The RNLI is a unique and much-loved organisation founded 201 years ago by Sir William Hillary to enable communities to save lives at sea. Today, the skills and bravery of its lifesavers remain true to Hillary’s initial Appeal to the Nation in 1823 for volunteers to “risk their own lives for those whom they have never known or seen.” Good people responded then, and have continued to do so in present times, through the delivery of RNLI's core frontline services.

Since 1824, more than 146,000 people have owed their lives to the courage and professionalism of RNLI's volunteers and staff. The delivery of all this lifesaving work across the UK, Ireland, and further afield is only made possible by the support, dedication, and commitment of RNLI's volunteers and staff – approximately 27,000 people in total, all pulling together as ‘one crew.’

Last year was the RNLI’s bicentenary, which provided a wonderful occasion to celebrate the achievements of RNLI crew, volunteers, communities, and supporters; commemorating all those who have selflessly given their lives to help save others and freely given their time, energy, and passion for the cause; and to inspire and engage a new generation of supporters to secure RNLI's lifesaving services for the future. The RNLI's people are at the heart of everything they do; they could not do what they do without them.

The RNLI is looking for a new Chief People Officer to lead the RNLI’s People Strategy and inspire a ‘one crew’ multi-disciplined team to ensure their people capability is fit to deliver the RNLI's evolving strategy as they embark on their third century of lifesaving. The way people use the coast and the water is changing. 98% of the RNLI's services are now inside 10 nautical miles of the coast, so as an organisation, they need to adapt to ensure that they can save the most lives. Demand for the RNLI's service is increasing, as are their costs of delivering it. Their priority is to continue to deliver on their vital, lifesaving purpose, ensuring they do so in the most efficient and cost-effective way, spending donations entrusted to them wisely.

Reporting to the Chief Executive and a member of the Executive Team (ET) with five direct reports, the Chief People Officer will be an experienced HR Director and an outstanding, accomplished leader who can make a wide-ranging and significant impact across the organisation.

The Chief People Officer will save lives at sea by leading the People Strategy and inspiring a multi-disciplined team to develop and embed a resilient and healthy organisation, with effective management practices to ensure their people capability is fit to deliver the RNLI's evolving strategy.

With personal values that align to those of the RNLI, the successful candidate will be a well-rounded and experienced HR professional who has gained experience in large, complex and diverse organisations.

Please download the full candidate brief for much more detail about the role and for information on how to apply.

For an informal and confidential discussion, please speak with our advisor at Berwick Partners:

Basil leRoux; basil.leroux@berwickpartners.co.uk

Closing date for applications: 23:59 on Friday 11^th April 2025