Incident management system training with the Forestry Commission
Published 20 October 2026
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2026
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vegetation-fire-wildfire-and-incident-management-training/incident-management-system-training-with-the-forestry-commission
We run 3 Lantra-accredited workshops in incident management systems:
- site incident management team – for junior managers
- local incident management team – for middle managers
- national incident management team – for strategic managers
You can follow these up with role specific incident management training via eLearning.
You can also learn about other Forestry Commission courses, such as wildfire management training.
Site incident management team workshop
Who it’s for
Operational staff working in the forestry and land management sector, such as visitor centres, parks, nature reserves or single farms. These can include:
- forest works managers and foresters
- head rangers
- wardens
- inspectors
- site managers
- event managers for festivals or concerts
What you can get
The course is specifically tailored to meet learners’ needs. Practical training and workshops will provide the knowledge and skills to:
- build incident management abilities
- gain familiarisation with the roles and processes using relevant incident scenarios
- work effectively as part of an incident management team
- apply the Forestry Commission incident management system (IMS)
- establish and implement the appropriate level of management team for the incident, planning for predicted escalation and including all relevant functions in the management team structure
- work effectively in co-operation with partner organisations at a multi-agency level in accordance with the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles
The course includes a formal assessment and a certificate of completion for successful delegates.
Course locations, fees and how to apply
Location: nearest Forestry Commission hub or your venue.
Course fees: linked to location ranging between £560 to £775.
Email us for more information and how to apply: fc.training@forestrycommission.gov.uk.
Attendee feedback
“Roleplay was great and the constant feedback was very helpful for development.”
Further study options
The workshops can be followed up with role-specific eLearning.
Local incident management team workshop
Who it’s for
Tactical managers responsible for incidents or events and who are responsible in forest districts, for example natural reserves, farm estates and large visitor centres.
This can be for a wide range hazard types and events, such as:
- plant health
- animal health
- wildfires
- missing persons
- pollution
- storms and high wind damage (including windblow)
- festivals and concerts
What you can get
The course is specifically tailored to meet learners’ needs. Practical training and workshops will provide the knowledge and skills to:
- build incident management abilities
- gain familiarisation with the roles and processes using relevant incident scenarios
- work effectively as part of an incident management team
- apply the Forestry Commission incident management system
- establish and communicate the objectives for dealing with the incident in accordance with organisational requirements
- create an incident action plan
- work effectively in co-operation with partner organisations at a multi-agency level in accordance with the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles
- plan for the recovery phase of the incident or emergency
The course includes a formal assessment and a certificate of completion for successful delegates.
Course locations, fees and how to apply
Location: nearest Forestry Commission hub or your venue.
Course fees: linked to location ranging between £560 to £775.
Email us for more information and how to apply: fc.training@forestrycommission.gov.uk.
Attendee feedback
“Trainers made a daunting subject engaging and easy to digest”.
Further study options
The workshops can be followed up with role-specific eLearning.
National incident management team workshop
Who it’s for
For national managers responsible for incidents or events and responsible for organisations such as public bodies, environmental non-government organisations, associations and institutes.
This can be for a wide range hazard types and events, such as:
- plant health
- animal health
- wildfires
- missing persons
- pollution
- storms and high wind damage (including windblow)
- festivals and concerts
What you can get
The course is specifically tailored to meet learners’ needs. Practical training and workshops will provide the knowledge and skills to:
- build incident management abilities
- gain familiarisation with the roles and processes using relevant incident scenarios
- work effectively as part of an incident management team
- apply the Forestry Commission incident management system
- establish and implement the appropriate level of management team for the incident, planning for predicted escalation and including all relevant functions in the management team structure
- work effectively in co-operation with partner organisations at a multi-agency level in accordance with the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles
The course includes a formal assessment and a certificate of completion for successful delegates.
Course locations, fees and how to apply
Location: nearest Forestry Commission hub or your venue.
Course fees: linked to location ranging between £560 to £775.
Email us for more information and how to apply: fc.training@forestrycommission.gov.uk.
Attendee feedback
“Good mix of trainers from different backgrounds, but with lots of relevant experience.”
Further study options
The workshops can be followed up with role-specific eLearning.
Incident management system eLearning
Who it’s for
You must have completed an incident management team training workshop before applying for these eLearning courses.
What you can get
The training will provide a greater knowledge of your specific role in an incident management system, with reference to the Forestry Commission incident management system, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Generic Plant Health Contingency Plan and other approaches.
You will gain the knowledge to work effectively as part of a site, local or national incident management team for incidents or events.
Course list
Incident management team
IMS – Subject Matter Advisor Role
IMS – Safety Officer Role
IMS – Planning Section Role
IMS – Planning Officer Role
IMS – Operator Role
IMS – Operations Commander Role
IMS – Observer Role
IMS – Logistics Officer Role
IMS – Liaison Officer Role
IMS – Investigation Officer Role
IMS – Intelligence Officer Role
IMS – Incident Controller and Deputy Role
IMS – Finance Officer Role
IMS – Communications Officer Role
Supporting operations
IMS – Team, Section and Group Leader Role
IMS – Division and Sector Commander Role
Duty Officer system
IMS – Duty Officer Role
IMS – Response and/or Recovery Officer Role
Contact us
Email us for more information about all courses, and how to apply: fc.training@forestrycommission.gov.uk.