The Team recruits new probationary members on an annual basis. An information evening takes place in January, with an initial selection process completed by April. A full training programme is then undertaken, with a final assessment 12 months later. Any mid year applications will be held until the next annual intake.
Associate membership can be applied for all year round.

Apply for full Team membership online here

RECRUITMENT-
We recruit new members to the Team, male and female from all parts of County Durham. The procedure for induction of new members is as follows:-

Stage 1 -Initial enquiry
An informal discussion with a prospective member takes place, usually with the Training Officer to ensure that the applicant meets the basic criteria i.e. :-
aged over 18 years, 16 to join the Youth Team
have relevant hill experience
their availability and willingness to undertake the demands of probationary training
is fit to search for a maximum of six hours with a full pack

Stage 2 -Potential new members open evening

There is only one open evening per year, in January. This includes:-
a tour of the Rescue Centre and presentation on the work of the Team
an opportunity to meet Team members
a presentation on training programme, expectations and questions

Stage 3 -Application form and references obtained.
A formal application form has to be completed which will require two references.

Stage 4 -Short 'Hill Test' (half day)
This provides an opportunity to look at the aspirant members gear for the hill, their navigation and hillcraft skills.

Stage 5 -Acceptance as a prospective member
There is one intake per year in Jan or Feb. A copy of the Teams Training File will be provided with 'Basic' requirements indicated. These have to be fulfilled during the probationary period.

Group Leaders in the Team have the responsibility to ensure that the probationary members training log is being completed and progress is maintained. Also they feed information to the Training Officer on progress and further training needs. A Team member is appointed as a mentor to support in any wider matters of concern to the prospective member.

-TRAINING LOG-

There are nine sections in our Training Log Book..
Rescue organisation
Search Methods
Fellcraft and Navigation
Rescue Centre and Vehicles
Communications and Radio Procedure
Casualty Care
Crag Training
Air Support
Crashed Aircraft
River Rescue
The knowledge and skills in each section of the logbook are divided into three categories

Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced

Certain areas of the Foundation skills and knowledge are shown as Basic - these have to be acquired and/or understood by a probationary member before he/she is accepted as a full member.

FOUNDATION
It is expected that all full members, through their own training programme will acquire, then maintain, the knowledge and skills to Foundation level in each section.

INTERMEDIATE

These competencies lead on from the foundation. In some categories it is what is expected to be in a specialist group e.g. crag Team, search management group, vehicle driver, etc. It should also be seen as a training route towards Group Leader, Deputy and Team Leader.

ADVANCED

These are skills and knowledge which only some Team members will acquire. These Team members would then be specialists in these fields e.g. Advanced Casualty Care, Rope Rescue.

Resources will be provided to allow criteria in the Log Book to be met. These will include:Work-cards, work-sheets, practical exercises, videos, books,CD Roms, slides, Power-point presentations, use of internet, etc. Together with a list of individuals within the Team who are willing to train prospective Team members in particular aspects of the training programme.

We expect that it will take AT LEAST one year of training before a prospective Team member is able to demonstrate the skills and acquire the knowledge to become a Full Team Member.

To find out more please E-Mail the Teams training officer. You can apply online here

Associate membership can be applied for all year round.

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