Training as an Operational Member requires much time and commitment. Once you have completed the application process, you will be invited to attend a Selection Day prior to joining us. These are held once or twice a year, depending on vacancies.
Prior to attending, you will be asked to participate in a fitness assessment walk and complete a medical screening questionnaire to ensure your well-being while out with us.
Our volunteers are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (eDBS) check, reference checks and periodic police checks as required.
All our trainee operational Licensed Search Technicians (LSTs) join us first as Support Members, so that we can get to know you better and you can decide if membership of the team is definitely for you. During this time (eight months), you will be expected to complete at least four fundraising events and be actively involved in Support Member activities.
After successful completion of your time as a Support Member, your LST training will commence. There are regular training sessions to attend before and after you qualify. Some are online, some are classroom based on weekday evenings, and others are full Saturday or Sunday sessions. There are also search exercises to attend, usually on Thursday evenings or Sunday mornings.
It will take around 4-8 months to train as an LST and, once qualified, you will go onto the callout list. All our Operational Members are on call 24/7 (there is no rota) and are expected to attend as many callouts as possible, anywhere in Hampshire, around existing commitments.
You will be required to assist with a minimum of four fundraising events per year. These consist of either supermarket collections, assisting at an event where we have a fundraising stall or marshalling a running race.
All members will need a full driving licence and access to a car. Although car sharing is encouraged, it is not always practical given that we cover the whole of Hampshire.
Some items of unform are provided, e.g. polo shirt/jacket(s), but most personal kit must be provided by members themselves. We are not able to reimburse petrol expenses.
All positions are unpaid, voluntary roles.
There is a joining fee of £10 for all members plus an annual subscription of £15 a year for trainee and Operational Members.
If this is something you feel you can do, please email the Membership Officer here for more information and key dates.
Our current joining process for operational members is below:
Please note the following dates:
6 July and 3 August 2025 – next fitness assessment walks
15 November 2025 – Selection Day
August 2026 – commence LST training