Field team members and organizational leadership can oftentimes have different, yet equally valid perspectives on a situation based on the information available to them and their unique perspective. We recognize that each level of authority should have the choice to order an evacuation. Field members should never be forced to stay in a situation if they want to evacuate. Field leadership must have the authority to order an evacuation based on their experience in a location and the best interests of the staff and operations. Reliant leadership must be allowed to order an evacuation to protect the team that is close to the event or the organization as a whole from risk.
If an evacuation is necessary, follow the Contingency Planning: Evacuation and Orderly Relocation protocols.
Evacuation Authority
At any point, any individual team member or family may choose to evacuate from any location. (Review the recommended individual stay-go assessment to help determine next steps.)
All team members agree to respect the field leadership’s authority to order an evacuation for their location. Field leaders will follow the safety and well-being priorities for removal from a crisis situation as outlined on the International Risk Priorities.
Finally, all field staff including field leadership agree to recognize Reliant’s ultimate authority to order an evacuation from a location. Reliant recognizes all three levels of authority to order an evacuation and mandates that all three parties be in agreement for individual staff members to remain in country. (See Shared Crisis Authority and Responsibility in Reliant Partnerships.) No party can stay in country or order another team member to stay in country while another party is mandating an evacuation of that personnel. Field team members and Reliant leadership agree to respect, honor, and support any decision from any level to evacuate a location. Failure to respect evacuation authority will result in immediate termination of employment.
Special Considerations
An evacuation is not easy for the evacuees or for those staying behind. It is a very emotional event, giving rise to feelings of guilt, hurt, frustration, and powerlessness. The departure of team members can have a variety of meanings to the local population, including the removal of a symbolic or real safety barrier. Thus, an evacuation is not a neutral act and may even aggravate a crisis. When a team evacuates it should consider providing a statement for the media and others explaining Reliant’s reasoning and any continuation or possible resumption of operations.
If an evacuation occurs, there will be a new International Risk Assessment performed before a Return or Resumption of Operations After An Evacuation.
