Does Your Institution Have a Crisis Team?

In the event of a major incident, it is crucial for a school or college to have a pre-existing structure to respond effectively. In the U.S., it is commonplace for schools to have a crisis team that meets, leads, and responds to crises as needed. This model, while not as widely seen in other countries, represents excellent practice. So, what can we learn from this approach?

What Is a Crisis?

A crisis is a significant incident that disrupts the normal operations of a school. This can include the death or severe trauma of a student or staff member due to an accident, community violence, suicide, homicide, illness, natural disaster, or terrorism.

Who Should Be on the Crisis Team?

The crisis team should be chaired by the Headteacher, Principal, Vice Chancellor, or a designated representative. Other members should include key leaders and staff with relevant expertise, such as those responsible for buildings and site security, student safety and wellbeing, and teaching and learning. It may also include representatives from the local education authority or school cluster to ensure a consistent approach across multiple institutions if necessary.

As a former senior leader at an international college in the UK, I observed that many institutions, including ours, formed crisis management teams out of necessity during the COVID-19 disruptions. This experience highlighted the importance of having a permanent crisis management team rather than forming one only during major incidents.

What Should the Crisis Response Look Like?

The response should be tailored to the nature of the crisis. For instance, if the crisis involves a death, the student/staff death policy should be enacted. There should also be procedures for addressing interruptions to teaching and learning, such as transitioning to online delivery during an illness outbreak or facility loss. Maintaining an up-to-date risk register, regularly reviewed by the crisis team, ensures preparedness for various incidents and clarifies the response plan for all stakeholders.

How Frequently Should the Crisis Team Meet?

The crisis team should meet regularly, regardless of whether an incident has occurred. Meetings could be held termly or annually, depending on the institution's needs. Regular meetings are important for reviewing and updating policies and procedures, as well as for learning from past responses to improve future ones.

Want to Know More About Crisis Management in Education?

If you want to learn more about crisis management in education, please email me at simon@sxwconsulting.com, and I’ll do my best to help.