![](https://emergencyservicestimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ESS-Button-resized.png")
Twelve months after its formation, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Volunteer Search and Rescue is already demonstrating what focused, cross-party engagement can deliver.
Led and supported by Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW), which also provides the secretariat and authored the group’s manifesto, the APPG was established to raise national recognition, strengthen coordination, reduce unnecessary barriers, and better support the communities who rely on Search and Rescue (SAR). One year on, it has moved with pace from ambition into tangible progress.
Volunteer SAR sits at the heart of the UK’s resilience infrastructure. Across mountains, rivers, coastlines and rural communities, thousands of trained volunteers respond at all hours, supporting statutory services and providing specialist capability. It is a model built on professionalism, commitment and public value, and one that is now receiving growing recognition within Parliament.
Over the past year, the APPG has created a platform that brings together Parliament, government and the SAR community in a way that did not previously exist, helping turn operational experience into practical policy outcomes.
A milestone moment: VED exemption
Its most visible success came in November 2025, when the government announced a Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) exemption for SAR vehicles. Secured through coordinated engagement led by the APPG, the decision marked a significant step forward in both financial support and national recognition.
As MP Josh MacAlister, himself a mountain rescue team member for Patterdale, noted at the time, the exemption represented “a practical recognition of the extraordinary contribution made by volunteer rescue teams,” reflecting a stronger understanding of the role they play.
For volunteer organisations, many operating within tight financial constraints, the measure delivers meaningful savings while reinforcing the principle that their contribution is recognised in national policy.
Building momentum across key issues
Beyond this headline achievement, the pace of work across the APPG has been notable. In a relatively short space of time, it has established a clear programme of activity across key issues including insurance, workforce recognition, regulatory barriers and legislative alignment.
Work is now underway to build a detailed picture of insurance costs across the SAR community, supporting consideration of longer-term approaches such as Crown Indemnity. At the same time, proposals including a SAR Charter are being developed to improve clarity and consistency for volunteers and their employers.
Mike Park, former CEO of MREW of Cockermouth MRT and now leading its engagement with the APPG, said the progress made reflects both intent and collaboration: “A year ago, this group didn’t exist. Since then, we’ve brought together organisations, Parliamentarians and officials to focus on the key issues and start working through them in a joined-up way. That’s a strong position to build from.”
Addressing practical barriers on the ground
The APPG has also created space to address a wider set of practical challenges – from regulatory considerations around medical provision, to access to equipment, to the role of emerging technologies such as drones. Longer-term legislative enablers, including Section 19 provisions relating to vehicle recognition and training, remain firmly on the agenda as part of creating greater consistency across the sector.
Nigel Harling, APPG Secretariat and also with Patterdale MRT, said: “There’s been a clear shift over the past year in how volunteer Search and Rescue is understood. We now have a stronger platform, not just to raise awareness, but also to continue developing practical solutions that support teams on the ground.”
Shifting the focus toward prevention
Alongside this work, there is a growing focus on prevention. With call-outs rising in recent years, clearer, more consistent safety messaging is becoming an important part of the wider approach, helping the public make informed choices and supporting those who respond when things go wrong.
At its core, this is about people. Those rescued are often ordinary individuals – families, walkers and cyclists – caught out while enjoying the outdoors. And those who respond are volunteers giving their time, skills and commitment in service of their communities.
One year on, the APPG for Volunteer Search and Rescue has established itself as a credible and effective forum for progress. It has shown that even within a relatively short period, meaningful steps can be taken where there is shared purpose and coordination.
There is more to follow, but the direction is clear. The past 12 months have laid the foundations and demonstrated that progress is not only possible, but already underway.
To read similar articles, check out our Leadership channel.
Mountain Rescue England and Wales will be exhibiting at The Emergency Services Show 2026 taking place on 16-17th September at the NEC, Birmingham. You can find Mountain Rescue England and Wales on Stand CZ22, register for your free ticket here.
