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← Lowland Search Dogs (Sussex)

2025-03-31-accounts

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT SEARCH DOGS SUSSEX

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT

For the period 1[st] April 2024 to 31[st] March 2025

Charity Name: Lowland Search (Dogs Sussex)

Charity Registration Number: 1110700

Charity Address: Lowland Rescue Search Dogs (Sussex), The Dog Barn, Park Farm, Hook Lane, Aldingbourne, Chichester PO20 3TL

SDS Trustees Report 2025

31 January 2026

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Trustees serving during the year:

  1. Steve Ball – Chair

  2. Darren Yeates – Vice Chair

  3. Richard Betts – Treasurer

Structure, Governance and Management:

Type of Governing Document: Constitution

Date of adoption/last amendment: May 2022

Legal Structure: Charity

How trustees are appointed or elected:

Trustees are elected at the AGM by members and are appointed by the Management Committee.

Key Management Personnel:

The Management Committee consists of Volunteers elected by the members at AGM.

Advisers and Professional Support:

Bankers: HSBC

Independent Examiner/Auditor:

Emma Mercer FMAAT, AAT (Fellow), AATQB ESM259 Ltd T/A Safe Hands Bookkeeping 79 Firle Road Peacehaven BN10 7QH

Insurance: AXA Insurance

SDS Trustees Report 2025

31 January 2026

Relationship with other organisations:

Search Dogs Sussex is a member of the wider Lowland Rescue who itself is a member of UKSAR.

Objectives and Activities

Charitable Objectives

Search Dogs Sussex is dedicated to protecting and preserving good health and life. This is achieved primarily through the deployment of volunteer search and rescue dogs, as well as the utilisation of other technological methods, to assist organisations engaged in the search and rescue of missing persons. In addition, the charity aims to advance public education on all matters concerning general dog welfare.

Main Activities Undertaken

The primary activity of Search Dogs Sussex is supporting Sussex Police in the search, care, and safe return of individuals who have been reported missing and are identified as vulnerable or at risk. The organisation provides nationally qualified, emergency, oncall search dog teams throughout Sussex and across the United Kingdom, assisting emergency services in finding vulnerable missing people. The team operates on a continuous basis, remaining available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Public Benefit Statement

The trustees confirm that they have consulted the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and planning its activities. Through providing trained search dogs and handlers to help emergency services locate missing persons, Search Dogs Sussex serves the public interest by saving lives and offering support to families in distress.

Who Benefits from Our Work

The beneficiaries of Search Dogs Sussex include missing persons and their families, police forces, and Lowland Rescue search teams.

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31 January 2026

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Overview of the year:

Dogs;

4 dogs retired from operational duties within the team; Spice, Rowan, Millie and Cain

Lucy and Ollie passed their Level three as a Level 3 dog team. It cannot go unmentioned that Lucy has the distinction of being our first female level 3 handler.

Trainee search dog Sam retired from training. Dan made the difficult decision to retire Sam on welfare grounds.

Ali and her dog Eric have been tirelessly working towards the LR Ground Scenting assessment even travelling abroad to access the best training possible. This is a very technically demanding discipline.

People;

Carol, Jane, Jo, Lucy and Barney completed their TL training and Fergus will catch up and match their progress shortly, following his taking some time out from TL training. Barney progressed through and took the assessment to become qualified as a TL. The assessment paperwork, like the dog assessments, went to LR to be validated, which was done without any issues being fed back.

Steve Bavin, Darren and Steve Ball also completed the training and became qualified as LR Team Leader National assessors.

Ali was appointed to the LR Search Technician faculty and serves as a land search SME.

Steve Bavin serves on the LR Land Search and Rescue committee as an SME, and is active as the IQA (Internal Quality Assurance) an important role ensuring National assessments are fair and equitable.

Darren and Steve Ball continue as National Search dog assessors and have been instrumental in training and qualifying the latest intake of trainee assessors.

I would like to thank my committee for working tirelessly on our behalf to make sure the team is run in compliance with charity commission law (Richard and Nicola) and LR conformance whilst also maintaining our own high standing and reputation within LR teams and with Sussex Police.

Sharon and Jo have been very busy mentoring our young dogs and new handlers, and this has grown to now include mentoring inexperienced neighbouring teams LonSAR

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31 January 2026

and SurSAR. It is a great compliment to our team that other teams look to us to mentor them.

Lucy secured some training with her HART team which was well received and is always good to arrange multi agency training.

A fair few of the team went down to Wiltshire to take part in a big multi agency joint exercise which was a big success.

Drone;

Barney has worked with the committee and tirelessly with Sussex Police to make available a valuable drone asset to complement our existing search assets and to provide additional support as we start looking into how we build in some deployment protocols to work with our new Sussex resilience partners. Barney has been laser focussed on this resource within our team and also sits on the National Air assets committee for LR.

Kings’ coronation medal;

Eligible members received the Kings Coronation Medal from Sussex Police Chief Jo Shiner, and following the presentation at Police HQ, we had a very interesting tour of the Police control room and were allowed to listen into real 999 calls and deployments.

SDS Trustees Report 2025

31 January 2026

Key activities and achievements during the year:

Operational Callouts:

Training and Development

Ongoing training and development for both our human volunteers and search dogs remains a central focus, ensuring the team maintains operational readiness at all times. Over the course of the year, a diverse range of training sessions, practical exercises, and formal assessments were conducted, designed to enhance the skills and preparedness required for search operations.

In total, our human team members completed 3,610 hours of dedicated training, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining high standards and proficiency. Meanwhile, our search dogs undertook 2,235 hours of training, reinforcing their capabilities and reliability in the field.

Assessment has played a key role in our development this year. Notably, 1 new level 3 dog successfully passed the required assessments, alongside 2 new level 2 dogs, further strengthening our operational capacity. As a result, there are now 6 operational dogs within the team, each qualified and ready to deploy as part of our search efforts.

Partnership Working

Collaboration has been essential to our operations throughout the year, strengthening both our capacity and effectiveness in search and rescue efforts. We have worked closely with Lowland Rescue teams, including Sussex Search and Rescue (SuSSAR), Surrey Search and Rescue (SurSAR), Hampshire Search and Rescue (HamSAR), Hampshire Search Dogs, and London Search and Rescue (LonSAR). These partnerships have enabled us to share resources, expertise, and best practices, ensuring a coordinated approach during callouts and deployments.

Our ongoing collaboration with Sussex Police has further enhanced our ability to respond efficiently to incidents, facilitating joint operations and information sharing that benefit the wider community. In addition, engagement with UKSAR through Sussex Civil Resilience has ensured alignment with national standards and initiatives, supporting our commitment to robust and professional search and rescue activities.

SDS Trustees Report 2025

31 January 2026

Awareness and Community Engagement

Raising public awareness and fostering strong community engagement remain integral aspects of our team’s mission, supporting not only our operational role but also our fundraising efforts.

Throughout the year, we delivered a total of nine public demonstrations. These events provided valuable opportunities for members of the community to observe our search techniques and the capabilities of our search dogs and volunteers in action. Public demonstrations play a vital role in educating the public about our work and strengthening trust in our services.

In addition to demonstrations, the team gave seventeen talks and presentations to various groups and organisations. These sessions allowed us to share insights into our search and rescue operations, highlight the importance of community support, and promote safety awareness across East and West Sussex.

Our fundraising activities were diverse, comprising both team and individual initiatives. Notable events included Christmas Tree recycling, participation in the Beach Head Marathon, supermarket collections, and providing car parking support at local firework displays. These efforts were essential in generating the funds required to sustain our operations and purchase vital equipment.

We maintained regular engagement with our community through updates on our social media channels. By sharing news, team highlights and educational content online, we were able to connect with a wider audience, encourage public support, and enhance our profile within the region.

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31 January 2026

Equipment and Resources

New Equipment Purchased

The primary investment in equipment this year was directed towards supporting new members who became operational. This included the acquisition of new radios and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure all team members are fully equipped for deployment.

Replacement radios were also procured, along with spare batteries and car chargers, to maintain effective communication capabilities during extended operations.

Other Capital Improvements

No other capital improvements were made during this period.

Volunteer Contribution:

Impact of Volunteer Work

The charity is comprised entirely of volunteers, encompassing both operational and nonoperational members. Our dedicated volunteers play a crucial role in every aspect of the organisation, from actively participating in operations to providing essential support behind the scenes.

In addition to those on the frontline, our supporters contribute significantly by assisting with training sessions, fundraising efforts, and various events. Their unwavering commitment ensures the smooth functioning and continued success of the charity.

It is important to emphasise that, without the tireless efforts and dedication of our volunteers, the charity would not be able to operate. Their collective contributions form the backbone of our organisation, making our ongoing work possible.

SDS Trustees Report 2025

31 January 2026

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Summary of main financial activities:

Total Income: £25,915.30 Main sources of income: - Donations & Fundraising: £10,668.81 - Grants: £15,000.00

Total Expenditure: £17,898.12 Main areas of expenditure: - Training costs: £1,086.74

Net income/(expenditure) for the year: £7,529.37

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31 January 2026

SDS Trustees Report 2025 - 10 - 31 January 2026

Reserves Policy

The charity maintains a strong position regarding its capital reserves. These reserves serve as a financial buffer, enabling the organisation to draw upon them in instances where fundraising income does not meet expectations. The primary objective of the reserves policy is to guarantee that sufficient funds are held to support the charity’s operations for a period of three years, even with minimal fundraising activity during that time.

This approach ensures that, should there be a substantial decline in membership, the charity would still have the necessary resources to continue its core activities and restore any critical skills required by the team. In addition to the general reserves, a designated sum of £15,000 is specifically set aside to cover the replacement or acquisition of new personal protective equipment (PPE) and other essential equipment, should the need arise and fundraising prove insufficient.

As of the current reporting period, the charity’s reserves stand at £32,289.00, demonstrating a prudent and sustainable approach to financial management.

Investment Policy:

The charity does not hold investments.

Going Concern

The Trustees are confident that the charity is able to continue operating as a viable going concern. In the face of ongoing economic challenges, the charity has maintained contingency funding within its reserves, allowing it to meet all financial commitments for the next three years. This prudent approach to financial management ensures stability and sustainability.

Fundraising efforts are distributed across a range of diverse revenue streams, which reinforces the organisation’s resilience by reducing reliance on any single source of income. This strategic diversity in fundraising supports the charity’s ongoing financial health.

In addition, the charity has implemented effective asset management and tracking procedures for personal protective equipment (PPE). By ensuring that all assets are utilised throughout their full lifespan, the charity maximises its return on investment and supports operational efficiency.

In summary, the combination of robust capital reserves, diversified fundraising activities, and sound asset management practices demonstrates that the charity is both viable and stable.

SDS Trustees Report 2025

31 January 2026

Principal Funding Sources

The charity’s principal sources of funding comprise a range of activities and contributions designed to support its ongoing operations and specific projects. Fundraising events play a central role, providing valuable income through organised gatherings and initiatives. In addition to these events, individual fundraising efforts are crucial, with supporters raising money on behalf of the charity through various personal campaigns.

Employee and employer contributions also make a significant impact, with donations made by staff members and matched or supplemented by their employers. Alongside these, the charity receives direct donations from members of the public, which further strengthen its financial position.

Furthermore, grants awarded for particular projects are an important component of the charity’s funding. These grants enable the organisation to undertake targeted initiatives and to acquire resources essential for its mission.

By drawing upon these diverse funding streams, the charity is able to maintain its activities and pursue its objectives effectively.

SDS Trustees Report 2025

31 January 2026

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

Future Objectives:

Operational Readiness and Training Focus

The primary objective for the Team is to maintain a high level of operational readiness, ensuring alignment with the expectations set forth by Sussex Police. This focus remains central to all planning and development activities within the organisation.

Team Size and Training Standards

In light of changes in deployment patterns anticipated over the coming years, the emphasis will shift away from expanding the Team. Instead, priority will be given to sustaining the current standards of Lowland Rescue training, which are subject to ongoing updates and modifications. This approach ensures that the Team remains wellprepared and compliant with the latest operational requirements.

Training, Service Expansion, and Skill Development

To achieve the primary objective, significant attention will be directed towards training. The organisation will continue to expand its services by developing drone capabilities, which will enhance operational effectiveness. Additionally, efforts will be made to explore and advance other dog skills relevant to Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, further strengthening the Team’s capabilities in this field.

Operational Development

In order to support the ongoing effectiveness of the Team, the operational development strategy will focus on several key areas. The organisation will continue to introduce new dogs to the Team, while simultaneously ensuring that all current dogs are supported through their requalification processes. This dual approach guarantees that both new and existing canine members maintain the high standards required for operational deployment.

Emphasis will be placed on developing and maintaining the right operational skills within the Team, with a particular focus on Team Leader (TL) skills. Targeted training and support will be provided to encourage the growth of new Team Leaders, ensuring there is a robust succession plan and that the Team benefits from strong leadership at all times.

The organisation is also committed to advancing its drone capabilities, recognising the significant contribution unmanned aerial assets can make to search and rescue operations. Ongoing development in this area will enhance the Team’s operational efficiency and response capacity.

SDS Trustees Report 2025

31 January 2026

Collaboration with other emergency services, such as the Fire Service, will continue to be an important aspect of operational development. By working closely with partner agencies, the Team will be better positioned to provide comprehensive support to multiagency responses and contribute to broader civil resilience efforts within Sussex.

Equipment and Resources

Maintaining the health and safety of our dogs remains a top priority. To support this, the Team will ensure that all dogs are provided with appropriate equipment and clothing designed to protect them during operational activities and training exercises. Regular assessments will be conducted to identify any needs or areas for improvement in the equipment provided.

As part of a proactive approach to safeguarding both members and dogs, there will be a gradual replacement programme for old or worn-out personal protective equipment (PPE). This measure is essential to guarantee that all team members are equipped with reliable and up-to-date safety gear, thereby supporting operational readiness and compliance with current standards.

Recognising the importance of public engagement and outreach, some of the Team’s event promotional materials and gazebos will be replaced as necessary. Refreshing these resources will help to maintain a professional presence at events and support ongoing fundraising and awareness initiatives.

In response to evolving operational requirements, the Team is prepared to invest in the acquisition of its own drone, subject to demonstrated operational demand. This investment will further enhance the Team’s search and rescue capabilities, ensuring that technological resources are aligned with the organisation’s strategic objectives.

Fundraising Strategy

The Team will continue to pursue a range of diverse fundraising revenue streams in order to support its operational and strategic objectives. This approach ensures a stable financial foundation and enables the organisation to respond effectively to emerging needs.

Participation in major events remains a key aspect of the fundraising strategy. By attending significant events, the Team aims to increase public engagement, foster community support, and raise essential funds for ongoing activities.

In addition, the Team will submit grant applications to secure funding for the replacement of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the potential acquisition of a drone, should operational requirements justify these investments. This targeted approach to grant funding helps ensure that the Team remains equipped with reliable resources and is able to maintain high standards of operational readiness.

SDS Trustees Report 2025

31 January 2026

Challenges and Risks

At present, the Team does not face any major challenges or significant risks. The Management Committee maintains a proactive approach by regularly reviewing and addressing any challenges, issues, or risks that may arise. This continual oversight ensures that potential concerns are managed promptly and effectively.

To support this process, a comprehensive Team Risk Register is maintained. This register serves as a structured tool for tracking and managing risks, enabling the Team to uphold high standards of operational safety and resilience.

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31 January 2026

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (Additional Details)

Risk Management:

The Management Committee maintains a set of RAMS for operational risks, and meets regularly (generally month), reviewing operational risks as part of its committee meeting cycle.

Trustee Training and Development:

Access to Charity Commission resources. Trustees are expected to self-direct their development.

Decision-making processes:

The Management Committee must hold at least two committee meetings each year and typically meets 10 times a year. A special meeting may be called at any time by the chairman or by any two members of the Management Committee upon not less than 14 days’ notice being given to the other members of the Management Committee of the matters to be discussed.

The Chairman acts as the Chairman at meetings of the Management Committee. If the Chairman is absent from any meeting then the Vice Chairman, Treasurer or Secretary chairs the meeting. If none such Management Committee members is present, then the meeting of the Management Committee is not quorate.

Decisions are made by majority votes by the members of the Management Committee present and voting on the question but in the case of equality of votes, the Chairman of the meeting shall only have a casting vote.

The Management Committee keeps minutes of the proceedings at meetings of the Management Committee and any sub-committee.

The Management Committee may appoint one or more sub-committees consisting of three or more members of the Management Committee for the purpose of making inquiry or supervising or performing any function or duty which in the opinion of the Management Committee would be more conveniently undertaken or carried out by a sub-committee: provided that all acts and proceedings of any such sub-committees shall be fully and promptly reported to the Management Committee.

The Management Committee may appoint one or more persons for the purpose of making any inquiry or supervising or performing any function or duty which in the opinion of the Management Committee would be more conveniently undertaken or carried out by an individual: provided that all acts and proceedings of any such individual shall be fully and promptly reported to the Management Committee.

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31 January 2026

Related Party Transactions:

None

Safeguarding:

Search Dogs Sussex makes use of the Lowland Rescue Safeguarding policy, and provides safeguarding training to all members, refreshed on a 3-yearly basis, through Educare

Lowland Rescue Safeguarding Procedu

Health and Safety:

See Risk Management section above regarding RAMs.

Team members are trained in undertaking dynamic risk assessments for both themselves, their teammates, the missing persons and their dogs. They are provided with training in appropriate clothing, footwear and other PPE for the tasks they are expected to undertake. Whilst Search Dogs Sussex issues operational team members appropriate PPE (including for working in cold, wet conditions) and provides access to appropriate clothing, on a hardship basis, to non-operational members, upon membership members are made aware that they are expected to self-fund and provide such clothing as they require to maintain their health and safety, based upon the recommendations made as part of their training.

The team operates under various protocols designed to safeguard members, including the working temperature policy and have issued warm weather guidance to team members as a reminder of the risks operating in hot weather including preventative guidance, and requires members to maintain CPD across all skill sets relevant to their role, including first aid, searcher skills and navigation skills.

The Chair and trustee is a Qualified Health and safety professional who oversees the teams H&S compliance and training. He has also been consulted on H&S matters within Lowland Rescue, having written the Covid Policy for National dog assessments which was later adopted and used by the wider Lowland Rescue.

Together these elements are intended to manage the health and safety risks associated with the operational tasks of Search Dogs Sussex

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31 January 2026

Data Protection:

Search Dogs Sussex maintains an ICO registration and has a published Data Privacy Policy.

The Data Privacy Officer confirmed, in their 2025 AGM report;

‘In exercising its functions, Search Dogs Sussex processes the personal data of team members and the public. We retain only relevant information regarding our team members to perform the duties the team require to operate and remain safe. We retain relevant information on members of the public who show an interest in joining the team. This is typically names and email addresses.

• Our data is held in two primary locations - our D4h platform and our team Google drive. Both are secured via role-based access and authentication.

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31 January 2026

TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards.

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

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31 January 2026

DECLARATION

Approved by the trustees on 31[st] January 2026 and signed on their behalf by:

Signature: ______

Name: Richard G P Betts

Position: Trustee & Treasurer Date: 31[st] January 2026

END OF TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT

Accompanying Documentation

The following documents are provided alongside this report for the financial year ending 31st March 2025:

SDS Trustees Report 2025

31 January 2026

Annual Accounts 2024

Search Dogs Sussex For the period ended 31 March 2025

Prepared by Richard Betts Prepared on 27 May 2025

For management use only. These accounts are not audited.

Table of Contents

Profit and Loss ................................................................................................................................................3 Balance Sheet .................................................................................................................................................4

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Profit and Loss

April 2024 - March 2025

Profit and Loss
April 2024 - March 2025
Total
INCOME
Billable Expenditure Income 15.00
Donation, purchases, supplies and assets 10,653.81
Grants 5,000.00
LR SDS Course Fee 110.00
Total Income 15,778.81
COST OF SALES
Cost of sales 487.81
Total Cost of Sales 487.81
TOTAL 15,291.00
EXPENDITURES
Bank Charges 60.00
Boot Expense Claims 85.00
Business Licenses and Permits 125.00
Dog PPE 519.87
Drone Licences 245.13
Dues and Subscriptions 736.40
First Aid Consumables 156.23
Insurance 1,044.53
Office Supplies 221.33
Outside Services 40.00
postage 18.55
Professional Fees 55.80
Telephone Expense 155.88
Training 1,086.74
Travel 80.00
Uncategorised Expense 9.80
Uniform/Clothing 2,892.18
Total Expenditures 7,532.44
NET OPERATING INCOME 7,758.56
OTHER INCOME
Amounts received from other Government sources 10,000.00
Interest earned 25.31
Other revenue 111.18
Total Other Income 10,136.49
OTHER EXPENDITURES
Depreciation 8,571.98
Profit/Loss on Disposal 1,793.70
Total Other Expenditures 10,365.68
NET OTHER INCOME -229.19
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) £7,529.37

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Alsar Search Dogs Sussex

Balance Sheet

As of March 31, 2025

Balance Sheet
As of March 31, 2025
Total
FIXED ASSET
Tangible assets
Accumulated Depreciation - Furniture and Equipment -2,003.78
Accumulated Depreciation - Machinery and equipment -6,568.20
Furniture and Equipment 11,965.60
Furniture and Equipment Disposal -1,718.70
Load Vests 5,650.80
Load Vests Charge for Year -5,650.80
Machinery and equipment 32,916.00
Machineryand equipment disposal -75.00
Total Tangible assets 34,515.92
Total Fixed Asset 34,515.92
CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
Current 30,939.04
Savings 1,349.98
Total Cash at bank and in hand 32,289.02
NET CURRENT ASSETS 32,289.02
NET CURRENT ASSETS(LIABILITIES) 32,289.02
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 66,804.94
TOTAL NET ASSETS (LIABILITIES) £66,804.94
CHARITY FUNDS
Opening Balance Equity 7,550.17
Retained Earnings 51,725.40
Surplus/(Deficit) 7,529.37
Total Charity funds £66,804.94

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Alsar Search Dogs Sussex

Independent Examiner’s Report

I report on the accounts of Search Dogs Sussex for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011.

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2011 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have follows all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning such matters.

Independent Examiner’s Statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Emma Mercer (Jan 26, 2026 00:53:47 PST)

Signed: Emma Mercer FMAAT, AAT (Fellow), AATQB Independent Examiner

Date: 26 January 2026