WELCOME. to the RNLI TP-SV-27. Photo: RNLI/Nigel Millard

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1 WELCOME to the RNLI The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SC037736). Registered charity number in the Republic of Ireland TP-SV-27

2 Welcome... I hope that, like me, you will find this a very special charity to be a part of. Our priority every one of us is to contribute to the demanding and often dangerous business of saving lives at sea all around the coast of the UK and Republic of Ireland, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. The RNLI is one of the most professional organisations that I have ever come across, full of skilled, competent, passionate and compassionate volunteers and staff, all of whom have a very clear view of our purpose to save lives from drowning, whether in salt or freshwater, wherever we choose to operate. It has always been a professional lifesaving organisation continuously improving its vessels, its facilities, its training, its fundraising and its methods since Sir William Hillary, our founder, would be astounded at what has been achieved to realise his vision that more should be done to reduce deaths from drowning. Since 1824 we have saved over 140,000 people; we owe an exceptional debt of gratitude to all those men and women who every day are prepared to honour the call on our services. Despite our best efforts, people are still drowning. We know that we can help to save some of those lives by thinking and working differently. Our aim is to halve the number of people who tragically drown in UK and Irish waters every year by To do this, we must start to think of lifesaving as more than just rescue and build on our preventative work and stop people getting into difficulty in the first place. It costs over 400,000 each day to operate the RNLI and, as a charity, we are supported solely by voluntary contributions and legacies. We are also looking at a significant investment over the next decade, some 310M in new lifeboats and refurbished facilities. And all of this to do one thing, to support our lifeboatmen and women, lifeguards and flood rescue teams in saving the lives of people out in the water. Right across the charity, the RNLI constantly strives for excellence. We have a large number of loyal and very generous supporters across the UK and the Republic of Ireland and they expect no less. They must trust us to be honest and to spend their money well and we must never let them down. Our duty is to maximise the return on every penny donated and look for ways to cut waste and save unnecessary expenditure. I encourage every one of you to rise to this challenge during your time with the RNLI. Innovative ideas and creativity are actively encouraged, and will help empower you to make a difference for the greater good of the RNLI. Our purpose and vision is founded upon and driven by our values and everything our volunteers and staff do is undertaken in the spirit of being selfless, dependable, trustworthy and courageous. These values matter because they define the way that others see us and they also help to keep this the very special charity that it has always been. Last, but by no means least, although the RNLI s main purpose is to save lives at sea, your safety is of the utmost importance too. Everyone has a responsibility to take health and safety very seriously and I ask you to make this a top priority throughout your time with the RNLI. You will learn more about your responsibilities during your induction. Finally, I hope that you will enjoy being part of the RNLI team whatever your role. Please don t hesitate to ask if you are ever in doubt, if you need advice or if you are not quite sure what you are being asked to do or why. I look forward to meeting you before long. Paul Boissier, Chief Executive

3 What is the RNLI? Concept of Operations Performance standards In 1789, a ship named Adventurer ran ashore in the mouth of the River Tyne during a violent storm. Thousands of onlookers offered local boatmen rewards to save the crew but none would risk death by venturing out. The entire Adventurer s crew drowned. This disaster led to local businessmen putting up a prize for the best lifeboat design and, as a result of this competition, Henry Greathead was asked to build a lifeboat, aptly named Original. From then until 1824, there were many independent lifeboats and lifeboat societies dotted around the coast but no central organisation. In that year, Sir William Hillary founded the National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck, which later became known as the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Today, the RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. It provides, on call, a 24-hour lifeboat search and rescue service to 100 nautical miles out from the coast of the UK, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Islands. There are over 235 strategically placed RNLI lifeboat stations and, of these, three are on the River Thames in London and another four are inland water stations. The RNLI also provides a seasonal lifeguard service and operates over 210 lifeguard units on UK beaches. A Flood Rescue Team is also on 24-hour standby ready to travel to assist in flood-relief work at home and across the globe. The RNLI is independent from Government and continues to rely on voluntary contributions and legacies for its income. Fundraising carries on all year long, with thousands of volunteers lending their time and talents to boost funds for the RNLI. Six out of ten lifeboat launches are made possible by the kind supporters who leave bequests, large and small, in their Wills. The RNLI saves lives at sea throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Islands by providing: a strategically located fleet of all-weather lifeboats, which are available at all times, and tactically placed inshore craft, which are subject to weather limitations a lifeguard service on a seasonal basis safety education and accident prevention a flood rescue capability available for national or international deployment to a defined standard of performance, commensurate with the resources available, using trained and competent people who, wherever possible, are volunteers. The RNLI aims to: achieve an average launch time of 10 minutes from notification to the RNLI reach all notified casualties where a risk to life exists, in all weathers, out to a maximum of 100 nautical miles reach 90% of all casualties within 10 nautical miles of the coast within 30 minutes from launch in all weathers, where there is an identified need reach any beach casualty up to 300m from shore, within the flags, on RNLI lifeguard-patrolled beaches, within 3½ minutes deliver clear, straightforward safety advice that positively influences behaviour, measured against agreed benchmarks maintain the capability to deploy up to 16 Type B flood rescue teams the first two teams to reach any rendezvous point within the UK, Republic of Ireland and Isle of Man within 6 hours of request* an international team of 6 boats and 25 personnel to any UK port of departure within 24 hours. *it is not yet possible to meet this timescale in the Channel Islands.

4 The lifeboat service Lifeboat stations The majority of lifeboat crews at RNLI lifeboat stations are volunteers who come from all walks of life within their local communities. There is also a full-time mechanic at lifeboat stations that have an all-weather lifeboat and some have full-time coxswains. Some stations on the River Thames also have full-time crews, and Humber Lifeboat Station, because of its location, operates with a full-time coxswain and crew. Volunteer shore crew form a vital part of the rescue team, assisting with the launch and recovery of the lifeboat. A voluntary lifeboat management group (LMG) also supports each station, with local people taking key roles. The basis of the operation of a lifeboat station is as follows: the volunteer lifeboat management group coordinates RNLI activities in the area in order to maintain a sound link between the lifeboat station and the local community, including the media the volunteer lifeboat operations manager (LOM) is responsible for managing operational activities at the station, authorising the launch of the lifeboat and the day-to-day management of the station the volunteer deputy launching authority (DLA) is responsible for the duties undertaken by the lifeboat operations manager should they not be available, or, on a rota, for authorising the launch of the lifeboat the coxswain is in charge of the all-weather lifeboat and is in command when at sea the helm at most inshore lifeboat stations is a volunteer who is in charge of the inshore lifeboat when at sea at stations operating hovercraft, the hovercraft commander is a volunteer who is in charge of the hovercraft when being flown stations with all-weather lifeboats have a full-time mechanic and may have a full-time coxwain. The remainder of the crew are volunteers each station has a designated lifeboat medical adviser a local doctor who may go aboard the lifeboat, help with casualty care training and attend medical emergencies at sea a voluntary lifeboat press officer (LPO) acts as a link with local press, TV, radio and social media help to maintain a positive awareness and understanding of the RNLI in the community and beyond the volunteer lifeboat visits officer (LVO) promotes the work of their lifeboat stations to local people, tourists and visiting groups the volunteer lifeboat treasurer (LT) ensures the financial activities of the station are conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the RNLI the volunteer lifeboat administration officer (LAO) assists the lifeboat operations manager with general correspondence. Most lifeboat stations also have a fundraising group, often called a branch or a guild, made up of volunteers who coordinate local fundraising efforts. These groups are part of a wider network of over 1,000 groups across the UK and Republic of Ireland who are made up of volunteers. Volunteer officials, such as chairmen, secretaries and treasurers manage the activities of these groups and at Lifeboat stations will form part of the lifeboat management group. Photos: RNLI/Nigel Millard

5 Lifeboats Since the RNLI was founded, lifeboat design and technology have changed dramatically. RNLI designers and engineers, in consultation with crews, design and test lifeboats. They also make improvements to existing craft to meet the changing needs of the lifeboat service and develop new classes of lifeboat and rescue craft as required. The RNLI operates lifeboats suitable for all weathers and coastal conditions using the latest innovations in boat design and technology. The type of lifeboat at each station depends on the geographical features of the coast, the kind of rescue work that the station is asked to do and the cover provided by neighbouring stations. All-weather lifeboats All-weather lifeboats (ALBs) are designed to go to sea whatever the weather and, because of this, they must offer the crews and survivors the best protection possible from the elements, as well as survive the most extreme conditions and usage. There are currently six classes of ALB in the RNLI fleet: Tyne, Mersey, Trent, Severn, Tamar and Shannon. ALBs are built to very high specifications and are fitted with navigation, location and communication equipment. They can self-right in the event of a capsize and all except the Shannon class have protected propellers providing excellent protection from damage in shallow water. The Shannon class has waterjets rather than propellers. Inshore lifeboats The RNLI has three classes of inshore lifeboat (ILB) B, D and E classes that can operate in fair, moderate or rough weather conditions depending on the class. They can reach casualties in places where an all-weather lifeboat would be unable to operate, for example, close to shore and cliffs, among rocks or even in caves. RNLI inshore rescue hovercraft also extend the RNLI s ability to carry out its vital rescue work in areas inaccessible to conventional lifeboats. SHANNON The Shannon class lifeboat is the newest in our fleet. The Shannon is the first modern generation all-weather lifeboat to run on waterjets rather than propellers. These allow the vessel to operate in shallow waters and to be intentionally beached. Waterjets also give the coxswain greater control when alongside other craft, in confined waters and in all sea conditions. The RNLI s plan is to introduce six new Shannon class lifeboats every year replacing the Mersey class. Length: 13.6m Speed: 25 knots Range: 250 nautical miles Construction: fibrereinforced composite (FRC) Crew: 6 Weight: 18 tonnes Launch: carriage or moored afloat TYNE The RNLI s first fast slipway lifeboat was introduced in 1982, but the Tyne is also capable of lying afloat. Features include a low-profile wheelhouse and a separate cabin aft of the upper steering position. The propellers are protected by substantial bilge keels. The last Tyne was built in Length: 14.3m Speed: 18 knots Range: 240 nautical miles Construction: steel and aluminium Crew: 6 Weight: 27 tonnes Launch: slipway or moored afloat MERSEY Introduced in 1988 as the RNLI s first fast carriage lifeboat, the Mersey can also lie afloat or slipway launch if required. A slightly boxy wheelhouse is set well aft and the sheerline is flattened towards the bow. Partial tunnels and substantial bilge keels protect the propellers. The last Mersey class was built in 1993, and will gradually be replaced by the Shannon class. Length: 11.62m Speed: 17 knots Range: 140 nautical miles Construction: aluminium or fibre-reinforced composite (FRC) Crew: 6 Weight: 14.3 tonnes Launch: carriage, slipway or moored afloat TRENT The Trent class, introduced in 1994, has the same hull shape as the Severn class but is smaller. The sheerline sweeps down for ease of survivor recovery. The Trent carries an XP inflatable boat with a 5hp outboard engine, capable of 6 knots. This small craft can be used to access areas where the lifeboat cannot reach. Length: 14.3m Speed: 25 knots Range: 250 nautical miles Construction: FRC and foam-cored sandwich Crew: 6 Weight: 27.5 tonnes Launch: moored afloat SEVERN The Severn class lifeboat was introduced in 1995 and is the largest lifeboat in the fleet. It carries a Y boat inflatable with 15hp engine that can be launched with a crane. The Severn was one of the first hard chine hull designs for the RNLI, which is the same hull shape as the Trent class. Length: 17.3m Speed: 25 knots Range: 250 nautical miles Construction: FRC Crew: 7 Weight: 41 tonnes Launch: moored afloat TAMAR The Tamar has replaced Tynes at slipway stations and some afloat stations, with the last Tamar being built in A computerised Systems and Information Management System (SIMS) is installed so many of the onboard controls can be operated from any of the seating positions, allowing the crew to remain in their ergonomic seats for longer, improving their safety. A SIMS operating position is also fitted to the upper steering position. Length: 16.3m Speed: 25 knots Range: 250 nautical miles Construction: fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) Crew: 6 7 Weight: 32 tonnes Launch: slipway or moored afloat ATLANTIC 75 (B CLASS) This rigid inflatable lifeboat was introduced in 1993 to replace the Atlantic 21 (the last of which left service early in 2008). Crew can right the craft using an inflatable bag should it capsize, and the engines are inversionproofed to restart from wet. The lifeboat is operational in wind conditions to force 7. Length: 7.38m Speed: 32 knots Endurance: 2.5 hours at maximum speed Construction: glassreinforced plastic (GRP) and hypalon-coated nylon Crew: 3 Weight: 1.6 tonnes Engine: 2 x 75hp Launch: carriage, davit or floating boathouse ATLANTIC 85 (B CLASS) This latest version of the B class was introduced in It is larger than its predecessor, has a faster top speed, radar, VHF direction finder, provision for a fourth crew member, and more survivor space. It is operational in daylight up to winds of force 7, and at night to force 6. Length: 8.44m Speed: 35 knots Endurance: 3 hours at maximum speed Construction: carbon fibre, foam core laminate and hypalon-coated nylon Crew: 3 4 Weight: 1.8 tonnes Engine: 2 x 115hp Launch: carriage, davit or floating boathouse D CLASS In service since 1963, this inflatable is the smallest lifeboat in the fleet. Ideal for rescues close to shore in fair to moderate conditions, it can be righted manually by the crew after a capsize. The design of the D class has continued to evolve since its introduction. The figures below are for the latest version, which was introduced in Length: 5m Speed: 25 knots Endurance: 3 hours at maximum speed Construction: hypaloncoated polyester Crew: 2 3 Weight: 436kg Engine: 1 x 50hp Launch: trolley or davit E CLASS Introduced in 2002, the E class fast response craft is the fastest lifeboat in the fleet. Powered by waterjets and kept afloat, all the RNLI E class lifeboats are stationed on the River Thames. The new version was introduced in Length: 10.5m Speed: 40 knots Endurance: 3 hours at maximum speed Construction: glass epoxy-resin composite with closed-cell foam Crew: 4 Weight: 5.9 tonnes Launch: moored afloat HOVERCRAFT Introduced to the fleet in 2002, hovercraft can operate in areas of mud, sand and very shallow water useful for shoreline searches. Lift is provided by air pressure under the craft and thrust by two large rearmounted fans. Steering is by aerofoil-shaped rudders located behind the propellers. Length: 8m Speed: 30 knots Endurance: 3 hours at maximum speed Construction: marinegrade aluminium with moulded FRC Crew: 2 4 Weight: 3.86 tonnes Launch: bespoke transporter Photo: Nicholas Leach Photo: Noel Packer Photo: Kelly Allen Photo: Nigel Millard Photo: Nigel Millard Photo: Nicholas Leach Photo: David Riley Photo: Paul Kelly Photo: Nathan Williams Photo: Nigel Millard

6 The lifeguard service The RNLI operates a lifeguard service on designated beaches around the coast in conjunction with some local authorities and private beach owners. In its expanding service, seasonal lifeguards are employed by the RNLI, with an increasing number of volunteers. The service operates as follows: RNLI lifeguards can work from March through to October, 7 days a week, with some areas having extensions agreed on a local basis. Two areas also operate 365 days of the year. RNLI lifeguard units are grouped into areas that usually fall within the jurisdiction of a local authority; area lifeguard managers and supervisors manage these areas. Every year, teams of seasonal lifeguards with varying levels of experience are employed. Local lifesaving clubs provide some training and offer facilities to RNLI lifeguards and, at weekends and on busy days, many provide voluntary lifeguards to assist the paid lifeguards. The RNLI lifeguard service operates a fleet of inshore rescue boats (IRBs), rescue watercraft (RWCs) and fourwheel drive vehicles. Each lifeguard unit is equipped with rescue boards, rescue tubes, casualty care and first aid kits, defibrillators and various other items of essential lifesaving equipment. Alongside the rescues, around 95% of the lifeguard s work is preventative. RWC In service with the RNLI since 2002, the current rescue watercraft (RWC) is a modified branded model with rescue sled. Being waterjet-driven, the hazard of propellers is removed. Very quick, agile and durable, it can be deployed rapidly and operated by one lifeguard. RWCs are in use at many RNLI lifeguarded beaches as well as at Enniskillen and Bude Lifeboat Stations. Length: 3.22m Speed: 40 knots Construction: glassreinforced plastic (GRP) Crew: 1 2 Engines: 701cc, 2-stroke, oil injection, petrol Launch: trailer/trolley Photo: Dave Nicoll IRB Inshore rescue boats (IRBs) are in use worldwide. Brought into the RNLI in 2001, for use by the lifeguards, they were also introduced to selected lifeboat stations in IRBs are also used by the RNLI Flood Rescue Team. Sturdy enough for heavy surf conditions, IRBs are still light enough for just two people to launch. Length: 3.88m Speed: 26 knots Construction: hypaloncoated fabric Crew: 1 2 Engines: 30hp outboard with propeller guard Launch: trailer/trolley Photo: Nigel Millard Flood rescue The Flood Rescue Team (FRT) developed as a result of the RNLI s involvement with the Mozambique floods of February A team of eight, with six D class inflatable lifeboats, was deployed for search and rescue (SAR) purposes and ended up providing humanitarian aid to some 10,000 people. In 2005, six boats and a team of 20 were deployed to Guyana, when heavy rain and flooding affected 250,000 people. RNLI teams have attended a number of incidents ranging from small to major throughout the UK. Now, wherever flooding occurs, the RNLI is strategically positioned to respond rapidly. The RNLI currently has 16 boat teams on standby, in operational readiness to service the UK s National Asset Register (including two in the Republic of Ireland). When deployed the Flood Rescue Team(s) integrate with Fire and Rescue Service command and control systems. We operate within the guidelines set out in the Flood Rescue National Enhancement Project Concept of Operations. Specifically trained volunteers are now in place at lifeboat stations across all regions, and the necessary equipment for national deployments is stored at regional bases, plus the equipment for international deployments is held at RNLI Headquarters. Flood preparedness has become a fundamental part of the RNLI s capability and core business. Teamwork Photo: Robin Goodlad When lifeboat volunteers and lifeguards answer the call for help, a host of other state and independent bodies is ready in support. HM Coastguard or the Irish Coast Guard may call on one of its own search and rescue (SAR) helicopters, request a military SAR helicopter or call on their volunteer coastguard rescue teams, some specialising in mud/cliff rescues, to work with them. Air ambulance crews often work with RNLI lifeguards. Inland, the RNLI s Flood Rescue Team works alongside fire and other rescue services to evacuate people from flooded areas.

7 Community safety The RNLI is committed to reducing loss of life by changing the attitudes and behaviour of sea users to prevent more life-threatening situations. Teams of staff and volunteers deliver safety messages and advice in a variety of ways. The RNLI saves hundreds of lives each year, but there are still around 170 people who drown annually around the coasts of the UK. This is more than the number killed in cycling accidents. While cycling dangers (and safety) are well-recognised and covered in the media, the risk of drowning is a much less-recognised problem. Over the next few years the Community Safety Team will focus on influencing the behaviour of people most at risk around the coast by developing targeted interventions to encourage safer behaviour, and therefore reduce lives lost and serious incidents. This is done by providing evidence-based safety advice, training and safety products to target audiences through our: Fishing Safety Team, who are all current or former commercial fishermen who understand the pressures and risks faced by the commercial fishing community. Our Fishing Safety Team seeks to provide training and practical advice to a community that has one of the most dangerous jobs there is. Community Safety Team, who are specially trained RNLI staff and volunteers who advise water and coastal users and provide safety advice onboard vessels owned by members of the public. This team has just started the process of integrating the RNLI s lifesaving efforts into focused community safety action plans that address maritime and coastal risks at the local level and seek to coordinate efforts of all interested stakeholders. This goes beyond developing partnerships and seeks to integrate stakeholder efforts to promote safety initiatives, programmes and safety messages in the marine, beach/waterside and watersports environments. The goal is to create an RNLI plan that is owned and coordinated by the community in the knowledge that all stakeholders working together will maximise the lifesaving potential of all. Photo/Rod Kirkpatrick/PICTUREITNOW

8 International Drowning claims an estimated 372,000 lives around the world each year, over half of which are children. This is a conservative estimate the actual number is likely to be much higher. A staggering 96% of these drownings happen in low and middle-income countries. Despite the scale of the problem, it is barely recognised a hidden epidemic. We are expanding our international work, providing others with the knowledge, equipment and skills to try to reduce this staggering loss of life. We know drowning is preventable. A large proportion of global drownings each year occurs in coastal locations, in floods, in rivers or in other large bodies of water areas in which we have expertise in saving lives and can offer help. The RNLI is therefore building a coalition of organisations that understand the problem and want to make changes that will save lives. The coalition s task will be to make drowning prevention a global priority. We are also working with other organisations to develop simple and scalable lifesaving programmes overseas, which will drastically improve the chance of people surviving in and around water and these include: lifeguarding aquatic survival flood preparedness maritime search and rescue. The core principle of these lifesaving programmes is to give the countries the knowledge and skills to prevent people drowning, without ongoing RNLI support. For example, by providing Train the Trainer sessions for lifeguards and coastguards so they can share their skills with others, we are helping others to help themselves. Photo: RNLI/Mike Lavis

9 Locations Headquarters (HQ) The RNLI moved its Headquarters and main depot from London to Poole in As the number of call outs and lifeguard incidents has grown each year, requiring additional support and administration, the building has been extended and adjacent premises acquired to meet this demand. All-weather Lifeboat Centre (ALC) The All-weather Lifeboat Centre is the newest facility at the Poole site. Built on the former lifeboat depot site, this facility will revolutionise our lifeboat construction and maintenance programmes, bringing every stage of the production process under one roof. This will ensure we are fully equipped to build the new generation of 25-knot all-weather lifeboats, allowing our crews to continue to save lives for many years to come. Tours of the ALC, led by volunteers, can be booked through RNLI College Reception. Lifeboat Support Centre (LSC) The Lifeboat Support Centre houses the warehouse and fundraising stores, offices for Finance, Business Services, Engineering and Asset Management, and People Departments, as well as RNLI Sales Limited. Inshore Lifeboat Centre (ILC) The Inshore Lifeboat Centre (ILC), based at East Cowes on the Isle of Wight, is a purpose-built facility that has become a centre of excellence for research and development and specialises in the building, repair and maintenance of various classes of inshore lifeboat. Up to 60% of these lifeboats are constructed at this facility, along with some for international lifeboat services. SAR Composites Ltd SAR Composites Ltd, an RNLI subsidiary company, is based in Lymington and became part of the RNLI in April It is responsible for the construction of technologically advanced composite hulls for RNLI lifeboats. The last Tamar class lifeboat hull was produced in 2012 and SAR Composites is now building Shannon class hull and superstructure assemblies. All-weather lifeboat hull and deck moulding manufacturing will move across from SAR Composites to the All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole from Lymington after July RNLI College RNLI College opened its doors in 2004 for the primary purpose of training the RNLI s volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards to the highest level in order to save lives at sea. The RNLI s broader army of volunteers and full-time staff also receive training at the college. Its state-of-the-art facilities include training rooms with the latest information and audio-visual systems, full-mission bridge simulator, live-engine workshops and integrated Sea Survival Centre with survival pool that creates some pretty extreme environmental conditions. Its waterside location allows for dedicated pontoons for the training fleet. The single site provides 60 double en-suite bedrooms, all with waterside views, and facilities include a gym and Learning Resources Centre. The Riggers restaurant and Slipway café:bar with panoramic views of Holes Bay are idyllic. Where there is spare capacity in the use of the college, this space is used by external organisations on a commercial basis for meetings, conferences, exhibitions and maritime training. Due to its picturesque waterside location, it is also extremely popular for wedding events at the weekends. All external revenue generated, after costs, is then gift aided to the charity. Tours of the College, led by a team of volunteers, are available and can be booked through RNLI College Reception. Operational Regions and Divisions Five regional bases, with specialist engineers, surveyors and electronics and training experts provide the operational, technical and administrative support for all the lifeboat stations within their regions and are located at: Scotland and England North Region Perth Highlands Division Scotland Central and Shetland Division Scotland South and England North Division East Region Ipswich England East Division England South East Division Wales Region St Asaph Wales North and North West Division Wales South and Severn Division South Region Saltash England South West Division English Channel Division Ireland Region Swords Ireland North and Isle of Man Division Ireland Central Division Ireland South Division Community Lifesaving Community Lifesaving staff are based locally throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland, both in RNLI facilities and at home. The Community Support Team, which provides helpline fundraising support to RNLI branches and guilds, as well as other local fundraisers and volunteers is based in regional bases in Perth and Dublin, as well as the RNLI s office in London. Visitor centres, museums and shops The RNLI is also the only emergency service you can visit. There are over 150 stations that are visitor accessible and more are opening each year. You can find out about the story of the RNLI, and the work we do locally by visiting our station, and even get up close and personal with the lifeboats. We welcome millions of visitors every single year to our visitor centres, which allow us to put new displays and exciting content in front of them to turn them into supporters. We also have an amazing history, and our Heritage Team have museums and displays across the country telling the never ending story of our people. Most visitor centres have shops, and we have many stand alone shops too in which we sell new RNLI merchandise to our supporters, allowing them to take a little bit of their experience home with them. Photo: RNLI/Nathan Williams

10 Resources and communications Useful resources As a member of staff or a volunteer you will want to keep up to date with all the latest news and updates from the RNLI and there are a number of resources to help you do that: Loud and Clear A pocket-sized factsheet for staff and volunteers, that is packed full of useful facts, messages and the latest RNLI statistics. It is designed to be an at-a-glance guide for use when talking about the RNLI to the media or members of the public. RNLI.org the RNLI s public website. RNLI2.org provides remote access for staff and operational volunteers with an RNLI address to a number of resources such as the Learning Zone, Picture Library, Porthole, Health and Safety, and Accident Database. Porthole The RNLI s intranet for staff where you can find daily news updates and features, and can access information and services that you may need for your role, such as People Finder and RNLI policies. Some volunteers may also have access to Porthole dependent on their role. Yammer the RNLI s private and secure social network for all staff to connect, collaborate, share information and discuss work and ideas. facebook.com/groups/rnlivolunteers The Volunteer Zone a one-stop-shop on the RNLI website RNLI.org/volunteerzone where volunteers can find news, information and resources. Annual Report and Accounts available via RNLI.org, this includes the Trustees annual report and a financial review of the year. RNLI Volunteer Newsletter Contains the latest, relevant news and content for all volunteers and gives you links to handy resources. Social Media FACEBOOK facebook.com/rnli facebook.com/groups/rnlivolunteers Network with fellow volunteers from all over the UK and Republic of Ireland and share news, successes and ask questions TWITTER twitter.com/rnli PINTEREST pinterest.com/rnli INSTAGRAM instagram.com/rnli Inclusion and diversity The RNLI saves lives at sea without prejudice. We aspire to be an organisation where our people, too, are valued no matter who they are. We aim to be truly inclusive, benefit from diversity and appreciate everyone for their individual contribution. Here are a few reminders to help you do the right thing: Recognise and overcome your own prejudices and welcome everyone to the RNLI. We need to get our messages out there to new people, in new ways, so we can gain their support and for their own safety. Be interested in the people around you, put yourselves in their shoes and try and understand others perspectives. We are all role models; people will look up to you and respect you for the work you do and the expertise you have. With that comes a responsibility to make the right impression, to make sure that when people think about the RNLI they remember us for the right things, every one of us. Have inclusion and diversity in the forefront of your mind when making decisions however big or small, when deciding how to tackle something or how to talk to someone. Don t walk on by we all have a responsibility to tackle behaviour or actions that do not fit in with the RNLI values. We have policies and procedures to support people and deal with things if they occur, but the biggest change will come when people stand up for what is wrong and don t just walk on by. The RNLI brand You may hear people talk about the RNLI brand and how important it is to the organisation. All of us come across brands every day when we make choices about the things we buy or the services we use. Many people think of the RNLI s brand as the logo but it is much more than that. The real meaning of the brand is the complete experience that people get from the RNLI. This starts with the RNLI s Purpose, Vision and Values (see back cover) and is expressed through all of the services the RNLI offers, through the way we behave and through all of our communications, whether written, spoken or visual. Remember, people experience the RNLI brand however, whenever and wherever they come into contact with the RNLI. We all have a particular responsibility to protect and promote the brand and encourage future support of the RNLI. Continuous improvement Over the last few years the RNLI has embarked on a journey of change through an ambitious Continuous Improvement (CI) programme. We have started to think, act and provide our services and products in a new and more agile way. Every part of the charity has been under review, from our boat building, to training and fundraising, all with the goal of making what we do more efficient, less wasteful and to allow us to continually improve in the future. The work is ongoing as we embed continuous improvement as part of daily life in the RNLI.

11 Photo: RNLI/Nathan Williams Learning and development You are the RNLI s greatest asset and therefore we are committed to investing in the learning and development of all our people to help you reach your performance goals in your current role, fulfil your career potential (if applicable), and support you to continuously improve yourself and ultimately the lifesaving work of the RNLI. Staff training The staff training team provides a one-stop shop, giving support, advice and guidance on learning and development issues. The team is based at RNLI College. Whatever job you do, the RNLI s performance framework defines what is expected in terms of staff behaviours and competencies. Initially, your line manager will discuss any specific and relevant learning and development activities at your induction. To support your development and continuous improvement, our range of learning resources and activities align with these behaviours and competencies. Once you have started at the RNLI you will have access to a variety of developmental tools ranging from face-to-face training to online training courses, informal or formal coaching or mentoring and other resources. Working for the RNLI means that you are expected to take ownership of your own learning and development. You are actively encouraged to discuss this with your line manager in the context of getting better at what you do on a day-to-day basis to meet the RNLI s purpose of saving lives at sea. Volunteer training Training is provided for volunteers to help them fulfil their volunteer role. The RNLI will aim to provide opportunities for personal development in their volunteer role. Crew - To manage the diverse range of training and the huge number of volunteers we depend upon, we run a competencebased training (CoBT) programme. This ensures that all crew members are trained, qualified and assessed as being competent in their individual roles. Each volunteer receives their own development plan to enable them to work towards the competencies at their own pace. Due to the range of operations and skill sets required, we deliver crew training in a variety of different ways including: training at their own station and in mobile training units (MTUs) search and rescue scenarios both afloat and in our dedicated full-mission bridge simulator at RNLI College attending RNLI College for residential courses including time spent afloat sea survival training in the Sea Survival Centre with its own wave pool training on working engines in our live-engine workshop for mechanics. Lifeguard training RNLI lifeguards need to hold an internationally recognised beach lifeguard qualification but on top of this it s important to train them to use the equipment used by the RNLI. Much of the training is carried out at their place of work on the beach and some is carried out at RNLI College. Lifeguard training is a key component of the RNLI s lifeguard service and the RNLI continually strives to improve the quality and efficiency of training delivered to our lifeguards. Non-operational volunteer training The RNLI is keen to ensure that all volunteers receive training for the role they perform. Whether this is training in dealing with the media or learning how to deliver effective communications, there is a range of training opportunities available to all. Other training The RNLI College enables the RNLI to deliver training to a wide audience of sea users including overseas lifeboat and lifesaving services. Excess capacity is marketed and sold externally to raise vital funds for the RNLI. The RNLI s Volunteer Commitment Volunteers are at the heart of the RNLI, and we believe that they have been, and remain, fundamental to the service delivery and reputation of the institution. We have over 30,000 volunteers covering over 100 roles from lifesaving crew and fundraisers to education volunteers and tour guides. We value the incredible contribution that each and every one of them makes to our vision to end preventable loss of life at sea. As volunteers are so essential to our lifesaving service delivery, we need to ensure that we are able to attract and retain a plentiful supply and pipeline of volunteers for traditional and new roles, meeting the needs of the organisation as it develops. As well as delivering our service, communicating prevention messages and helping raise funds, we will be looking for more volunteers in the future to take on roles in the offices, run projects for us and provide us with valuable professional skills. Your wider role Everybody connected with the RNLI is an ambassador and each person can make a significant difference to our reputation and standing within a personal, local and wider community. A passing conversation can leave a lasting impression on a supporter or potential donor and the need to communicate key RNLI messages is vital to making people aware of our continued reliance on voluntary donations. Phrases such as six out of ten lifeboat launches are only possible due to legacies and we receive no UK Government funding can make the difference between somebody supporting us or not. There are numerous organised events taking place around the country throughout the year so please keep a look out for an event that you might like to join in with. You may even like to come up with an idea of your own but, whatever you do, we hope you have fun helping to raise vital funds. The Volunteer Commitment outlines what the RNLI will do for volunteers and what it hopes and expects in return. It sets out the basic principles of volunteering that, together with its supporting policies, provide greater clarity and understanding about the two-way relationship that exists between the RNLI and its volunteers. Full details of the volunteer commitment can be found on Porthole or from your volunteer manager. RNLI fundraising groups can be found in almost every town from the heart of the Pennines in Buxton and the far flung Islands of Orkney. There are over 1,000 groups in total, supported by volunteers aged ! The RNLI strives to be a high performance organisation. Everyone is actively encouraged to continuously look for ways to improve what is carried out and how things are done, not only in their own role but in the wider organisation. As a new starter with a fresh pair of eyes, there is no better time to seek new, better or cheaper ways of doing things. Contact your manager with any ideas you may have. What next? On your first day, your manager will start a structured induction with you. This will include meeting your colleagues, going through any relevant RNLI policies and procedures with you, ensuring you have the relevant equipment and helping you to find your way around. We hope you will enjoy being part of the RNLI and look forward to welcoming you aboard. Welcome to the RNLI.

12 The RNLI S Purpose, Vision and Values PURPOSE: VISION: VALUES: The RNLI saves lives at sea To end preventable loss of life at sea Our volunteers and staff strive for excellence and are expected to be trustworthy, courageous, selfless and dependable Trustworthy: Responsible, accountable and efficient in the use of the donations entrusted to us by our supporters., managing our affairs with transparency, integrity and impartiality. Courageous: Prepared to achieve our aims in changing and challenging environments. We are innovative, adaptable and determined in our mission to save more lives at sea. Selfless: Willing to put the requirements of others before our own and the needs of the team before the individual, able to see the bigger picture and act in the best interests of the RNLI, and be inclusive and respectful of others. Prepared to share our expertise with organisations that share our aims. Dependable: Always available, committed to doing our part in saving lives with professionalism and expertise, continuously developing and improving. Working in and for the community and delivering on our promises. Things we will not change: Volunteer ethos Our lifesaving service is provided wherever possible by volunteers, generously supported by voluntary donations and legacies. Independent of Government We do not seek funding from central government. Major charity, community based We operate through local teams, centrally directed and resourced. Maritime Our exceptional expertise is in the preservation of life at sea and on the water through prevention and rescue. Heritage We are proud of our history and tradition and of the RNLI s achievement of saving lives over nearly 2 centuries.