NORTH DARTMOOR Trust s'Annu ort Accounts 2
2
Table of Contents
Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts 2023 .......................................................... 1 Reference and Administration ............................................................................ 3 Charity’s Principal Address: ............................................................................... 3 Trustees Who Managed The Charity In The Period 1[st] Jan 2023 To 31[st ] December 2023 ................................................................................................................... 4 Structure, Governance, Management and Association........................................ 5 Objectives and Activities .................................................................................... 6 Community Support .......................................................................................................................... 7 Achievements and Performance ......................................................................... 9 Financial Review ............................................................................................... 10 Income ........................................................................................................................................... 10 Expenditure..................................................................................................................................... 10 Chair’s Report .................................................................................................. 11 Declaration ...................................................................................................... 12 End Of Year Report 2023 ....................................................................................... 13 Statement of Accounts ..................................................................................... 13 Independent Examiners Report (IER) ................................................................. 14
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team , Unit 3, Hameldown Road, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1UB
www.ndsart.org.uk | Registered Charity Number 1200541
3
Reference and Administration
Charity Name:
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team
Other Names Charity Is Known By:
NDSART; NDSRT
Charity Number: 1200541
Report for Period:
1[st] January 2023 to 31[st] December 2023
Charity’s Principal Address:
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team, Unit 3 Hameldown Road, Exeter Road Industrial Estate, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1UB
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team , Unit 3, Hameldown Road, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1UB
www.ndsart.org.uk | Registered Charity Number 1200541
4
Trustees Who Managed The Charity In The Period 1[st] Jan 2023 To 31[st ] December 2023
Our financial year is between two Annual General Meeting (AGM) periods, this results in multiple sets of Trustees, within one financial year.
All Trustees were appointed by vote at EGM July 2023; AGM March 2023.
| Set/ Trustee No. |
Trustee Name | Office | Dates of Acting |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/1 | Gavin Grimsey | Chair | 05.07.22 to 28.03.2023 |
| 1/2 | Catherine Davis | Secretary | 05.07.22 to 28.03.2023 |
| 1/3 | Ian Perrior | Treasurer | 05.07.22 to 28.03.2023 |
| 1/5 | CathyHorwell | TrainingOfficer | 05.07.22 to 28.03.2023 |
| 1/6 | Mick Burke | Equipment Officer | 05.07.22 to 28.03.2023 |
| 1/7 | Chris Clarke | Trustee(Welfare) | 05.07.22 to 28.03.2023 |
| 1/8 | Martin Thornton | Team Leader | 05.07.22 to 05.09.2022 |
| 2/1 | Catherine Davis | Chair | 28.03.23 to 19.03.24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2/2 | HarryPrice | Secretary | 28.03.23 to 19.03.24 |
| 2/3 | David Stoneman | Team Leader | 28.03.23 to 19.03.24 |
| 2/4 | Ian Perrior | Treasurer | 28.03.23 to 19.03.24 |
| 2/5 | CathyHorwell | TrainingOfficer | 28.03.23 to 19.03.24 |
| 2/6 | Mick Burke | Equipment Officer | 28.03.23 to 19.03.24 |
| 2/7 | David Goodwin-Hughes | Trustee WP | 28.03.23 to 19.03.24 |
| 2/8 | Chris Clarke | Trustee WP | 28.03.23 to 19.03.24 |
| 2/9 | Mark Nesbitt | Trustee WP | 28.03.23 to 19.03.24 |
| 2/10 | Natalie Gee | Trustee WP | 28.03.23 to 19.03.24 |
| 2/11 | CraigBrooks | Trustee WP | 28.03.23 to 19.03.24 |
WP – Without Portfolio
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team , Unit 3, Hameldown Road, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1UB
www.ndsart.org.uk | Registered Charity Number 1200541
5
Structure, Governance, Management and Association
Type of governing document:
Constitution
How the charity is constituted:
Association
Trustee selection method:
Elected by members at the Annual General Meeting
Associations:
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team is formed in association with Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team (Ashburton), Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team (Plymouth) and Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team (Tavistock) under the auspices of the Dartmoor Rescue Group. All five organisations are charities in their own right.
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team is affiliated to Peninsular Mountain and Cave Rescue Association (PenMaCRA) and Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW).
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team , Unit 3, Hameldown Road, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1UB
www.ndsart.org.uk | Registered Charity Number 1200541
6
Objectives and Activities
The objectives of North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team is to relieve suffering and distress amongst persons endangered by accidents or natural hazards, within moorland areas and urban environments; to provide arrangements for the secure and efficient search and rescue of any person or persons who are endangered; and to encourage moorland safety instruction and awareness through all sections of the community.
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team is a Mountain Rescue Team based in Okehampton, the gateway to the high moor of Dartmoor National Park. Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team (Okehampton) has been active for over 50 years and is responsible for the search and rescue of missing and injured persons in and around the moor.
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team is a charity run by volunteers and funded mainly by public donations and grants. Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team (Okehampton) provides a rescue service to areas other agencies cannot normally cover; in conditions they do not normally operate within. Our volunteers are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team is mobilised by the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary following a 999 call. We respond immediately, day or night and in all weathers and events.
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team is one of four teams that comprises the Dartmoor Rescue Group. Our base, in Okehampton, is ideally situated for access to the North of Dartmoor which contains the highest area of wilderness land, in Southern England. The high point is High Willhays , at 621 metres above sea level.
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team does much more than coming to the aid of hill walkers lost or in difficulty on Dartmoor. We also search in lowland, rural, and urban areas of Devon, Somerset and Cornwall for other missing people including the elderly, lost children, and despondent people.
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team work alongside other full-time emergency services such as the Police, Ambulance, Fire & Rescue services, and Coast Guard Agencies. On average it takes between 12 and 18 months of training for a trainee member to become a full, operational, member.
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team , Unit 3, Hameldown Road, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1UB
www.ndsart.org.uk | Registered Charity Number 1200541
7
In order to remain operationally ready, North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team train frequently, at least weekly. Training focuses on many aspects of search and rescue - including navigation, casualty care, radio communication, search techniques, swift water rescue, and steep ground rescue. Team members come from all walks of life including teachers, retail workers, accountants, engineers, farmers, and Doctors. Each brings their own unique skills and abilities to enhance North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team’s capability.
In recent years, North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team have developed a water and flood rescue capability, in response to an increase in flooding nationally. The end of 2022 saw the start of the development in our technical rope rescue capabilities and ensuring Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team (Okehampton) have the capabilities to operate safely both in steep ground and vertical rescues.
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team currently operates three vehicles: two 110 Land Rover Defenders capable of carrying and conveying team members and equipment to anywhere they’re needed. North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team also currently operates a Mercedes Sprinter (Van) (Incident Control Unit, ICU) used to manage searches and rescues from a RV point, from which team members deploy.
Community Support
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team continues to be a key part of the local community and a growing message and support for those around us have been the major themes for us as a team throughout 2023 and will be a continued theme into 2024.
Providing safety cover or marshalling for events like town carnivals, sponsored walks, fell runs, car parking and beating of the bounds. As well as educational talks and presentations to all ages of the community with; Army, Air and Sea Cadets, Beavers, Cubs and Scout groups, Schools and Women’s Institute visiting our centre or Team members attending afternoon and evening sessions to demonstrate our first aid equipment, Search Dogs demos, presentations and sharing advice and tips for out on the hill or wider countryside.
A regular highlight in North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team’s calendar is the annual Ten Tors Challenge run by the British Army. We as a Team continue to support the UK’s
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team , Unit 3, Hameldown Road, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1UB
www.ndsart.org.uk | Registered Charity Number 1200541
8
largest Youth engagement program and provide safety cover and rapid medical response for more than two and half thousand participants.
The Ten Tors Challenge continues to be an inspiration and makes us all very proud to be part of this inspiring challenge. As we witness the determination and team spirit of the young adults who partake in the event and overcome the challenges associated with the event.
We continue to provide support for those beyond our immediate local community. Providing support for those across Devon and Cornwall - supporting our neighbouring teams with callouts to North Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. 2024 has seen North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team callout numbers grow and the call to support those beyond our area increasing too.
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team , Unit 3, Hameldown Road, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1UB
www.ndsart.org.uk | Registered Charity Number 1200541
9
Achievements and Performance
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team had 34 callouts in the 2023 financial period. Callouts ranged from missing and/or despondent person searches to ambulance assists and attending major incidents. This involved searching for missing children, those with mental health needs and more complex medical conditions.
Callouts were located from Exmouth to Plymouth to Ilfracombe, covering a vast area of the South-West of England. Our Dog Handler’s callouts ranged even further, covering the Southwest Peninsula.
Team members were involved in Callouts, training and fundraising events totalling 7634 volunteer hours.
Fundraising for our new Incident Control Unit (ICU) started in 2022 with a strong urgency to have the vehicle fundraised, purchased, and retrofitted. Many team members and trainees made massive efforts to raising funds for the ICU. Work was finally completed in September 2023 with a launch event attended by doners, suppliers team members, press and the public. The vehicle was fully operational from this time.
Members continue to enhance their training attending numerous courses. The team has new party leaders who manage individual search teams. Four members attended a 3 day intensive course to qualify as search managers enabling them to co-ordinate a search operation.
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team , Unit 3, Hameldown Road, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1UB
www.ndsart.org.uk | Registered Charity Number 1200541
10
Financial Review
Income
Total Income: £80568
Expenditure Total Expenditure: £70915
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team , Unit 3, Hameldown Road, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1UB
www.ndsart.org.uk | Registered Charity Number 1200541
11
Chair’s Report
This year, North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team has had a dual focus: The team has, as usual, prioritised enabling its unpaid volunteers to deliver a professional emergency service to the community, both on and off Dartmoor. In addition to this, the charity has virtually completed the process of establishing a new Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) to take on the management of the team as well as transferring assets and responsibilities to the new organisation.
The team has maintained a healthy level of recruitment with a new intake of trainees progressing through their training. Specialist training for members in Advanced first aid, Rope Rescue, Swift Water Rescue and 4x4 driving has been delivered, along with core skills around navigation, communication, search, mental health, as well as working with search dogs and helicopters.
The team has provided support to injured and missing people across Devon and beyond, and has served the community at events, carnivals, races and shows. The team has also provided ‘show and tell’ sessions for local schools and community groups.
Meanwhile the team’s trustees have continued updating and improving process, procedures and record keeping, and have commissioned new equipment most notably the new Incident Control Unit vehicle. The team is in a good position to look forward to its future.
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team , Unit 3, Hameldown Road, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1UB
www.ndsart.org.uk | Registered Charity Number 1200541
12
Declaration
The Trustees declare that they approve the Trustees’ Annual Report, for financial year 2023, as shown above.
Signed on behalf of the Charity’s Trustees:
James Watts
Team Chair
_______
Harry George Price
Team Secretary
_______
Date: 31 October 2024
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team , Unit 3, Hameldown Road, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1UB
www.ndsart.org.uk | Registered Charity Number 1200541
End Ofyear Re Ort 2023 Statement of Accounts NORTh DARTMOOR SEARCH & RESCUE AccouNfsYEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2 INCOME Donations Grants EXPENDITURE 27,057.55 2,8C4).00 1,562.51 2,145.88 352.00 21,351.15 3,219.90 5,699.92 364.36 949.81 9,045.53 4,929.62 19,806.94 1.076.18 391.60 3,760.00 1,054.57 30,850.80 Operaiional Administratio SalE5 to fflefflber5 Fundraisisng Sales to mernber5 VAT refund Call out refunds Projed Ivehirle51 KItAccount 1nterest COIF Account interest Projectaccount interest Project (Donations) 37.26 2,404.51 123.96 12.5(X).00 80.568.81 70,915.24 9.653.57 NEr RPLLIS LOSS BAL4NCES 31.12.2022 44,880.51 14,180.69 2,794.38 71,896.96 133,752.54 31.12.2023 43.537.17 2.453.85 3.781.45 94.301.47 NatWe5t Current Alc Natwest Project Alc Natwest KiiA/C C.O.l.F. £ 133,752.54 144.073.94 OTHER ASSETS Centre Landrover T522 RYA Landrover L582 LES Control Van WA72UPD 280,000.00 6.500.00 4.000.00 40.000.00 £ 330,5LKJ.00 Prepared by lan Perrior Treasure5 Examined and approved By Penny Clapharn Date Date North Dartmoor Search and Reseue Team, Unit 3, H8meldown Road, Okeh8mpton, Devon, EX20 1UB www.nds8rt.org.uk | Registered Cherity Number 1200541
14
Independent Examiners Report (IER)
For Period 1[st] January 2023 to 31[st] December 2023
North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team , Unit 3, Hameldown Road, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1UB
www.ndsart.org.uk | Registered Charity Number 1200541
North Dartmoor Search and Reseue Team, Unit 3, H8meldown Road, Okeh8mpton, Devon, EX20 1UB www.nds8rt.org.uk | Registered Cherity Number 1200541