The UK Public Survey of Risk Perception, Resilience and Preparedness (2025)

The UK Public Survey of Risk Perception, Resilience and Preparedness (2025) provides vital insight into how the public perceives risks and prepares for emergencies. Conducted with over 10,000 adults across the UK, the survey highlights both awareness and gaps in readiness at household and community levels.

Key connections to the Resilience Action Plan:

• Understanding public perception informs policy: The survey shows that most people expect emergencies to increase, and many feel only slightly or not at all prepared. The Resilience Action Plan uses this data to target support, guidance, and communications where they are most needed.
• Empowering communities: With 71% of respondents willing to volunteer to help their neighbourhoods, the plan can build on this willingness to strengthen local resilience networks and community action.
• Tailored public guidance: The survey reveals that while most people agree there are effective actions to prepare for emergencies, few feel fully prepared themselves. The Resilience Action Plan can provide practical tools, advice, and resources to close this gap.
• Monitoring and measuring progress: Survey findings give a baseline to track improvements in household and community preparedness over time, aligning with the plan’s goal of continuously assessing UK resilience.

Why it’s important:

The survey demonstrates that public resilience is not just about government readiness, it relies on individuals and communities taking action too. By combining these insights with the Resilience Action Plan, the UK can create a coordinated approach that improves preparedness, reduces vulnerability, and ensures a faster, more effective response when emergencies occur.

The Next Steps

Read our follow up article “Preparing for Tomorrow: The Government’s Resilience Action Plan Explained” here.