Skill Taxonomy

Terms

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

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

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

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

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

Teamwork & leadership

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