Volunteer Search & Rescue Responder Opportunities
Join Serve On and make a difference
Serve On is a UK-based humanitarian charity providing specialist search and rescue, disaster response and community resilience support in the UK and internationally.
When earthquakes devastate communities, flooding threatens homes or people are caught in emergencies, our highly trained volunteers are ready to respond.
Our responders come from all walks of life, bringing different experiences, skills and perspectives. What unites them is a willingness to learn, work as a team and help people when they need it most.
We are looking for motivated individuals to join our volunteer response teams, helping us strengthen our operational capabilities and prepare for future emergencies.
You do not need previous search and rescue experience to apply. We provide training and development opportunities for those with the right attitude, commitment and willingness to learn.
Opportunity: Volunteer Search & Rescue Responder
As a volunteer responder, you will become part of a team that trains to operate in challenging, unpredictable and sometimes demanding environments.
Depending on your training, qualifications and experience, you may have opportunities to support operations in the UK and internationally.
What you could be involved in:
International Search & Rescue: Preparing for and potentially deploying to disaster-affected areas, including earthquake and structural collapse environments.
Flood & Swift Water Response: Supporting communities affected by flooding and developing specialist water rescue capabilities.
Technical Search & Rescue: Learning skills including casualty location, rescue techniques, working in confined spaces and the safe use of specialist equipment.
Drone Operations: Supporting aerial search, reconnaissance, thermal imaging and operational information gathering.
Medical & Casualty Care: Developing the skills to assist injured people in difficult environments.
Operational Support: Helping with logistics, communications, equipment, incident management and coordination of deployments.
Training & Exercises: Taking part in realistic exercises designed to build confidence, teamwork, leadership and operational readiness.
Not every volunteer will specialise in every discipline. We aim to help people develop their strengths while building a capable and adaptable response team.
About you
We are not necessarily looking for people who already know how to rescue someone from a collapsed building. We are looking for people who have the potential to learn.
You might work in the emergency services, armed forces, healthcare, engineering, construction or another professional field. Equally, you might have no relevant experience but are enthusiastic about learning new skills and taking on a challenge.
We are particularly interested in people who:
Are motivated by helping others and making a meaningful difference.
Enjoy practical challenges, problem-solving and working as part of a team.
Can remain calm, adaptable and focused under pressure.
Have a positive attitude towards learning and receiving feedback.
Are willing to commit time to regular training and development.
Understand the importance of professionalism, discipline and safety.
Are physically capable of working towards the demands of their chosen operational role.
Previous experience in rescue, emergency response, outdoor activities or technical disciplines is welcome, but it is not essential.
Some operational roles require higher levels of physical fitness, specialist qualifications or additional training. These requirements will be discussed as you progress.
Training and commitment
Our headquarters is based in Brixton, London, where we come together for our main training weekend on the first weekend of every month.
These weekends provide an opportunity to develop practical rescue skills, build confidence, strengthen teamwork and prepare for real-world emergency response operations.
Alongside our monthly training weekends, volunteers may have opportunities to participate in additional specialist training, exercises and operational activities at locations across the UK.
We understand that our volunteers have careers, families and other commitments. However, becoming an effective responder requires dedication, regular training attendance and a willingness to develop your skills.
International deployment opportunities depend on operational requirements, individual readiness, qualifications and availability. Joining Serve On does not guarantee deployment.
Why volunteer with Serve On?
Make a real difference: Help communities affected by emergencies and disasters.
Develop specialist skills: Access training in search and rescue, flood response, casualty care and other operational disciplines.
Challenge yourself: Build confidence, resilience, leadership and problem-solving skills.
Be part of a team: Work alongside passionate volunteers with a wide range of professional backgrounds.
Gain unique experiences: Take part in realistic training exercises, specialist activities and potentially national or international deployments.
Use your existing skills: Bring your professional experience into an organisation where it can have a direct humanitarian impact.
Keep learning: Develop new capabilities and take on greater responsibilities as your experience grows.
Volunteering with Serve On is not simply about responding to emergencies. It is about becoming part of a team that trains together, supports one another and is prepared to act when communities need help.
Interested? We'd love to hear from you.
Whether you already have emergency response experience or are completely new to search and rescue, we welcome applications from people who share our values and want to make a difference.
To apply: Please complete the application form below, telling us a little about yourself, your experience and why you would like to join Serve On.
Our team will review your application and contact you regarding the next steps, which may include an informal conversation and an invitation to attend a training session.
Complete the application form below to take the first step towards joining Serve On.
When disaster strikes, preparation matters. Help us be ready.