Business Continuity and Crisis Management

Incident Command Systems

Incident command systems provide a standard structure for managing emergencies of any size. This course covers ICS principles: command and control, span of control, functional sections, incident action planning, unified command with external agencies, resource management, communications and transition between response phases.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Confusion over who is in charge slows emergency response. You will learn a proven structure for coordinated incident management.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

ICS structure exercises, incident action plan workshops, multi-agency simulations and case studies.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain incident command system principles
Establish command and functional sections
Apply span of control and organisation
Develop incident action plans
Work in unified command with external agencies
Manage resources and communications

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Emergency response coordinators
HSE managers
Security managers
Facility and operations managers
Public safety officials

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Command structure
Action planning
Resource management
Multi-agency coordination
Communication

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1ICS Principles

09:00–10:08History and purpose
10:08–11:00Core principles
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Core principles (continued)
11:45–12:53Roles
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Organisation

09:00–10:08Command staff
10:08–11:00Sections
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Sections (continued)
11:45–12:53Span of control
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Action Planning

09:00–10:08Planning cycle
10:08–11:00Objectives
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Objectives (continued)
11:45–12:53Incident action plans
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Unified Command

09:00–10:08External agencies
10:08–11:00Coordination
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Coordination (continued)
11:45–12:53Information sharing
12:53–14:00Simulation

Day 5Resources and Transition

09:00–10:08Resource tracking
10:08–11:00Communications
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Communications (continued)
11:45–12:53Demobilisation
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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