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/**<br>**Trustee**<br>**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