HPA Health Emergency Planning Programme

The HPA's Health Emergency Planning (HEP) Programme consists of three qualifications, the Award, Certificate and Diploma in Health Emergency Planning. These new qualifications have been mapped against the National Occupational Standards for Civil Protection and have been endorsed by Skills for Health. This qualification remains the only level 4 (Undergraduate) qualification specifically focussed on Health Emergency Planning.

The new syllabus completely replaces the old EPO course and DipHEP programme. The HEP Programme will now consist of three level 4 qualifications; they are the Award, Certificate and Diploma in Health Emergency Planning. This offers potential students the opportunity to complete the full Diploma or part thereof, dependent on their professional and personal requirements.

The HEP Programme will be delivered and administered by the Professional and Management Development Centre (PMDC), Loughborough University at a variety of sites across England. With an enviable history of well-established links with business, and a recipient of the first ever UK national training award, the PMDC is known for delivering challenging, career-enhancing programmes that deliver real added-value to businesses and professionals.

The Department of Health continues to sponsor and fund this qualification for individuals working in the NHS in England and employed in an emergency planning role. Individuals and/or their employers will be required to cover any travel and subsistence costs incurred. They will also be required to fund registration with the awarding body (RSPH).

Health Emergency Planning course brochure (PDF, 2.3 MB)

Below is an overview of the new syllabus.

Award in Health Emergency Planning (AwardHEP)

• Unit 1 – Collaborative working in Emergency Planning
• Unit 2 – Introduction to Integrated Emergency Management

Certificate in Health Emergency Planning (CertHEP)

• Unit 3 – Application of Integrated Emergency Management
• Unit 4 – Operational Preparedness for Major Incidents and Emergencies
• Unit 5 – Develop and Evaluate Emergency Plans
• Unit 6 – Command, Control and Multi-agency working

Diploma in Health Emergency Planning (DipHEP)

• Unit 7 – Business Continuity Management
• Unit 8 – Deliver and Evaluate Training in Emergency Planning
• Unit 9 – Plan, Conduct and Evaluate Exercises for Emergency Planning

AwardHEP syllabus:
Level 4 Award in Health Emergency Planning (PDF, 158 KB)

CertHEP syllabus:
Level 4 Certificate in Health Emergency Planning (PDF, 191 KB)

DipHEP syllabus:
Level 4 Diploma in Health Emergency Planning (PDF, 215 KB)

The programme will be delivered by Loughborough University, on behalf of the HPA, across England. 

Course dates and locations

Course dates will be available in earlier January 2012 for the 2012/13 cohort.

Venues have yet to be confirmed.

Programme costs

Costs available on application.

Please note that applications for the 2012/13 intake will open in September 2011.

To request an application form or if you require further information please email the team at DipHEP@hpa.org.uk

Last reviewed: 26 August 2011