Draft policy recommendations: Crisis communication & spontaneous volunteer management 

David Wales explores two recently produced draft policy recommendation papers from the Engage project that may be of interest to CRJ readers

Image: upklyak | Freepik

As part of the Engage project (which received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No. 882850; see below), we have recently produced two draft policy recommendation papers that may be of interest to CRJ readers. And, given the breadth and depth of expertise within this community, we would love to hear your views about the proposals. Especially from those with experience of, or who are currently in a role of, policy making and implementation at the regional or municipal level.

The papers were developed from a combination of primary (in-project) and secondary research sources. We had anticipated the need and opportunity to identify specific areas for recommendations within the respective thematic areas. However, as we worked through the research and insights, it was clear that for both there was also a need to comment at a more strategic level. As a result, each paper has an overarching recommendation that frames the context for the others presented. Each paper is, by requirement, brief and represents a summary of the work rather than a full discussion and justification.

The first paper addresses the issue of: "Communicating with citizens in a crisis." The headline finding for this paper is: The future of emergency communications requires a new ecosystem that enhances capacity and capability by creating an environment that is accessible, equitable, and anticipates change as a constant state. This is then followed by the recommendations below:

• Bridge the communication gaps between professionals and citizens. For example, in relation to language (terminology), content, risk tolerance, stereotypes, desired outcomes or priorities, and assumptions
• Recognise that communication is a continuous activity that is reliant on creating the right conditions for it to be effective
• Design consistent messaging and communication that are inclusive and adaptable to specific needs
• Recognise communication as a learning opportunity and actively design in opportunities to exploit this throughout the cycle
• Communication strategies should recognise and positively support the opportunities that emergencies provide for citizens, communities, and formal agencies to enhance integration and resilience

The second paper addresses the topic: "The involvement of spontaneous volunteers in disaster management." A subject that is very topical and important in the ability to create whole-society approaches to disaster risk management.

This again includes an overarching finding that frames the specific recommendations. Research has identified that the attitude towards, and current strategy regarding, spontaneous volunteers (SV) are unlikely to be effective in realising the aim of integration. This is because it does not recognise that the SVs in their organisation and operation are different. A strategy of creating an interface that respects the respective uniqueness of each party but aligns their contributions may offer a better approach. Further to this finding, the specific recommendations below are also outlined in the paper.

      Adopt a strategy that enables and optimises the contribution of volunteers

      Review the appropriateness of the term 'volunteer' as a primary descriptor

      Formally recognise and manage Values, Ethics, and Trust (VET)

      Use technology to strategically enhance the volunteer experience and contributions

      Strengthen learning structures to advance the contribution of volunteers

While the production of the papers satisfies the project conditions, we are keen to go beyond this and ensure they will be useful to those with responsibility for the subject areas. As such, the papers are currently published as drafts and will be revised later this year. Given the subject matter, we anticipate they will be relevant to many audiences. However, following consultation, we have decided that we would like to primarily address them to regional and municipal authorities. With this in mind, we would like to ask for your assistance in any of the following ways:

Feedback on the papers: for example, are the recommendations reasonable and feasible? Is the language appropriate and clear?

Current practise: are you aware of any examples of current practise that in some way align with the recommendations? Please let us know if you have any you feel are appropriate and could be considered for potential inclusion with the paper.

In-depth interviews: in the remaining months, we would like to liaise with a few regional or municipal authorities to discuss the recommendations in more detail.

Both papers can be downloaded from project-engage.eu.

Feedback for the paper on Communication with Citizens can be submitted via the online form accompanying the paper. All other feedback or suggestions can be sent to ao@eena.org.

*Engage is an EU-funded project that started in July 2020 and whose mission is to provide novel knowledge and identify impactful solutions for exploiting Europe's societal resilience. Since our world is increasingly exposed to higher risks and hazards, individuals and civil society need to maintain the ability to respond swiftly to these threats. Engage addresses the whole of society and tries to bridge different ways of intervention across communities to enhance their capacity to respond to disasters jointly and thus improve their societal resilience. These solutions will aim to bridge the gap between formal and informal approaches to risk and emergency management, increasing the ability of communities to adapt before, during, and after disasters. Engage also aims to contribute to this goal through our policy work, which not only includes the drafting of recommendations but also the engagement of policymakers, public authorities, and citizens.

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which Member States of the United Nations adopted in 2015, is something that Engage hopes to directly contribute to through this work. The framework outlines seven global targets among four priority areas to be achieved by 2030 in order to: "Reduce disaster risks and losses of lives, livelihoods, and health and in the economic, physical, social, cultural, and environmental assets of persons, businesses, communities, and countries." The policy work of Engage mainly contributes to Priority 1: Understanding Disaster Risk and Priority 4: Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to ‘build back better’ in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.