Leicestershire Search and Rescue

Leicestershire Search and Rescue (LeicSAR) is a UK-based nonprofit organisation operating as a lowland search and rescue unit. It is dedicated to providing vital support to emergency services, local authorities, and the general public within Leicestershire and Rutland. The organisation is staffed entirely by highly trained volunteers who are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Mission and Activities

LeicSAR's primary mission is to assist Leicestershire Police and other emergency services in locating vulnerable missing persons, including children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from illnesses such as dementia, depression, or other mental health conditions. Their operational scope covers urban, rural, and lowland areas across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. Beyond search operations, LeicSAR offers search management, swift water rescue, advanced medical capabilities, and various other specialized services.

The organisation works in partnership with Leicestershire Police, East Midlands Ambulance Service, and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service. Additionally, LeicSAR provides mutual aid support to neighbouring counties including Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, and Warwickshire.

Organisation and Governance

Leicestershire Search and Rescue operates under the regulatory guidance of the Association of Lowland Search and Rescue (Lowland Rescue), a voluntary UK body that governs search teams supporting emergency services in searches for missing persons. Lowland Rescue is part of the wider UK Search and Rescue (UKSAR) strategy overseen by the Department for Transport.

The charity is registered under charity number 1150100 and is governed by five trustees. It employs no paid staff; instead, it is supported by a dedicated team of 58 volunteers. There is no remuneration paid to trustees, and the charity is fully reliant on voluntary donations and fundraising activities to finance its operations.

Recognition and Funding

LeicSAR has been honoured with The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, a prestigious accolade recognizing outstanding voluntary work in communities across the UK. This award is considered the equivalent of an MBE for volunteer groups.

Financially, the organisation reported an income of approximately £70,858 and an expenditure of £67,874 for the year ending January 31, 2024, with a portion of income supplemented by government grants. The charity does not have any trading subsidiaries.

Community and Partnership Role

Leicestershire Search and Rescue is an essential community resource, offering rapid response support and expert search capabilities that augment the efforts of emergency responders. Its volunteers maintain a high level of readiness and training to effectively carry out search and rescue operations in diverse environments. The organisation also engages in community fundraising and awareness to sustain its activities.

LeicSAR exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and community service, providing life-saving assistance and reassurance throughout Leicestershire, Rutland, and adjoining areas.

Note: The article is compiled from verified public information regarding Leicestershire Search and Rescue and presents an encyclopedic overview of its structure, mission, and role in the UK emergency response framework.

[1] https://leicestershire-sar.org.uk/about/ [2] https://leicestershire-sar.org.uk [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5032693/charity-overview [4] https://leics-fire.gov.uk/search-and-rescue1 [5] https://www.swipedon.com/case-study-leicestershire-search-and-rescue