Securing the vital functions of society

The vital functions of society are secured through strategic tasks. The tasks include managed measures for both preparedness and response. They are implemented through uniform principles.

Strategic tasks

The vital functions of society are secured by implementing strategic tasks based on legislation, confirmed by agreements and complemented by voluntary activities. Carrying out the tasks in all security situations requires both preparedness and response – in other words, measures to respond to threats. Preparedness reduces the realisation of threats and promotes society’s readiness to face crises. Response needs set requirements for preparedness. Countermeasures reduce the impacts of realised threats and support society in recovering from crises. Response capacity stems from preparedness. Preparedness is managed to achieve readiness, and the goal of response management is to achieve the desired impacts. The strategic tasks carried out to safeguard vital functions are described in section two of this strategy. Responsible ministries have been assigned to the tasks. The first assigned ministry is in charge of coordination related to the task and compiles reports with the support of other actors.

Preparedness

The goal of preparedness is to reduce the likelihood of threats realising, promote readiness to face threats and create the prerequisites for response. It builds and maintains the capability needed for implementing a response. Preparedness is based on the goals and objectives defined in connection with planning, the predefined operating methods and the identified resource requirements.Preparedness is based on the preparedness obligation laid down in the Emergency Powers Act, Rescue Act and other legislation, agreements and voluntary action. It is managed, supervised and coordinated by each ministry in their respective sectors.

Response

The goal of response is to minimise the impact of realised threats, promote the recovery of the vital functions of society and provide grounds for preparedness. Response applies the capability built and maintained through preparedness to achieve the desired impact. Response is based on the duties and normal powers of authorities and other organisations with statutory preparedness responsibilities. These may be expanded in separately identified emergency conditions which cannot be controlled through the regular powers. As a rule, response is carried out in accordance with the normal operating procedures and organisation in normal conditions, following the principle of the competent authority. Society’s other resources can also be allocated to support the competent authority. Attention is paid to securing the basic services of society when considering such allocation.

Leadership in preparedness and response

Safeguarding the vital functions of society requires leadership in preparedness and response. Leadership encompasses the establishment of situational awareness, planning, organisation, implementation, assessment and decision-making. It emphasises goal-oriented interaction. Establishing situational awareness provides a foundation for all leadership. Planning, organisation, implementation and assessment often require broad-based collaboration by specialists. Decision-making is based on powers, and the right to make decisions is often assigned to an individual based on their position. Effective leadership must be based on the same operating methods, principles and structures in all situations.

General principles

The general principles of safeguarding the vital functions of society are democracy, rule of law, a focus on the individual, collaboration, inclusion, competence and openness.