Volunteer search and rescue teams across Devon and Cornwall are raising serious concerns that new legislative changes, set to come into force in September 2026, could jeopardise their vital services. The groups fear that a new requirement to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) will impose unmanageable financial and administrative burdens, potentially forcing them to cease operations.
The upcoming law stems from a recommendation of the inquiry into the Manchester Arena bombing, aiming to regulate organisations providing healthcare at events. However, for volunteer-run search and rescue teams, such as the two Cornwall teams, the Dartmoor teams, the Exmoor team, and the Devon Cave Rescue Organisation, the implications are stark. Dr Bruce Hughes, a team doctor for East Cornwall Search and Rescue, highlighted the complexity of CQC registration, stating it would be a "terrible thing for us to have to do" due to a lack of infrastructure and resources. He added that his team alone responds to an average of 35 call-outs annually.
The proposed changes include a £1,000 registration fee per team and a significant increase in required paperwork. Dr Ben Morris, Medical Officer for North Dartmoor Search and Rescue, explained that this would represent a "massive cost for us to fundraise against" and could hinder their ability to provide safety cover for local community events, which often help generate income. He suggested the new law, while aiming for significant governance around large-scale event cover, might be a "one-size-fits-all response" ill-suited to smaller, specialised volunteer groups.
A critical point of contention is the exemption granted to HM Coastguard teams from these new regulations, leaving volunteer search and rescue organisations feeling unfairly targeted. Paula Holbrook, Chair of Peninsula Search and Rescue, expressed concern that if registration proves too difficult, teams would no longer be able to proactively position themselves at potential incident sites. Instead, they would have to wait for a 999 call, potentially increasing response times for injured individuals in remote areas, where quick intervention can be crucial.
The issue has garnered parliamentary attention, with North Cornwall MP Ben Maguire recently voicing his concerns. He emphasised the need to remove bureaucracy from these voluntary organisations, particularly during summer months when coastal paths and remote locations see increased use. Maguire is advocating for a cross-party meeting with the health minister to highlight what he believes are the "unintended consequences" of the new law, which amends the Health and Social Care Act 2008.