Become a REACT Responder
We are always looking for talented and compassionate people to join us in our mission to help the hardest to reach when disasters happen.
Disasters can strike anywhere, at any moment. As humanitarian Responders, we don’t know when or where we will be needed. This means we need a pool of highly-trained, committed and like-minded people who are ready to go when the call comes.
We welcome applications from all suitable candidates, but please be aware that we are currently prioritising applications from people based in the Midlands & East of England, the North, Scotland and Wales to ensure that we can respond effectively across the whole of the UK.
How do I become a REACT Responder?
Before you can deploy as a REACT Responder, you must successfully complete our intensive Responder training programme. The first step in the training is to register on our Volunteer Portal and complete the online Foundation Course. The course takes 2 – 3 hours to complete and is packed with information about who we are, what humanitarian response work involves and what it means to be a Responder.
If you are interested in becoming a Responder, click here to find out whether it's for you.
What does a REACT Responder do?
As a REACT Responder, you will do whatever it takes to meet the urgent needs of people affected by disasters in the UK and internationally. It is a physically demanding and emotionally challenging role and tasks will be dependent on the changing needs of an evolving and often complex situation.
Some examples of our UK response work can include;
- Assisting in flooded areas
- Welfare checks following storm-related power outages
- Helping to support the NHS during periods of unusual pressure
- Sorting and distributing aid
- Evacuating at-risk residents
Some examples of our international response work can include;
- Managing logistics
- Preparing and distributing food packs
- Sourcing and constructing shelter
- Building emergency latrines
- Sorting and distributing aid
Through intensive training, we ensure that Responders are agile, positive and skilled in a number of ways, in order to quickly assess situations and take action to ensure people receive the help they need. We often work closely with other humanitarian organisations to achieve this.
If you are interested in becoming a Responder, click here to find out whether it's for you.
I'm not an army veteran, can I be a Responder?
We encourage people from all walks of life to apply. Many of our Responders are indeed veterans or people who work in the emergency services because their skills suit this type of role. But we also have many Responders who come from civilian backgrounds. As long as you share our values and complete the training, you can be a REACT Responder.
If you are interested in becoming a Responder, click here to find out whether it's for you.
I want to apply to be a REACT Responder. What do I do next?
If you have decided you have what it takes to be a REACT Responder, the first step is to register on our Volunteer Portal and complete the online Foundation Course. This will take 2 to 3 hours to complete and is packed with information about who we are and what our work involves.
Once you have completed the Foundation Course, you will be asked to book an online Assessment Centre, followed by a short and informal online interview with a Regional Leader. The next step will be attending a 3-day training weekend, where you will put through your paces with other trainee Responders.
If you are interested in becoming a Responder, click here to find out whether it's for you.