Working for us
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Powered primarily by kind donations, our search and rescue service has been saving lives for nearly 200 years. Here you can find out more about who we are, what we do and how with your support, we can move closer to a world where no one drowns.
Who are the RNLI?
We are a charity founded upon and driven by our values of selflessness, courage, dependability and trustworthiness, with volunteers at our heart. Values shared by generations of supporters like you who have powered our lifesaving work through your kindness and generosity for almost 200 years.
Volunteers make up 95% of our organisation – ordinary people doing extraordinary things – supported by expert staff, all working together to help communities at home and abroad save lives.
What is the RNLI?
With our wealth of experience and expertise, we are proud to be a world-leading modern emergency service, separate from the coastguard and independent from government.
What does the RNLI do?
Click the picture below to watch the RNLI in 2 minutes:
Every day of every year, people of all backgrounds get into danger in the water. It’s a problem that we’re here to tackle.
Today, with your support, we are working harder than ever to end preventable drowning. In addition to our 24/7 search and rescue lifeboat service, we operate a seasonal lifeguard service. Every year, our volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards help and rescue thousands of people and have saved over 143,000 lives since 1824. Countless more lives are saved through our youth education and water safety work.
In an ideal world, no one would suffer the devastating loss of a loved one to drowning. We’d reach everyone with our water safety advice. If anyone got into trouble, they’d know what to do until help arrived. And our lifesavers would always have everything they need to reach them in time and save lives.
With you by our side, we can move closer to this world.
Our purpose:
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea.
Our vision:
To save everyone.
Our values:
Our work is founded upon, and driven by, our values. Our volunteers and staff strive for excellence and are expected to be: Trustworthy, Courageous, Selfless, and Dependable.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. No matter how someone gets into difficulty, who they are or where they’re from, our lifesavers will answer the call. Knowing that someone needs our help has always been enough for us to act. Nearly 200 years ago, RNLI founder Sir William Hillary called for volunteers to rescue ‘every stranger’ – anybody in peril.
In the same way that the RNLI saves lives at sea without prejudice, we aspire to be a charity where all our people are truly valued for who they are.
It takes a deep level of trust to save lives at sea together. That kind of trust only comes from people knowing that they can truly be themselves – and be accepted for it.
In our crew, everyone should be able to be themselves and reach their full potential.
Embracing the diversity of RNLI people and the communities we work in helps us deliver innovative solutions that save more lives and prevent drowning. We understand that it takes a wide range of diverse minds, abilities, cultures and experiences to engage effectively with communities – and this is what we’re building within the RNLI.
RNLI People Networks
People networks are groups from across the RNLI who are committed to diversity, equality and inclusion.
We have four active people networks:
Disability Network
Race Equality Network
Harbour Network (LGBT+ network - lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender)
Young Professional Network
They help us to identify what we already do well and influence our charity to act when change is needed. Staff and volunteers can find out more and connect with the networks through our intranet.
Employee Forum
Channel - Channel is the RNLI employee forum; we champion your views across the RNLI, as well as provide independent and confidential support and advice on any challenges you may be experiencing.
Armed Forces Covenant
We are a proud partner of the Armed Forces Covenant. The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation, ensuring that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. The Covenant is a national responsibility, and the Government is committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for the Armed Forces community by working with a range of delivery partners including businesses, local authorities, charities, and the public.
Contact Us:
If you have any questions regarding working for the RNLI or making an application, please call the Recruitment Team on 01202 336067 or e-mail [email protected]
