Australian Disaster Recovery People Capability Framework
Developed through consultation and co-design with jurisdictions, the Social Recovery Reference Group (SRRG), and the Jeder Institute, the Framework supports a more coordinated and capable disaster recovery workforce across Australia. Nationally endorsed, it provides a consistent foundation for workforce development while allowing jurisdictions and organisations flexibility in implementation.
As disasters become more frequent, prolonged and complex, the need for skilled recovery personnel has grown. In response, the Framework outlines seven common recovery role profiles:
- recovery coordination,
- planning and strategy,
- communications,
- community engagement,
- community development,
- operations, and logistics.
Each profile identifies the core skills, knowledge and attributes required to support effective recovery activities.
The Framework provides practical guidance for workforce planning, recruitment, training and professional development, while establishing a shared language for requesting and deploying recovery personnel across regions and jurisdictions. It also complements existing recovery arrangements and supports broader national initiatives aimed at strengthening recovery capability and resource sharing.
Early adoption is underway, with the Framework being incorporated into existing capability development and training programs in some areas.