It is a registered charity, and its purpose is to provide back-up personnel to the emergency services in a range of situations, providing support at public events and during times of adverse weather conditions, natural disaster or civil emergency.

[1] CAVRA briefly ceased operations in July 2024 due to the retirement of Chairman Ivor Davies and a number of other trusties.

CEVs are the entry-level position for individuals volunteering with CAVRA, with constant recruitment open across the United Kingdom[3].

Headquarters are responsible for the strategic level of the charity, and oversee governance, training and procedure.

2025 is the 25th Anniversary of CAVRA, and is expected to be highlighted by celebrations at the Emergency Services Show, held at the NEC, as the event coincides with their foundation month, September.