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.

At the present time we are not actively recruiting volunteers to become DARTs but but continue to take applications from those who may be interested in becoming a DART at a later date, and review their applications for suitability.

The Path to Becoming a DART Volunteer

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.

Step 2

If you believe you meet these conditions, the next step is to submit an application package to be reviewed by the DART staff which includes:

•   DART Application Form: “Our DART Volunteer Application Form is currently being updated. Meanwhile, please contact us by email (admin@disasteraiduk.org) if you wish to register an interest.”
• 4 passport sized photos;
• 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 an interview by telephone, video conference, or Skype.

Step 4

If the outcome of the interview is successful you will be invited to provide a suitable Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check report.

Step 5

Candidates who successfully complete the interview process and have provided a suitable DBS report will be listed to attend a four-day training and assessment exercise (Part 1 Training). Travel expenses to attend such courses are the responsibility of the applicants.

·       The assessment is a field exercise to familiarize candidates with the DART program and what being a member of the team entails.

·       It also is designed to familiarize each candidate with the equipment and offer them an opportunity to use the equipment in an exercise environment.

Step 6

Candidates who successfully complete the Part 1 Training will be listed as suitable for deployment, under the oversight of a more experienced DART Volunteer, after completing the following:

·       Documentation needed for insurance and deployment purposes

·       Appropriate immunizations for worldwide deployment/travel.

Successfully completing one or two deployments will result in being recognised as having completed Part 2 Training and capable of leading a deployment in future.