Disaster Aid Response Teams (DARTs)
Our DARTs are our “Jewels in the Crown”. These highly-trained volunteer teams make our deployments possible and bring the story back to our cities, truly making the work of this organization real. An important part of the role of a DART is to be available to make presentations on behalf of Disaster Aid UK & Ireland.
The path to becoming a DART
Step 1
First, you must assess your ability and willingness to become a DART member.
You must be:
- Physically and emotionally capable of living in a survival situation for a two week period with minimal outside support.
- Available for at least one deployment per year for three years.
- Accept that we only reimburse approved and agreed expenses which excludes payment for time given as a volunteer.
Should you wish to have an informal chat about this commitment then please email dartliaison@disasteraiduk.org to arrange this.
Step 2
If you believe you meet these conditions, the next step is to submit an application package before the 29th February which includes:
- DART Application Form downloadable from our web site; DOWNLOAD HERE
- Jpeg passport sized photograph
- A photocopy of the personal details page of your passport;
- A current CV.
Please send the completed electronic form directly to dartliaison@disasteraiduk.org
Step 3
If the review of your application package is favourable, you will be invited to complete a competency based interview by telephone, video conference, or Skype in early March 2024.
Step 4
Successful applicants will then be required to complete some online training courses and produce certificates of attainment.
Step 5
In person assessment day 18th or 19th May in England, venue TBC. Candidates will be required to give a short pre-prepared presentation.
Step 6
Finalist will then be required to provide a DBS certificate (we can assist in obtaining this), reference checks and complete some further online training.
Step 7
Candidates will then attend a training day on the 15th June in England, venue TBC. Successful candidates will then be considered to be PART 1 trained.
Step 8
Candidates who successfully complete the Part 1 Training will be listed as suitable for deployment, under the oversight of a more experienced DART Volunteer.
Successfully completing one or two deployments will result in being recognised as having completed Part 2 Training and capable of leading a deployment.