The structure of the Technische Hilfswerk (THW) is unique worldwide, as 98 per cent of its members are volunteers, and only some two per cent are paid employees. As a federal agency, the organisation is part of the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community. The THW headquarters is in Bonn and is headed by the President of the THW, Sabine Lackner, and the Vice-President, Dierk Hansen. THW Headquarters comprises three Departments, with various Staff Units and Divisions. The full-time structure across the country is organised in eight State Associations and 66 Regional Offices. Additionally, there are three training centres within the THW. In total, more than 2,100 full-time employees work hand-in-hand with, and primarily for, the volunteers.

88,000 volunteers

The largest component of the THW is made up of its 88,000 volunteers across the country. They act on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany. Their voluntary work takes place in the 668 Local Sections covering Germany and their direct points of contact with THW full-time staff are the 66 Regional Offices.

Together for people

Volunteers and paid staff work hand-in-hand, and in fact, many full-time staff are also volunteer operatives. The operatives rescue, organise, repair and provide immediate humanitarian assistance in the wake of severe natural disasters, both in Germany and abroad. The full-time staff coordinate, create, design, develop and implement various products, services and guidelines. Volunteers and staff are united by a history of more than 70 years working together as the THW, supporting people in need by providing technical assistance. To ensure this continues in the future, THW Youth brings together 16,000 young people in the Technische Hilfswerk youth groups.