| 21 May 2025
The National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Resilience and Emergencies were recently launched in response to the emerging risks and challenges facing the UK today, such as geopolitical instability, technological disruptions and health crises. The NOS ensure organisations have the capabilities needed to respond effectively to adverse events by outlining the skills, knowledge and understanding required to mitigate, prepare for and respond to risks and emergencies.
By aligning workforce development with these standards, organisations can improve their emergency preparedness efforts, reduce risks and ensure responsive recovery times. But how can organisations practically implement the NOS to strengthen their resilience?
1. Map job roles to relevant NOS
Why it matters: The NOS provide a clear national resource for defining competences. Mapping the NOS to job roles ensures clarity in expectations and responsibilities.
Tip: Review existing job descriptions and modify them to include NOS competences. This ensures that the roles cover the skills, knowledge and understanding required by employees in resilience planning and emergency response. The guide to NOS for Resilience and Emergencies outlines the mapping for functions and role types.
2. Align performance management with NOS
Why it matters: Performance management should reflect the competences required for resilience and emergency situations, ensuring ongoing employee development in this critical area.
Tip: Incorporate NOS-based metrics into your performance appraisals. Regularly assess employees against these competences and provide feedback and development opportunities on areas for improvement.
3. Use NOS to support career development
Why it matters: The NOS not only define the competences needed for effective emergency response but also offer a structured way for employees to assess their career development.
Tip: Employees can use the NOS to assess their current levels of competence, giving them a clear view of where they stand and helping them gauge both vertical and lateral career progression. By aligning their personal development with the competences outlined in the NOS, employees can set clear career goals, track their growth and identify areas for improvement.
4. Integrate NOS into training programmes
Why it matters: Training and development is essential to ensuring that your workforce is equipped with the right skills to handle risks and emergencies. Programmes should be aligned with the skills, knowledge and understanding that employers have identified as necessary for roles in resilience and emergencies.
Tip: Design or update your training programmes to align with the NOS for Resilience and Emergencies. Tailor sessions to address the specific competences outlined in the standards, ensuring employees are well-prepared for different types of adverse events.
5. Use available resources and toolkits
Why it matters: There are a range of resources available to support the integration of NOS into your organisation’s practices. These can provide additional support and guidance to streamline the process.
Tip: Take advantage of the NOS toolkits available for HR and line managers and learning and development professionals. These resources will guide you in aligning your processes with the standards and offer step-by-step approaches.
Implementing the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Resilience and Emergencies offers organisations a clear and structured approach to building workforce resilience. By following the tips outlined, you can align your team’s competences with national industry standards, enhance emergency preparedness and promote a culture of continuous development.