The Emergency Planning Team was formed to carry out essential internal and external support within The Network.
Its responsibilities include.
- Liaison with all User Services
- International Liaison
- Talk Through and Business Radio permits
- Support for emergencies
- Liaison with Central Government
- Liaison with Ofcom
- Writing/updating the RAYNET Manual
- Liaison with 11 Signal Brigade
If you have any queries or issues related to Emergency Planning, you may contact the team or send correspondence to:
RAYNET Emergency Planning Team
9 Conigre
CHINNOR
OX39 4JY
Liaison with all User Services
Members of the Team regularly attend conferences, seminars, and meet with our User Services and Government agencies.
International Liaison
The team has contacts with similar organisations worldwide and keeps abreast of communications issues in other countries.
Talk Through and Business Radio Permits
In conjunction with Greg Mossop, G0DUB, who issues talk-through and business radio permits on behalf of The Network, the Team advises the Committee of Management on matters that may need to be brought to Ofcom’s attention.
Support for emergencies
The EP Team has written a series of guidance documents to support RAYNET groups in discharging their duties. These include:
- Guidance Notes for Emergency Plans
- Voice Procedure document
- Risk Assessment documentation
- Health and Safety guidelines
- Incident Response Guidance for Groups
- Procedures for CW and Data message handling have been produced.
Liaison with Central Government
The remit for Resilience now lies with the Civil Contingencies Secretariat, part of the Cabinet Office, and the Resilience and Emergencies Division within the Department for Communities and Local Government. The EP Team has regular dialogue with specialists within the Cabinet Office, and, as a member of the National Voluntary Sector Civil Protection Working Party, the Network has the opportunity to contribute to the consultation process associated with UK Resilience.
Liaison with Ofcom
RAYNET provides input to Ofcom on emergency communications. A report covering special spectrum uses, such as Talkthrough, is produced annually.
Writing/updating the RAYNET Manual
The RAYNET Manual is reviewed regularly and is available to any Emergency Group, regardless of affiliation, to promote common standards of working.
Liaison with 11 Signal Brigade
The Team maintains a dialogue with 11 Signal Brigade to develop working practices and exercises to prove interoperability between the services.
