In the presence of broad representation from across the resilience community, the UK Resilience Academy (UKRA) was officially launched on 28^th April by Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden, and Minister Abena Oppong-Asare.

During the event held of the Hawkhills campus, Pat McFadden spoke of the importance of the UKRA as a national asset and its important role in contributing to a more resilient society.

Following the official opening, guests were invited to listen to a selection of insightful panel discussions from organisations and individuals with a direct stake in resilience, including a poignant speech from Thelma Stober, a survivor of the 7th July London bombings and trustee of the National Emergencies Trust, who shared a personal account of how lived experience must shape the way we prepare for and respond to future emergencies. A collaboration zone provided a rich opportunity for resilience professionals to learn from each other, exploring some of the strategic work taking place. Guests were also introduced to the new UKRA Affiliates network, as a developing community of practice linking those with a direct stake in the provision of resilience training and education.

The Academy was previously known as the Emergency Planning College (EPC) for over 15 years, but this change is much more than a simple rebrand. The move to the UK Resilience Academy represents the strategic shift needed to build societal resilience and a community of trained professionals to meet the challenges of a more unpredictable world. It also marks the beginning of a move to professionalise the sector, with the introduction of professional pathways, career journeys and revised National Occupation Standards.

The risk landscape of the UK is constantly evolving, with more diverse risks than ever before. Resilience is not just an outcome or goal, it is also a mindset, and emergency planning is just one of the actions that contributes towards achieving it. All emergencies that the UK may face have local impacts and we all have a part to play in improving societal resilience.

The UKRA will be core to making resilience a ‘whole of society’ endeavour. Providing learning and leadership including to those working in central government departments, devolved governments, local authorities, Local Resilience Forums and partnerships, the voluntary and community sector, and the private sector, while engaging more with academia as well.

Better decisions bring better outcomes for our communities. To help achieve this, the UKRA provides training, guidance and information across five areas of interest: Learn, Validate, Develop, Collaborate, Share.

No learning journey is the same and everybody’s needs are different. Therefore, these areas or ‘streams’ have been designed to be interlinked, with overlaps and reference to each other.