DEVELOPING: The Corps continues its development. We have a defined structure and rank system along the lines of the Fire Service, but we are all serious about what we are trying to achieve and not interested in dressing up for the sake of it.
SAFEGUARDING: The Corps takes this issue extremely seriously. All members will undergo identity and qualification checks, including appropriate driving qualifications, and all relevant members will undergo DBS (or equivalent) checks.
RALLY POINTS (RPs):
We have relaunched our ‘Rally Points’ concept, to help further our development by connecting local people more quickly.
Rally Points enable members to form their own localised teams from 2 people upwards. This will in turn go towards building larger and more specialised units that will help support communities and emergency services.
The important part is actually starting a Rally Point. Our online map will show our RPs, so if you choose to set one up, it will show the immediate area where you live, but not your address. Others will see where the various RPs are and possibly look to join their nearest team.
The person that initiates the RP has the choice of managing and developing the team-long term or handing over to another suitable member when one becomes available.
COMMITMENT: this really depends on the individual, and in part, in relation to the position they hold. At a basic level, it is anticipated that a volunteer attends a weekly training evening, plus some weekend training as necessary. As the Corps develops, and training gets to the appropriate level, there will be some weekend exercises to hone skills learnt and build operational preparedness. Once fully operational, be prepared to attend emergency situations as necessary.
INSARAG is a global network of more than 80 countries and organisations under the United Nations umbrella. INSARAG deals with urban search and rescue (USAR) related issues, aiming to establish minimum international standards for USAR teams and methodology for international coordination in earthquake response based on the INSARAG Guidelines endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 57/150 of 2002, on “Strengthening the Effectiveness and Coordination of International Urban Search and Rescue Assistance”
Can you be counted on?
The CAVC is the adult operational arm of the organisation. Currently there are two streams within the units: First Aiders, and Generalists. Everyone that joins the Corps will start as a ‘generalist’ to learn basic skills that will enable them to assist at an incident the moment they arrive.
Once Basic Training is completed, members will get the opportunity to stay with the generalists or become a specialist in the Medical and Welfare Division. As the organisation continues to develop, the First Aiders will progress to our level of the Emergency Support Medic trained to deal with trauma care, triage and mass casualty events.
As numbers grow, the generalists will be able to specialise in one of over 20 other trades, such as communications, security, administration, logistics, and rescue & salvage to name just a few.
If you’re interested in becoming a part of the Corps, please email [email protected] or if you want more information, then please contact [email protected], or simply use our online contact form.
Please add the the area of the country where you live to your subject line to help us redirect to the appropriate area.
(N.B. Downloadable application form below and our leaflet)
The Council of Civil Defence
The Council of Civil Defence is a new partnership based on the concept of the original Civil Defence Services. The CDS was a group of different organisations that came together to help and support communities during wartime.
The Council of Civil Defence’s Partnership Charter promotes positive and proactive lines of communication, to underpin and help achieve high levels of partner satisfaction.
The key principles laid out in the Partnership Charter stem from six values that we all live and breathe: integrity, knowledge, accountability, quality, standards, and credibility.
TRAINING: ALL units will complete the training as laid out under the JCAC Training Plan and overseen by the relevant Training Board. Everyone starts as a generalist, and once all the generalist training is complete, there will be a split into two areas – Medical and Generalist. The Medical area covers First Aid (Evacuation Specialists), Forward Medical Aid, and Welfare. The generalist roles cover Security, Urban Search and Rescue, Logistics, Communication, etc.
TRAINING BOARDS: Each area will be covered by a Training Board of professionally qualified specialists. These include ex-Police, Fire Service, Ambulance and private Paramedics, Engineers, etc. Each area will have the appropriate due diligence and seek to align with an external accrediting body where practical, or if necessary internally by an appropriately certified officer.
ACCREDITATION FOR THE JCAC: Following the completion of the Generalist training, as an organisation, the Corps will also start working towards the National accreditation awarded by the UN International Search and Rescue Advisory Group, as well as continuing with Specialist training.
The Corps is also working with the Civil Defence Association to build a new Institute of Civil Defence. The new body will act as an independent body for CD Volunteers and which training will be regulated and accredited through.
Where do you want to start?
Volunteer in the Civil Aid Volunteer Corps (CAVC) – this is our primary membership from which individuals can earn recognition and promotion and open to all.
Officer in the Civil Aid Volunteer Corps (CAVC) – being responsible for units of adult volunteers; these roles are particularly strong in leadership and team building. Development and encouragement are at the forefront of the Corps’ purpose and the development of volunteers is as paramount as the progression of the cadets. Organisational skills are equally prominent for this role.
Instructor in the Civil Aid Volunteer Corps and/or Civil Cadet Corps – these are roles suited to individuals who do have experience in either the emergency services or military, who can bring experience to the Corps and be role models to volunteers and cadets.
Why not take your first steps to becoming a Civil Defender?
Application Form
Please press the ‘Open form’ button to open the document. It is a fillable PDF form. Once completed, please save it to your devise and email it to [email protected].
