This framework explores the role and resilience of individuals and communities before, during and after an emergency. Local emergency responders will always have to prioritise those in greatest need during an emergency, focusing their efforts where life is in danger. There will be times when individuals and communities are affected by an emergency but are not in immediate danger and will have to look after themselves and each other for a period until any necessary external assistance can be provided. Communities will also need to work together, and with service providers, to determine how they recover from an emergency. This framework, therefore, invites individuals and communities to prepare themselves in the event of an emergency and provides examples of how to do so. The framework is intended to provide the national statement for how individual and community resilience can work. It should be relevant to all hazards and threats, and all communities. The framework covers the drivers for this work, consultation work to date, proposed policy statement, scope, aims and timescales. It sets out the benefits of engaging in community resilience and outlines the Government contribution to this work. This programme is part of the Government’s “Big Society‟ commitment to reduce the barriers which prevent people from being able to help themselves and to become more resilient to shocks. The framework is intended to engage interest and facilitate discussion between central government departments and agencies, devolved administrations, emergency services, local authorities, relevant voluntary sector bodies, private sector bodies, elected members and community and faith groups. All of these bodies can have a part to play in supporting the building of community resilience. The establishment of this programme demonstrates the Government’s commitment to enhancing our national security, including by seeking to build and develop the existing structures and capabilities with a contribution from interested members of the public to strengthen resilience at a local level. This commitment was set out in the National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review, published in 2010.