Emergency Response Officer

AVS Newcastle ltd; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 28,000; Full time

Job summary

An emergency response organization is seeking an Emergency Response Officer to lead volunteer efforts and coordinate crisis responses in the Thames Valley area. The role requires strong leadership in managing volunteers and ensuring effective crisis management. The ideal candidate will possess knowledge of emergency response legislation, experience in delivering high-quality public services, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. This position offers a hybrid working environment, generous holiday allowance, and extensive support for staff well-being.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

36 days of annual leave

Contributory pension scheme

Learning and development opportunities

Discounts through Blue Light Discount Card

Wellbeing support services

Cycle2Work scheme

Qualifications

• Applicants must have a full licence (2 years) and access to a vehicle.
• Proven experience in volunteer management is essential.
• Knowledge of emergency response legislation is required.
• Ability to handle complex situations is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support volunteers in emergency responses.
• Ensure effective responses to crisis situations.
• Engage with external organisations for emergency planning.
• Build relationships with local authorities and emergency services.

Skills

Experience managing volunteers

Delivery of high-quality services

Knowledge of health and safety practices

Strong IT proficiency

Experience with data management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: Thames Valley, covering areas of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire (Hybrid)

Salary: £27,041 per annum

Hours: 35 per week

Contract: Permanent

Additional Requirement: Applicants must have a full licence (2 years) and access to a vehicle.

Are you ready to lead volunteers and make a real impact when crisis strikes? Do you thrive in fast‑paced environments and want to make a difference in your community? As an Emergency Response Officer, you’ll be at the heart of our crisis response efforts – coordinating volunteers, supporting vulnerable people, and working with partners to deliver life‑changing support. Could you be the calm in the chaos? Are you ready to lead with compassion and courage when it matters most?

What will a day in the life of an Emergency Response Officer involve?

• Managing and supporting volunteers in emergency responses.
• Ensuring effective and efficient responses to crisis and emergency situations.
• Developing the emergency planning role, engaging with external organisations.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with external organisations, like local authorities and fire and rescue services.

To be a successful Emergency Response Officer, what will you need?

• Experience managing volunteers, with the ability to guide and influence others.
• Experience delivering high‑quality services to the public, handling complex and changing situations.
• Knowledge of relevant health and safety practices and emergency response legislation.
• Strong IT proficiency, particularly with Microsoft Office programs.
• Experience creating and monitoring data, interpreting management information, and user feedback.

In this truly rewarding role, you will be part of a 24‑hour on‑call rota as potential emergency response duties can arise at any time. You’ll need to be easily accessible to the location to attend work meetings and face‑to‑face events on a regular basis. Ideally, candidates will be located within the following counties: Berkshire, Buckinghamshire or Oxfordshire.

Interested? The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 8th February 2026. Interviews commencing shortly after this date.

In Return For Your Commitment And Expertise, You’ll Get

• Flexible working: Remote and hybrid working, flexitime, compressed hours, and job sharing.
• Holidays: 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) + option to buy 5 extra days.
• Pension scheme: Up to 6% contributory pension.
• Learning & Development: A range of career & learning opportunities.
• Discounts: Blue Light Discount Card, Tickets For Good & employee benefits platform.
• Wellbeing Support: Peer Supporters, CiC (EAP) & Headspace App.
• Cycle2Work: Lease a bicycle through the scheme.

We are proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme for UK‑based roles. During your application, you’ll have the option to apply under the scheme.

At the British Red Cross, we value diversity and maintain an inclusive environment for all staff and volunteers. We champion our teams in bringing their true selves to work, free from discrimination. This is achieved through reporting and assistance from our internal networks: Race and Ethnic Equality (REEN), LGBT+, Disability and Wellness (DAWN), Gender, Carers, and Young Staff Network.

Together, we are the world's emergency responders