What is IES? What in the world does it do?
Emergencies and disasters come in many shapes and sizes. Some, like the global COVID-19 pandemic, the earthquakes in Haiti in 2010, Japan in 2011, Nepal in 2015 or Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines in 2013, take centre stage in world media attention. Other emergencies touch the lives of thousands yet appear to go unnoticed.
However, one thread runs through many of these events – the response of Salvation Army Emergency Services.
The Salvation Army International Emergency Services (IES), based at International Headquarters in London, works with territories and trained team members around the world to provide support and assistance to territories, regions and other countries affected by disaster and conflict. In collaboration with others, IES achieves this by raising awareness of its vision and providing support, coordination and facilitation of programs, training and resources.
Australian officers and personnel are also part of the wider IES team. Some, including Daryl Crowden, General Manager, Salvation Army Emergency Services | Community Engagement; and Major Brad Watson, Head of Community Engagement | Mission, have served in multiple disasters around the world for many years and play key roles in training, development and planning. Major Drew Ruthven, now retired, led the IES team from London, and has been deployed around the world in a range of capacities. He recently led an IES delegation in Romania, responding to the influx of refugees following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Major Darren Elsley, Remote and Rural Chaplain, Far West NSW, has also been deployed a number of times, including to Vanuatu and Romania.
Territorial Envoy Margaret Coombridge, Recovery Coordinator, SAES - VIC/TAS; Major Nigel Chong, Assistant Coordinator SAES TAS; Kim Lee Operations Manager SAES; Major Gavin Watts, Officer Recruitment Secretary, Australia; and Simone Worthing, Salvos Magazine editor, have also completed IES training.
IES Vision
IES will ensure that people affected by disasters and conflict around the world have the right to a self-determined life with dignity. We empower individuals and communities to experience life in all its fullness through meeting immediate needs and building resilience in relationship with others and without discrimination.
IES theology
In response to the calling of God, the International Emergency Services of The Salvation Army is committed to playing its part in fulfilling God’s purpose for his world by responding according to the pattern described by:
Jesus, when he commended those who give aid to others:“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40 – NIV).
The Early Church, when they provided help for those affected by a Judean famine:“The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea” (Acts 11:29 – NIV).
The Salvation Army Mission:“Save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity.”
IES philosophy The work of IES is built on a rights-based and people-centred approach which leads to a disaster response according to needs of the affected community. We work to a set of internationally recognised standards based on the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and the humanitarian imperative, recognising the rights of all people affected by disaster or conflict.
These common principles and rights are perhaps best reflected in the following summary:
The right to life with dignity
The right to receive humanitarian assistance
The right to protection and security
IES encourages a strong link between relief, recovery and long-term development with a focus on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
To view photos of more IES work around the world, click on the arrow below.
