The first RedR organisation was formed in the UK in 1980 to provide carefully selected engineers to front line agencies. RedR grew through the 80s with the range of skills on the register expanding beyond engineers, and training becoming an ever more important activity.

The early 1990s saw a growing interest and enthusiasm from groups in other countries to start their own RedR organisations. RedR International was set up in 1993 to support these organisations.

RedR's vision

A world in which sufficient competent and committed personnel are available and responding to humanitarian needs.

RedR

• develops the capacity of individuals and organisations who respond to humanitarian emergencies
• offers opportunities to people to participate both directly and indirectly in humanitarian work
• supports initiatives which improve humanitarian response

RedR International

• supports, promotes, accredits and monitors RedR member organisations
• is governed by the General Assembly
• is an Association under Swiss Law.

RedR's General Assembly ensures that RedR develops as a cohesive and effective international movement by:

• assisting new RedR organisations to become accredited members of RedR International
• monitoring accredited members' compliance with RedR International's fundamental principles;
• encouraging close contact and collaboration between RedR organisations around the world;
• organising and following up on General Assembly meetings;
• supporting projects and initiatives, such as the Sphere Project.

Members of the General Assembly are either elected or co-opted by the governing bodies of the Accredited RedRs.