Download the RNLI Annual Report and Accounts 2020
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RNLI ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020 A year like no other CONTENTS Annual Report of the Trustees of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution CONTENTS 2 Welcome 4 What we do 6 Our impact 18 Our plans 22 Financial review 28 Governance 40 Independent auditor's report 42 Financial statements 48 Notes to the accounts 74 Officers and contacts 78 Our structure Lifeguards at Constantine Beach don 80 Thank you goggles, masks, gloves and aprons to safely provide casualty care during the pandemic RNLI ANNUAL REPORT 1 AND ACCOUNTS 2020 WELCOME FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE ‘What we achieved together in 2020 is nothing short of extraordinary’ Covid-19 is a wave that no-one expected. But thanks to volunteers, staff and supporters, together the RNLI kept its head above water and had a huge humanitarian impact. What we achieved together in 2020, against pulled out the stops to get our lifeguard We have some essential catching up to the toughest of odds, is nothing short of services up and running as quickly – and do with boat building, lifeboat repairs and extraordinary. Whether that was braving the as safely – as possible. They couldn’t be station refurbishment. This vital work cannot sharp end and getting to grips with masks, everywhere though. So, while we couldn’t be put off for long. gloves and new regulations, or keeping the give water safety advice face-to-face, we We don’t know what the longer-term support engine running while isolating at ramped up our messaging and influence implications of Covid-19 will be on our home, our people demonstrated exceptional online and in the media – and worked with finances, or society at large. Many charities courage and resilience in the face of an organisations like Her Majesty's Coastguard are suffering existential difficulties and, no unprecedented storm. in the UK and the Gaelic Athletic Association doubt, there will be increasing competition All of us should feel proud of the lives in Ireland to deliver clear advice to as many for public support. But whatever the case, we saved, the people we rescued and the people as possible. We were able also to demand for our services will continue and we drownings we prevented. We could not have assist internationally, if on a reduced basis. must do our utmost to meet it. done it without widespread public support. Meanwhile, our fundraisers found new Whether you’re a volunteer, supporter, It’s clear that together, as One Crew, ways to raise money at every opportunity. governor, trustee, member of staff – or one we can continue saving lives – even in They inspired others online and helped of the countless others standing with us to a global crisis. people stay connected to our charity at keep the RNLI afloat – I want to thank you for When the first lockdowns eased in May, a time when they couldn’t visit our stations or everything you do. Together, we bring hope people were desperate to escape. They book a school visit. Despite our best efforts and kindness to others in their darkest hours, flocked to the beaches like never before, there was an inevitable fall in donations and and we seek to save every one. some trying watersports for the first time. trading income, and our expenditure reduced It was one of our most concentrated and significantly as we changed our ways of energetic summer seasons ever. Lifeboat working in line with government guidelines. crews across the UK and Ireland valiantly So, while the 2020 accounts show a surplus, Stuart Popham Rhyl volunteer crew members sharpen their skills, getting stuck into a training exercise after the first UK lockdown bore the brunt of the lifesaving as others it belies the bigger picture. RNLI Chairman 2 WELCOME ‘By modernising, pushing the boundaries and encouraging new ways of working, we can save even more lives’ I am immensely proud of how our charity responded during 2020. Maintaining a 24/7 search and rescue service in the teeth of a global health crisis was no mean feat. We adapted to massive environmental and social impacts to deliver the best possible lifesaving effect through lifeboats, lifeguards and water safety messaging. Although we had planned carefully for what maintain a full service throughout the year. we will maintain a razor-sharp focus on these That includes our fantastic staff who have we believed would be a staged and limited They didn’t stop for a pandemic, nor did they goals to ensure that we get back on track as adapted to home working, heavier schedules, lifting of restrictions, the almost total judge those they saved. In addition to their soon as possible. pay freezes and the frustration of furlough, derestriction of travel and activity in England normal volume of service, lifeboats attended Our Watch describes how we are with agility and good grace. was a surprise – and we heard about it at an increased number of recreational callouts going to build foundations for the future too. The future will undoubtedly present the same time as everyone else. This put our involving sailors, fishermen, dog walkers, By modernising, pushing the boundaries us with many more challenges – but I am lifeguard service in a difficult position, due to swimmers, surfers, paddleboarders, and and encouraging new ways of working, we confident that the RNLI will be in a strong the need to set up and train for a service with children on inflatables. Our Kent crews also can save even more lives. People are the position to continue delivering the best equipment which was predominantly still in worked together to rescue desperate people lifeblood of this organisation and we must possible lifesaving effect throughout winter storage. crossing the English Channel and we should also work harder to attract more, from 2021 and beyond. Safely restarting this vast operation took all be proud of the humanitarian work the a variety of backgrounds and generations, meticulous planning, training and more than RNLI continues at home and overseas. young and old. Our Racism, Discrimination £1.5M of medical-grade PPE, but by the end Before the pandemic started, we made and Diversity Action Team will also help us of the summer we had lifeguards covering a commitment to keep the RNLI safe and make the critical shifts we need to create more than 70% of our normal summer secure for the next 200 years in Our Watch: a better and more inclusive place of work – Mark Dowie beaches. Our lifeguards deserve a great RNLI Strategic Intent 2020–24. The Six where everyone can thrive and where we are RNLI Chief Executive deal of credit for their flexible and selfless Outcomes we set out in Our Watch still relevant to every element of the communities response. The RNLI’s lifeguard service really remain relevant and vital to our ongoing we serve. did come of age in 2020. success, despite the interruption of 2020. My sincere thanks to all of you who Lifeboat stations and crews were able to There will be inevitable delays, as we had to continue to show such steely determination implement safety measures more quickly and pause and then restart some activities, but in the most challenging of times. RNLI ANNUAL REPORT 3 AND ACCOUNTS 2020 WHAT WE DO We save lives and prevent drowning through these key activities: LIFEBOATS WATER SAFETY Our lifeboat crews aim to launch within 10 minutes of being alerted and can operate up to Making people safer is core to the RNLI’s 100 nautical miles out to sea. We aim to reach at least 90% of casualties within 10 nautical operations. We use research, targeted miles of the coast, within 30 minutes of a lifeboat launch – in any weather. Most crew campaigns and lifesaving plans to encourage members are volunteers. changes in people’s behaviour, in and around the water. We work alongside partners to maximize our reach and influence. INTERNATIONAL We work with partners globally, and in countries with a high drowning burden, to elevate the drowning problem onto the global agenda. We widen the research base, grow skills, and identify cost-effective and practical solutions to save more lives. LIFEGUARDS FUNDRAISING Our lifeguards aim to reach As a charity independent of government, anyone up to 300m from shore, we rely on the generous support of within the red and yellow flags on donors to meet the cost of our lifesaving RNLI-patrolled beaches, within activities. We set exacting standards in 3½ minutes. our fundraising to protect and maintain good relationships with our supporters and ensure financial stability. 4 WHAT WE DO Trearddur Bay volunteers tackle rough seas onboard their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Hereford Endeavour SAVING LIVES RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews provide a 24-hour search and rescue service in the UK and Ireland, and our seasonal lifeguards patrol and keep people safe on busy beaches. MORE THAN A RESCUE SERVICE Wherever drowning occurs, we aim to defeat it. With your support the RNLI can break the drowning chain and make early interventions by influencing, supervising and educating people. We work with partners to understand the risks and offer innovative solutions – and our Water Safety teams share that knowledge with anyone using the water to keep them safer. We share this expertise internationally too. We give support to countries where drowning rates are significant, and work with like-minded organisations to raise awareness of the problem and how we can address it together. These lifesaving activities are underpinned by people and initiatives that raise funds and ensure that we are well- governed and compliant. AROUND OUR VOLUNTEERS Volunteers are the keystone of our charity, supported by expert staff to enable communities to save lives.