## **Trustees’ Annual Report for the period**
**From 01/04/2024 Period start date. To 31/3/2025 Period end date. Charity name: JOINT CIVIL AID CORPS Charity registration number: 1160699**
## **Objectives and Activities**
||SORP reference||
|---|---|---|
|Summary of the purposes of
the charity as set out in its
governing document|Para 1.17|The Joint Civil Aid Corps (JCAC) is a Civil
Defence organisation established to
manage and develop the Civil Aid
Volunteer Corps (CAVC), the Community
Resilience Volunteers, and the Civil Cadet
Corps (CCC), which is planned for future
implementation, and other arms that may
be developed.
Its charitable purpose is to provide a
credible, disciplined body of civilian
volunteers to support emergency services,
civil authorities, and other voluntary
organisations during times of need –
including adverse weather, disasters, and
incidents of national emergency.
JCAC fulfils this purpose through:
•
Structured training and
development for all members
•
A clear and accountable
organisational framework
•
Collaboration with professional and
voluntary bodies
•
Public education on matters of
community resilience
•
Any other related activities, at the
discretion of the Trustees, that
contribute to the protection of life
and property|
|Summary of the main
activities in relation to those
purposes for the public
benefit, in particular, the
activities, projects or
services identified in the
accounts.|Para 1.17 and
1.19|The Joint Civil Aid Corps (JCAC) operates
as a Civil Defence organisation, delivering
structured training and operational
readiness to civilian volunteers. Its primary
activity is the development of emergency
support capabilities that enable members to
assist professional services and civil|
|authorities during times of crisis, including|authorities during times of crisis, including|
|---|---|
|adverse weather, disasters, and other||
|emergencies.||
|In the past year, JCAC has:||
|•|Delivered training programmes in|
||key generalist skills such as First|
||Aid, Search and Rescue,|
||Communications, Security,|
||Logistics, and Auxiliary Fire support|
|•|Supported community events with|
||volunteer-led services including first|
||aid provision, radio|
||communications, and stewarding|
|•|Promoted community resilience|
||through public education and|
||outreach, encouraging|
||preparedness and self-reliance|
||across diverse communities|
|•|Strengthened partnerships with|
||other voluntary and professional|
||bodies to ensure coordinated|
||response and mutual support|
|These|activities are underpinned by|
|JCAC’s guiding principles:||
|•|**Inclusion and Unity**: Embracing|
||the concept of ‘ONE PEOPLE’,|
||respecting individual identity while|
||removing societal labels that divide|
|•|**Community Integration**:|
||Encouraging participation from all|
||backgrounds and fostering cohesion|
||in a multicultural society|
|•|**Self-Reliance**: Empowering|
||communities to support themselves|
||in times of need, from youth to|
||senior citizens|
|•|**Accessibility and Dignity**:|
||Ensuring roles within the Corps are|
||suited to the capabilities of each|
||volunteer|
|•|**Cooperation over Competition**:|
||Promoting coordination and mutual|
||respect among organisations and|
||individuals|
|•|**Bondship**: Cultivating camaraderie|
||and morale through shared training|
||and operational experience|
|All activities are conducted with the aim of||
|protecting life and property, and are||
|delivered for the public benefit without||
|charge, ensuring accessibility and impact||
|across the regions in which JCAC||
|operates.||
|Statement confirming
whether the trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity
Commission on public
benefit|Para 1.18|Yes, the Trustees of the Joint Civil Aid
Corps have had full regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity Commission on
public benefit. The Corps is expressly
constituted to serve the public through its
Civil Defence mission, and all activities –
from training and operational support to
community outreach and education – are
designed to deliver meaningful benefit
across the communities in which it
operates. Public benefit remains central to
the Trustees’ decision-making and strategic
planning.|
|---|---|---|
|**Additional information (optional)**
You may choose to include further statements|**Additional information (optional)**
You may choose to include further statements|where relevant about:|
|---|---|---|
||SORP reference||
|Policy on grant making|Para 1.38|**N/A**|
|Policy on social investment
including program related
investment|Para 1.38|**N/A**|
|Contribution made by
volunteers|Para 1.38|The Joint Civil Aid Corps is a wholly
voluntary Civil Defence organisation,
sustained by the dedication and
commitment of its members. Volunteers
contribute across all levels of the Corps —
from operational support and training
delivery to administrative governance and
strategic development. Their work enables
the Corps to maintain readiness, deliver
public benefit, and uphold its values of
service, resilience, and unity.
The Chief Officer and Trustees wish to
formally acknowledge and express deep
gratitude for the tireless efforts of senior
volunteers, whose leadership, initiative,
and generosity of time are instrumental in
the running and growth of the organisation.|
|Other|||
## **Achievements and Performance**
||SORP reference||
|---|---|---|
|Summary of the main
achievements of the charity,
identifying the difference the
charity’s work has made to
the circumstances of its
beneficiaries and any wider
benefits to society as a
whole.|Para 1.20|Despite a period of significant challenge,
including the temporary absence of the
Chief Officer due to bereavement and
stress, and the departure of a small group
of senior officers who disrupted operations
and misrepresented the leadership
transition, the Joint Civil Aid Corps (JCAC)
has emerged stronger, more unified, and
increasingly effective in its charitable
mission.
Following this disruption, JCAC re-
established its operational momentum and
made notable progress in several key
areas:
•
**Rebuilding and Expansion**: The
Corps consolidated its leadership,
reaffirmed its values, and expanded
its reach across multiple centres,
laying the groundwork for future
growth and resilience.
•
**Training and Readiness**: Training
programmes resumed with renewed
focus, equipping volunteers with
essential Civil Defence skills including
First Aid, Search and Rescue,
Communications, and Community
Support.
•
**Community Engagement**: JCAC
strengthened its presence at local
events, offering voluntary support in
stewarding, first aid, and public
education — reinforcing its role as a
trusted community partner.
•
**Restoration of Credibility**: The
Trustees and senior leadership
worked diligently to restore
relationships with Local Resilience
Forums and other stakeholders,
reaffirming JCAC’s commitment to
cooperation, transparency, and public
service.
The difference made to beneficiaries is
tangible: volunteers gained structure,
purpose, and recognition; communities
received practical support and reassurance;
and wider society benefited from the re-
emergence of a principled, inclusive Civil
Defence organisation ready to serve in
times of need.
JCAC continues to offer a place for all –
regardless of background or circumstance
– and remains committed to building
community resilience, fostering unity, and
acting as a voluntary reserve to
professional emergency services where
needed.|
## **Additional information (optional)**
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
|Achievements against
objectives set.|Para 1.41|Despite ongoing challenges in securing
sustainable funding, the Joint Civil Aid
Corps (JCAC) has made meaningful
progress against its strategic objectives.
Income has been maintained at the
previous year’s level, enabling the Corps to
strengthen its operational capacity and
deepen relationships with external
organisations and authorities.
A major milestone has been the continued
acquisition of suitable insurance – a critical
development that has unlocked a range of
operational activities and brought the Corps
closer to full readiness. As the only known
independent Civil Defence charity operating
globally, JCAC faces unique insurance
challenges not encountered by
government-supported counterparts. This
achievement marks a significant step
forward in the Corps’ ability to serve
communities and fulfil its charitable
mission.
Following an unsuccessful engagement
with a professional fundraiser, the Corps
continues to seek appropriate support for
its fundraising efforts, though progress has
been limited so far this year.
The Trustees’ reluctant but necessary
decision to introduce membership
subscriptions has contributed considerably
to the Corps’ growth and development.
These funds have enabled the acquisition
of both a volunteer management system
and access to an eLearning platform for
training. The introduction of these systems
has transformed the recruitment and
induction process, streamlining volunteer
onboarding and accelerating access to
essential training.
JCAC remains steadfast in its commitment
to building a credible, inclusive Civil
Defence organisation; supporting
emergency services and communities; and
offering structured training and
development to volunteers. The progress
made this year – despite considerable
difficulties – reflects the Corps’ resilience,
adaptability, and unwavering dedication to
public service.|
|---|---|---|
|Performance of fundraising
activities against objectives
set.|Para 1.41|The Joint Civil Aid Corps continues to face
significant challenges in securing
mainstream funding, largely due to its
unique position outside the media-friendly
and socially conventional charity
landscape. Despite its vital role in
community resilience and emergency
preparedness, the Corps remains sidelined
in comparison to more widely recognised
causes.
Following the previous year’s engagement
of a fundraiser with experience in the
voluntary emergency service arena,
progress has unfortunately been limited.
The anticipated traction in grant
applications and donor engagement has
not materialised, and the Corps continues
to seek appropriate fundraising support.
This remains a key priority, though success
has proven elusive so far this year.
In response to these difficulties, the Corps
has focused on strengthening internal
sustainability measures. The introduction of
membership subscriptions has provided a
modest but reliable income stream,
enabling investment in volunteer
infrastructure and training systems. While
not a substitute for broader fundraising
success, this approach has helped
maintain momentum and deliver tangible
benefits to volunteers.
JCAC remains committed to developing a
credible and strategic fundraising
framework that reflects its values,
operational scope, and long-term vision.
The Corps continues to explore
partnerships, grant opportunities, and
advisory support that align with its mission
and unique standing within the resilience
sector.|
|---|---|---|
|Investment performance
against objectives|Para 1.41|**N/A**|
|Other||**N/A**|
## **Financial Review**
|Review of the charity’s
financial position at the end
of the period|Para 1.21|While funding remains slow and somewhat
limited, the Corps has maintained a stable
financial footing, despite the challenges
faced. Income for the year has slipped very
slightly compared to the previous twelve
months, reflecting both prudent
management and the dedication of senior
officers.
Regardless of the slight slip in income, the
Corps has still managed to continue its
development across key areas of the
organisation. The introduction of
membership subscriptions and careful
prioritisation of resources have contributed
to financial resilience, allowing the Corps to
invest in volunteer infrastructure, training
systems, and insurance coverage.
Thanks to the unwavering commitment of
its leadership, the Joint Civil Aid Corps
remains financially stable and well-
positioned to pursue its long-term
objectives. The charity continues to
operate within its means while seeking new
avenues for sustainable funding and
strategic partnerships.|
|---|---|---|
|Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
stating why they are held|Para 1.22|The charity does not currently have any
reserves.|
|Amount of reserves held|Para 1.22|**N/A**|
|Reasons for holding zero
reserves|Para 1.22|The charity simply does not have sufficient
funds to allow for reserves.|
|Details of fund materially in
deficit|Para 1.24|**N/A**|
|Explanation of any
uncertainties about the
charity continuing as a going
concern|Para 1.23|There are no uncertainties, the Corps will
succeed.|
## **Additional information (optional)** You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
|The charity’s principal
sources of funds (including
any fundraising)|Para 1.47|The Corps is funded through donations,
grants, and subscriptions from its
members.|
|---|---|---|
|Investment policy and
objectives including any
social investment policy
adopted.|Para 1.46|**N/A**at this time.|
|A description of the principal
risks facing the charity|Para 1.46|The primary risk facing the Joint Civil Aid
Corps (JCAC) remains the ongoing
challenge of securingsustainable funding.|
|||Without adequate financial support, the
charity’s ability to deliver training, procure
uniforms and equipment, maintain
insurance coverage, and cover essential
operational costs is significantly
constrained.
This risk is compounded by JCAC’s unique
position within the charitable sector. As an
independent Civil Defence organisation, it
does not fit easily within conventional
funding categories and is often overlooked
in favour of more mainstream causes. The
lack of public familiarity with Civil Defence
as a charitable concept further limits
access to grants and sponsorship.
Despite these challenges, the Corps has
taken proactive steps to mitigate financial
risk, including the introduction of
membership subscriptions, the
implementation of cost-effective digital
systems for volunteer management and
training, and ongoing efforts to build
strategic partnerships. The Trustees
continue to monitor financial sustainability
closely and remain committed to
safeguarding the charity’s long-term
viability.|
|---|---|---|
|Other||**N/A**|
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
|**Description of charity’s trusts:**|**Description of charity’s trusts:**||
|---|---|---|
|Type of governing document
(trust deed, royal charter)|
Para 1.25|Constitution|
|How is the charity
constituted?
(e.g.: unincorporated
association, CIO)|Para 1.25|Charitable Incorporated Organisation|
|Trustee selection methods
including details of any
constitutional provisions e.g.
election to post or name of
any person or body entitled
to appoint one or more
trustees|Para 1.25|Appointment by the Chief Officer and
Board of Trustees|
## **Additional information (optional)**
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
|Policies and procedures
adopted for the induction
and trainingof trustees.|Para 1.51|This is currently continuously under review
and added to as the Corps continues its
development.|
|---|---|---|
|The charity’s organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the
charity works|Para 1.51|The Joint Civil Aid Corps (JCAC) operates
as a structured, voluntary emergency
support organisation, built on a clear
hierarchical framework. This includes
defined leadership tiers – Rally Point,
Station, Regional, and Group Commanders
– supported by Staff Officers and governed
by a central Board of Trustees. This
structure ensures accountability,
operational clarity, and effective
coordination during both training and
deployment.
JCAC works in close collaboration with
other voluntary organisations, including
community resilience groups, faith-based
charities, and heritage associations. It also
supports and complements the work of
professional emergency services, offering
trained volunteers who can assist in
logistics, welfare, and public safety roles
during emergencies and major events.
The Corps maintains active engagement
with national networks such as Local
Resilience Forums, Voluntary and
Community Sector Emergencies
Partnership (VCSEP), Civil Defence
Association (CDA), National Council of
Voluntary Organisations, and the Council of
Civil Defence, and continues to build
strategic partnerships that enhance its
reach, credibility, and operational
readiness.|
|---|---|---|
|Relationship with any
related parties|Para 1.51|The Corps is a key member of the Civil
Defence Association and a founding
member of the new Council of Civil
Defence organisations.|
|Other|||
## **Reference and Administrative details**
|Charityname|Joint Civil Aid Corps|
|---|---|
|Other name the charityuses|It is also beingtermed as either “The Corps” or “JCAC”|
|Registered charitynumber|1160699|
|Charity’s principal address|20 Crowborough Lane
Kents Hill
Milton Keynes
MK7 6HF|
**Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity**
|1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12|**Trustee name**|**Office (if any)**|**Dates acted if not for**
**wholeyear**|**Name of person (or body) entitled to**
**appoint trustee(if any)**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||Julie Hooker|||Colin Harmsworth, Chief Officer|
||Suzan Bull|||Colin Harmsworth, Chief Officer|
||Rui de Sousa|||Colin Harmsworth, Chief Officer|
||Heather
Harmsworth-Jackson|||Colin Harmsworth, Chief Officer|
||EmilyBaker|||Colin Harmsworth, Chief Officer|
||||||
||||||
||||||
||||||
||||||
||||||
||||||
## – Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
**Director name**
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
**Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year**
## **Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others**
Description of the assets **N/A** held in this capacity. Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this **N/A** falls within the custodian charity’s objects. Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets **N/A** from the charity’s own assets.
**Additional information (optional)**
## **Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) Type of adviser Name Address** ~~==————~~ **Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)**
## **Exemptions from disclosure**
## Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details **N/A** ~~OS~~ **Other optional information** ~~Co~~ **Declarations The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.**
**Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees**
**Signature(s) Full name(s)** Colin Thomas Harmsworth **Position (e.g.,** Founder and Chief Officer of the Joint Civil **Secretary, Chair, etc)** Aid Corps ~~—~~
**Date:** 06/09/2025
## Statement of Financial Status
|**Income and Expenditure**||||
|---|---|---|---|
||**2022-23**|**2023-24**|**2024-25**|
||(1 Apr –|(1 Apr –|(1 Apr –|
||31 Mar)|31 Mar)|31 Mar)|
||**Total**|**Total**|**Total**|
|**Incoming resources:**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Donations|4,350.53|5,457.63|5,659.79|
|Grants|2,611.66|-|-|
|Interest||1.29|0.81|
|Subscriptions||3,833.92|3,670.33|
|Other||868.21|282.70|
|**Total Incoming resources:**|**6,962.19**|**10,161.05**|**9,613.63**|
|**Resources Expended:**||||
|Stationery & Sundry|-|195.04|260.29|
|Fuel||121.00|265.06|
|Fundraising||629.99|-|
|Printing & Postage|-|38.43|558.67|
|Insurances|-|995.00|1,232.70|
|Website & I.T.|1,801.43|1,135.28|1,666.37|
|Accreditations|234.00|114.00|-|
|Training||3,583.60|285.68|
|Uniforms|196.45|2,243.47|1,666.40|
|Bank fees||77.61|74.70|
|Catering||921.19|26.65|
|Ads/ Marketing|-|846.48|137.44|
|Miscellaneous|120.03|959.21|293.00|
|Depreciation|942.98|660.09|1,687.03|
|**Total Resources Expended:**|**3,294.89**|**12,520.39**|**8,153.99**|
|**Income - Expenditure:**|**3,667.30**|**- 2,359.34**|**1,459.64**|
|Assets brought forward|1,402.33|2,200.29|1,540.20|
|Cash balances brought forward|399.52|3,268.86|1,569.61|
|**Reconciliation of Funds:**|**5,469.15**|**3,109.81**|**4,569.45**|
|**Represented By:**||||
||**Total**|**Total**|**Total**|
|**Assets:**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Tangible Assets|2,200.29|1,540.20|3,936.41|
|Cash at bank and in hand|3,268.86|1,569.61|633.04|
|**Total Funds:**|**5,469.15**|**3,109.81**|**4,569.45**|