About The Coastguard Association Archives | The Coastguard Association

Your Questions and our Answers about the Coastguard Association and the work we are involved in within the UK.

Q. What is the Coastguard Association?

A. The Coastguard Association is a registered charity (Charity No 279359). It was established in 1976 to help Coastguard personnel and their families from all over the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man in their time of need. The charity has the blessing and full support of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency.

Q. Who do we help?

A. We seek to help any serving or retired (by age or medically) Coastguard personnel and their families in times of genuine hardship, poverty or distress. Each claim is treated on its merit in a prompt, confidential and sympathetic manner. More details here.

Q. What about local branches funds?

A. As Trustees, we strive to complement branches, not compete with them, and on many occasions we work in conjunction with them to finance more expensive cases. Many branches do not have their own funds and look exclusively to us to fulfill this area of staff welfare.

Where are the local branches? Details here:

Q. How do I Claim?

A. All claims are made through the National Welfare Officer providing the nature of hardship, a brief synopsis of events and the wider circumstances of those involved including details of dependents. Requests for assistance can be made directly or via a third party. All claims are treated in strictest confidence. More details here.

Q. How is the Coastguard Charity Fund financed?

A. We do not receive any Government or business grants, and depend entirely on voluntary donations. The Fund also has the advantage of the Treasurer being a retired bank manager and our accountant a member of Central branch. The Fund is subject to a full annual audit from the Charity Commisioners. We also present a full financial report at our Annual General Meeting each year, held during the month of April, to which all are welcome. The Trustees are all volunteers, which keeps our administrative expenditure low compared to other charities.

Q. What is our Charity Charter?

When you consider making a gift to our charity, we undertake that:

All communications surrounding it will be honest, truthful and will comply with the law.
Your right to privacy will be respected and you will not be subjected to any form of pressure.
Your gift will be applied to the purpose for which it was originally requested.
Your gift will be used in a way that preserves the dignity of the beneficiary.
Your gift will be handled responsibly and to the greatest advantage of the beneficiary.
Fundraisers of the Coastguard Association will consider how they meet your wishes as a donor and will be transparent in their dealings with you.
Fundraisers will respect your needs for confidentiality and will comply with the law relating to fundraising and the use of personal data.
Fundraisers will strive to achieve the highest professional standards at all times
The National committee of the Coastguard Association will handle any concerns you may have relating to these points swiftly and effectively.

To make it easier to find the correct person to help with your query please view below the key responsibilities of the National Committee and their contact details:

Chair – Stuart Arundel

To ensure the smooth running of the Coastguard Association and to give advice to all Branches, regarding welfare and financial needs.
To ensure the committee fulfils the aims set out by the constitution and acts in the interest of its members.
To liaise closely with all National Committee members.

Name: Stuart Arundel
Telephone: 01507 358446 / 07963785981 – If Important PLEASE ring as emails are not always answered quickly
Email: Click here to e-mail the Chair
Address: Highfield Lodge, Bank End, North Somercotes, Louth, Lincolnshire, LN11 7LJ

Vice Chair – Bud White M.B.E.

To support the Chair with the smooth running of the Association and stand in when they are unavailable.
To ensure the Charity Commissioners are informed of any Committee changes or Trustee changes annually
To help retired members to retain links with their colleagues.

Name: Bud White M.B.E.
Telephone: 07534 908195
Email: Click here to e-mail the Vice Chair

Treasurer – Steve Brooks

Take charge of the funds of the Association, including renewal of the affiliation fees. Receiving all sums of money paid in and paying out such money as is properly authorised by the committee.
Report the state of the Association finances at committee meetings.
To receipt any money donated to the Coastguard Association, and to write letters of thanks to those who donate money to the National Charity Account.

Name: Steve Brooks
Telephone: 07831 140385
Address: Brayfield; Willerton Road; North Somercotes; LN11 7NH
Email: Click here to e-mail the Treasurer

National Secretary – Joanna Howard

To assist the Chair with the development of the Coastguard Association and answer any questions or problems that occur within.
Prepare the Agenda for the AGM, after consulting with the Committee and branches; perform such duties as the Committee may from time to time decide.
Receive and report to the Committee all applications for membership, the current numbers of members and any other related matters he considers should be brought to the Committees attention.
To deal with any correspondence as required.

Name: Joanna Howard
Email: Click here to e-mail the Secretary

Welfare Officer – Alan Fisher

To deal with all claims of hardship, poverty, illness and requests for support which are reported to the Coastguard Association and decide if claim is warranted and falls within the charity commission rules.
The contact for bereaved families, and send condolences on behalf of the Coastguard Association.
The contact for those who require the assistance of the Coastguard Association in the form of grants and loans.

Name: Alan Fisher
Telephone: 07788 127743
Email: Click here to e-mail the Welfare Officer

Digital Operations & Engagement – Kevin Paterson

To manage the Coastguard Association website.
To develop and manage the Coastguard Association’s social media and communications strategy.
To develop and manage the Coastguard Association’s digital presence.
To develop and support the Coastguard Association’s ICT and digital infrastructure.
Edit and produce Coastline Magazine – the official digital publication of the Coastguard Association.

Name: Kevin Paterson
Telephone: 07889 816772
Email: Click here to e-mail the Digital Operations & Engagement Officer

Public Relations – Matt Cox

To develop and maintain a positive image for the Coastguard Association.
To develop and maintain relationships with partners and stakeholders.
To improve communications with existing and potential Coastguard Association members and stakeholders.

Name: Matt Cox
Telephone: 07807 790665
Email: Click here to e-mail the Public Relations Officer

Coastline Magazine

The official digital publication of the Coastguard Association.

Name: Kevin Paterson
Telephone: 07889 816772
Email: Click here to e-mail the Coastline Magazine Editorial Office

Trustees

Our trustees as to be published on the Charity Commission Web Site are:

MR TERRY BEARPARK
MR PAUL DAVIG
MR CHRIS O’REAGAN
MR STUART ARUNDEL
MISS JOANNA HOWARD

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