We periodically recruit to fill various vacancies in our operation, which may include Search Technicians, Operational Support and General Support roles. All roles play an equal part in our operation and are crucial to the effective operation of Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue. 

Our current requirements...

Fundraising Officer
Event Services Lead
External Trustee

Job Description: Fundraising Officer
Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue (BLSAR)

Job Title: Fundraising Officer
Location: Berkshire (Home-based with attendance at monthly leadership meetings in Bracknell)
Contract: Volunteer Role
Hours: Flexible, with an estimated 5+ hours per week

Reports to: Member of the BLSAR Leadership Team, who report to the Trustees

Team members: None defined. Co-opted as required.

SAR qualified: This role does not require Search & Rescue qualifications. Recruitment is both internal and external to BLSAR.

About Us

Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue (BLSAR) is a registered charity dedicated to assisting the police and other emergency services in the search for vulnerable missing people. Entirely staffed by a committed team of approximately 80 volunteers, we provide vital support to the community, working around the clock to help those in need. To sustain and grow our efforts, we rely on generous donations, grants, and sponsorships, making fundraising an essential component of our mission.

Role Purpose

The primary task of the Fundraising Officer is to maximise the charitable income of BLSAR. This is a key leadership role with overall responsibility for developing and delivering fundraising strategies to support BLSAR's operations. The focus is on securing a reliable stream of funds through a range of channels, including donations, community events, corporate sponsorship, grants, and other campaigns. A major objective is to research, identify and recruit high-value and dependable relationships with key funders who can underpin the day to day running of BLSAR.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact by ensuring the long-term sustainability of our life-saving services.

Key Responsibilities

1. Fundraising Strategy Development
   • Develop and implement a comprehensive and sustainable fundraising strategy aligned with BLSAR’s goals.
   • Identify and pursue new fundraising opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, and donor campaigns.
   • Collaborate where appropriate with other organisations that can help support the BLSAR fundraising goals.
2. Community and Corporate Engagement
   • Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, organisations, and individual donors.
   • Organise and promote fundraising events, campaigns, and communication activities to engage the community and recognise community contributions.
3. Grant Applications
   • Research and prepare grant applications to secure funding from trusts, foundations, and other relevant bodies.
   • Monitor deadlines and maintain a calendar of funding opportunities.
4. Marketing and Communications
   • Collaborate with the BLSAR marketing team to promote fundraising activities through the BLSAR web site, partner web sites, social media, email newsletters, and local media.
   • Develop compelling case studies and materials to inspire potential donors and supporters.
   • Represent BLSAR at partner and volunteer led events.
5. Management
   • Determine the nature of the team necessary to support the fundraising strategy.
   • Recruit and manage the team (sourcing members from inside and outside BLSAR) to deliver successfully on the strategy.
   • Act as “cheerleader” within BLSAR in promoting and advising on fundraising activities.
   • Represent and lead on Fundraising as an active member of the overall BLSAR Leadership Team.
6. Administration and Reporting
   • Work with the BLSAR Leadership Team to identify funding needs and opportunities to secure grants for specific requirements.
   • Develop and maintain an annual forecast for fundraising income.
   • Share a monthly report that tracks fundraising progress, ensuring transparency and accountability.
   • Maintain accurate records of donations and donor interactions and work with BLSAR Finance Lead to ensure these are accurately accounted for.
   • Ensure that all fundraising activities are undertaken in line with prevailing best practice, relevant legislation and internal BLSAR rules.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in fundraising, sales, marketing, or a related field (voluntary or professional).
• Proven self-starter and individual contributor.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire and engage a wide audience.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Knowledge of grant application processes and donor management.
• Passion for BLSAR's mission and the ability to work collaboratively with a team of volunteers.

Desirable Skills

• Experience in fundraising and community engagement.
• Familiarity with digital marketing tools and platforms.
• Established local network in Berkshire and the surrounding areas.

What We Offer

This role provides the chance to be part of a dynamic and compassionate team at a vital local charity while developing your skills and making a meaningful impact in the community.

How to Apply

To apply, please email your CV and a brief cover letter detailing your experience and enthusiasm for the role to [email protected]

Volunteer Role: Event Services Lead

Help us show who we are — and raise vital funds along the way

About Us

Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue (BLSAR) is a volunteer-run emergency response team that helps find high-risk missing people. We also attend public events to raise awareness, build partnerships, and support our fundraising — and we need someone to help coordinate those efforts.

The Role at a Glance

Role Title: Event Services Lead

Where: Berkshire (with some travel to event locations)

Time Required: Flexible, depending on the event calendar (includes some evenings / weekends)

Reports To: Head of Business Support

Team: Event Managers (volunteers)

Why This Role Matters

We’re proud of what we do — and sharing our story helps us gain support, raise funds and find new recruits. This role supports those efforts by coordinating a team of volunteers who represent BLSAR at events like shows, school visits and open days.

What You Might Be Doing

• Managing a small team of Event Managers and supporting them with their events

• Helping keep track of our calendar and who’s covering which event

• Making sure our kit, signage and displays are ready and available

• Supporting new Event Managers as they learn the ropes

• Representing BLSAR at larger or higher-profile events

• Checking event plans meet basic safety and quality standards

• Helping build relationships with event organisers or sponsors

You don’t need to be at every event yourself — this is about leading a team and making sure everything runs smoothly.

Skills You’ll Need

• Friendly and approachable, especially in busy event settings

• Comfortable coordinating volunteers and sharing responsibility

• Organised and happy managing calendars and checklists

• Basic understanding of safety and risk management

• Familiar with email and basic office tools (we use Microsoft 365)
  
  

What You’ll Get

• A fun, flexible role that puts you at the heart of community engagement

• The chance to lead and support a friendly volunteer team

• Support from BLSAR’s Business Support and Leadership Team

• Opportunities to develop leadership and coordination skills

• A key role in helping us raise vital funds and grow our reputation
  
  

How to Apply

If you enjoy planning, working with people and making things happen, this could be your perfect volunteer role.

Just email [email protected] with a few lines about yourself and your interest in the role.

We’re happy to have an informal chat before any commitment — no need for a full CV to start.

About Us

Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue (BLSAR) is a vital volunteer-run charity, supporting the police and emergency services in locating vulnerable missing persons. With a team of approximately 80 volunteers, we depend on a strong, cohesive support capability to maintain operational readiness. The External Trustee plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth running of the charity.

Role Purpose

BLSAR is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), whose activities are overseen by 5 Trustees, of whom two are selected externally and have no prior membership of the organisation. The Trustees play a vital role in providing strategic direction, independent oversight, and constructive challenge to the Leadership Team. You will contribute your professional expertise and external perspective to help ensure the charity delivers its mission effectively, operates with integrity, and remains financially and legally compliant.

Key Responsibilities

GOVERNANCE & STRATEGY

• Ensure the charity pursues its stated objectives and remains true to its mission and values.
• Contribute to the development and approval of long-term strategy, organisational plans, and key policies.
• Scrutinise decisions and hold the leadership team accountable for delivery and performance.
• Ensure the Leadership Team has an appropriate focus and balance between maintaining the operational capabilities of each department whilst protecting the long term stability and resilience of the organisational.

FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP

• Oversee the financial health and sustainability of the charity.
• Approve budgets and monitor financial performance against targets.
• Ensure proper systems of financial control and risk management are in place.

COMPLIANCE & RISK

• Ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Safeguard the charity’s assets and reputation.

PEOPLE & CULTURE

• Support the development of an inclusive, collaborative, values-led organisational culture.
• Provide independent insight on diversity, equity, and governance matters.
• Help ensure effective leadership team and organisational composition, succession planning, and personal development
• Work with the Trustees and the leadership team to identify and address issues in an appropriate and timely manner

AMBASSADORIAL ROLE

• Act as an advocate for the charity externally, supporting networking, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement as appropriate.

Essential Skills and Experience

• A commitment to the values and objectives of the charity
• Independence of judgment and a willingness to speak your mind
• Experience of working across a multi-functional organisation in a managerial position
• Experience in a professional field (e.g. finance, law, HR, marketing, fundraising, digital, etc.)
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills
• An understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship
• Willingness to get involved in tasks and projects as requested or desirable
• All candidates will be subject to a DBS check.

Desirable:

• Previous experience as a trustee or non-executive director
• Lived experience or insight into the communities the charity serves
• Understanding of governance in the charity or non-profit sector

What We Offer

This role provides the chance to be part of a dynamic and compassionate team at a vital local charity while developing your skills and making a meaningful impact in the community.

How to Apply

To apply, please email your CV and a brief statement outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience to the following email [email protected]

Notes:

• This role requires somebody who has the time to give to the role, this is estimated to be a minimum of 5 hours per week
• The role holder will have previous experience of charities or senior management roles.
• The role holder will be expected to attend some meetings outside of normal business hours as most trustee and leadership team meetings are held 19.00-22.00
• The role holder may need to be prepared to make difficult decisions and to have difficult conversations from time to time with people.