, be familiar with the region and be willing to travel between Exeter, Plymouth and Redruth.

Role Summary

As an Emergency Response Officer with the British Red Cross, you will regularly travel across Exeter, Plymouth and Redruth. You will work closely with the Senior Emergency Response Officer (SERO) to coordinate vital services that support those in need before, during and after emergencies. Your responsibilities include organising the operational readiness of volunteers, conducting audits of essential supplies, and liaising with local authorities and emergency services to build resilience in the community. You will lead and inspire volunteers, ensuring they meet competency and quality standards. The role is dynamic and impactful, including attending meetings and handling the coordination of emergency call-outs at any hour. You will join a dedicated team to make a real difference in people’s lives during vulnerable moments.

What will a day in the life involve?

• Overseeing the recruitment, induction, and training of new volunteers, and providing ongoing leadership and support to ensure high standards.
• Participating in key meetings with local resilience forums and emergency planning teams to advise and assist their initiatives.
• Engaging with local authorities, fire and rescue services, and community organisations to strengthen relationships and enhance community resilience.
• Conducting thorough audits of equipment, vehicles, and supplies to ensure everything is operationally ready for any emergency situation.
• Using data and identifying trends to improve new and existing services to expand the role and impact of the Red Cross.
• Regularly working evenings, including volunteer meetings or training sessions, and participating in a 24-hour on-call rota to support volunteers and manage emergency situations at short notice.

What you will need to be successful

• Excellent communication skills at a variety of levels.
• Knowledge of the Devon and Cornwall area.
• Highly motivated, enthusiastic, and well-organised.
• Understanding of how to improve service quality for the benefit of users and to develop services in line with needs.
• Strong IT proficiency, particularly Microsoft Office (email, word processing, spreadsheets).
• Experience maintaining effective working relationships internally and externally.
• Ability and willingness to work unsociable hours, lone working, and be on a 24-hour on-call rota; regular access to a vehicle.
• Full UK driving licence for at least 2 years.
• Commitment to working with volunteers, providing training and support to empower them in responding to local incidents while upholding British Red Cross values.

Application and Benefits

Interested? Closing date for applications will be 23:59 on Sunday 28 September 2025.

• Holidays: 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) + option to buy 5 extra days.
• Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension.
• Flexible working: We do our best to accommodate your preferred work style.
• Learning & Development: Wide range of career opportunities + comprehensive learning.
• Discounts: Access to Blue Light Discount Card and employee benefits platform.
• Wellbeing: Access to mental health and wellbeing assistance.
• Team Working: Collaborative team environment.
• Cycle2Work: Lease a bicycle through the scheme.
• Season ticket loan: Interest-free loan for commuting expenses.

At The British Red Cross, we pride ourselves on a diverse and inclusive environment. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their true selves to work without discrimination, supported by networks such as REEN, LGBT+ Network, DAWN, Gender Network, Carers Network and Young Staff Network.

Together, we are the world’s emergency responders.