Crisis Response and Spontaneous Volunteering

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Model

V1 of the Crisis Response and Spontaneous Volunteering Taxonomy

Note: The model image was generated using the WebVOWL ontology visualisation tool.

Skills

Personal & interpersonal

• Empathy and compassion
• Calmness under pressure
• Patience and understanding
• Reliability and trustworthiness
• Respect for professional boundaries
• Cultural sensitivity
• Trauma-informed awareness
• Conflict de-escalation

Communication

• Clear spoken communication
• Active listening
• Ability to relay accurate information
• Supporting people via phone/online
• Use of radios / walkie-talkies
• Confidence engaging with the public or groups

Teamwork & leadership

• Ability to work cooperatively
• Ability to work independently
• Leading small groups or tasks
• Managing conflict within teams
• Supporting or mentoring new volunteers

Safety & emergency awareness

• Understanding emergency briefings and instructions
• Basic safeguarding knowledge
• Risk awareness (water, fire, structure, debris)
• Safe manual handling
• Incident reporting
• Basic first aid knowledge
• Fire safety awareness
• Water safety awareness

Practical & operational

• Logistics (sorting, packing, distributing supplies)
• Shelter support (setting up spaces, helping evacuees)
• Basic record keeping
• Use of basic equipment (sandbags, barriers, tools)
• Navigation and orientation
• Driving (car, van, off-road vehicles)
• Crowd/queue management
• Pilot License
• HGV/Category D

Digital & technology

• Basic IT skills
• Confident smartphone use (maps, messaging, camera)
• Familiarity with remote communication tools
• Simple data entry and reporting
• Responsible handling of social media

Requirements

Community & environment knowledge

• Knowledge of local roads, facilities, and resources
• Understanding diverse needs within the community
• Awareness of local support services

Physical & practical readiness

• Physical stamina for standing, walking, carrying
• Ability to work outdoors in varied conditions
• Personal preparedness (water, snacks, medication)

Assets & equipment

• Useful items or capabilities that strengthen crisis response.
• Personal Equipment
• Sturdy footwear (e.g., boots)
• Waterproofs and warm layers
• Gloves (work gloves, waterproof gloves)
• High-visibility vest
• Headtorch or flashlight
• Phone + power bank
• Small personal first aid kit
• Water bottle
• Transport & Mobility Assets
• 4x4 vehicle (personal or organisational)
• SUV or off-road capable vehicle
• Vehicle with tow capability
• Access to a van or people-carrier
• Ability to transport equipment or supplies
• Access to bicycles or cargo bikes (urban crises)
• Boat
• Hovercraft
• Specialist or Useful Assets
• Walkie-talkies or radios
• Portable generator or power station
• Water pump (for localised flooding help)
• Tools (shovel, rake, chainsaw, basic toolkit)
• Portable shelter/gazebo
• Thermal blankets
• PPE such as masks, goggles, or waterproof gloves
• Maps / waterproof map cases
• Life jacket (for trained flood volunteers)
• Venue
• Kitchen