A YEAR LIKE NO OTHER
AGM 2021 | Additional Information
1 AGM 2021 | Additional Information Booklet
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE GOVERNORS
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held virtually and in person at the Waterfront Suite, RNLI College, RNLI Support Centre, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ at 2pm on Tuesday 3 November 2020
Present in person: Mr Stuart Popham (Chairman) In the Chair Mr Eddie Donaldson Trustee Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence Trustee Mr Mark Dowie Chief Executive Mrs Sue Barnes People Director Mrs Claire Deuchar Chief Information Officer Mrs Jayne George Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Media Mr John Payne Director of Lifesaving Operations Mr Steven Peacock Chief Financial Officer Mrs Angela Rook Associate Director, Fundraising, Marketing and Media Mr James Vaughan International Director Mr Angus Watson Director of Engineering and Supply Mr Simon Payne General Counsel and Company Secretary together with a small number of Governors
Present online: Mrs Janet Cooper Trustee Mr Paddy McLaughlin Trustee Mr David Delamer Trustee Mrs Sonia Modray Trustee Mrs Fiona Fell Trustee Mrs Rosemary Norris Trustee Dr Philip Goodwin Trustee Mr Mike Sturrock Trustee Sir Peter Housden Trustee Mr Chris Walters Trustee Dr John Killeen Trustee Mr Denis Woulfe Trustee Rear Admiral Roger Lockwood Trustee together with Council members, Governors and guests
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1. CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME General questions had been taken at the The Chairman, Stuart Popham, thanked end of the meeting under Any Other Business. Governors, supporters and friends for joining Governors who had been present in-house the meeting today and said it was an absolute had been provided with a form on which to pleasure to welcome them all to the RNLI’s submit a question on their arrival, and it had 2020 Annual General Meeting which was been hoped to answer all questions during our first ever virtual AGM. To all those who the meeting. All questions and answers would watched online, he hoped they enjoyed be included in the minutes of the meeting which today’s meeting. would be circulated before the 2021 AGM. This AGM formally reviewed 2019 but, as this It was also noted that any questions which meeting had been delayed so far into 2020, could be emailed to [email protected] some observations were made about 2020, within the next 30 days would be included what had happened during that year, and some in the minutes and listed anonymously. insights had been provided. The proceedings The Chairman had, prior to the move had run a little shorter than a physical meeting to official business, expressed his thanks for the AGM, with a planned finish time to everyone; that he was indebted to our of 3.30pm. volunteers, our supporters and our staff. The Chairman had been present in the 2019 had been tough but, having looked back, RNLI’s Support Centre in Poole and he had it had seemed much easier than 2020. This year, been joined by Mark Dowie, Chief Executive, so many people had made sacrifices and had members of the Executive Team, a small number adapted to changing circumstances to keep of Governors and some fellow Trustees. It was our services running, and to protect water noted that social distancing regulations had users in the UK and Ireland and internationally. been observed. Like many of those present, staff had been The Chairman thanked all those online furloughed, people had worked from home and in-house who had joined the meeting, and many of our lifeboat volunteers had and Governors who had cast their votes and juggled working from home, home schooling played their part which helped the RNLI save and crewing lifeboats. It had been a turbulent more lives. For those who had not been able time for everyone. to attend the meeting, the live stream had The Chairman said that even in these times been recorded and was made available the of personal hardship, it was still possible to following week online at RNLI.org/agm2020. stand with the crew and the lifeguards. Council members had been elected The kindness and commitment shown and re-elected under agenda item five, were extraordinary, and the selflessness which had required three separate and bravery of our lifesavers had been, en-bloc votes. Council members’ names and was, unfailing. These inspirational people and biographies had been located in the were still willing to go to the rescue, even if additional information booklet which had it put them at risk. It was clear that this RNLI been made available online on the spirit prevailed through thick and thin. AGM webpage. Participants had been Our charity has survived through war reminded that only Governors were eligible and peace, boom and bust, and that was to vote on the proposals. because for nearly 200 years now people like
3 AGM 2021 | Additional Information Booklet the governors had carried us through the 4. CHARITY REPORT tough times. For generations, our volunteers The Chairman would normally have asked and supporters had shown courage, the Chief Executive to provide detail on adaptability and resilience in the face of the RNLI activities and achievements of the adversity. The Chairman was sure that 2020 previous year. However as this meeting was would go down as a defining moment in our being held in November, the Chief Executive long lifesaving history but it was not the first, covered 2019 and 2020 in his report. and with everyone by our side, it certainly At the end of the Chief Executive’s report, would not be the last. the Chairman remarked that the films shown The Chairman said that together we were had been inspiring. His report had clearly one crew and he knew that we would go on illustrated how we had risen to that challenge saving lives for generations to come. together, and it had also given a real taste of the vital work that must now be focused on.
2. CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE LAST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 5. TO ELECT/RE-ELECT COUNCIL HELD ON 25 JULY 2019 MEMBERS TO HOLD OFFICE FROM The minutes of the Annual General Meeting THE CONCLUSION OF THE MEETING held on 25 July 2019 had been circulated in The Chairman informed online Governors advance on request and made available online. that their votes were required. They had The Chairman confirmed that he would sign been advised to select either ‘for’ or ‘against’; the minutes at the end of the meeting as a confirmation message had appeared, and if evidence of the business undertaken at Governors had changed their mind, they had that meeting. been able to select ‘cancel’ to recast their vote. This process had been permitted as many times as Governors wished until such time as the 3. TO LAY BEFORE THE GOVERNORS THE Chairman advised that each vote would close. ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR Governors had also been advised that if they THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 had any difficulties when voting online, they The Chairman noted that agenda item three were to select the information tab, open was to lay before the Governors the Annual ‘Guide to the Virtual AGM’ and this should Report and Accounts for the year ended have addressed any questions they had. 2019. He advised that copies had been The Chairman had informed those made available online and in-house before this Governors physically present that the voting meeting and he had encouraged Governors process would be done as in the past by to read it. The Annual Report and Accounts a show of hands, or the holding up of a 2019 complied with the necessary accounting yellow card, also ‘for’ or ‘against’ in each standards and legislation, and also took a look bloc vote, and he would announce the at the lifesaving impact that Mark Dowie had result of all the votes together at the end. spoken about in the Charity Report at agenda Online viewers were advised that they would item four. Governors found real stories about see the results on their screens at the end and real people heart-warming. at the same time.
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The voting system was tested and some was particularly pleased that after six years, technical issues were experienced. The test they were willing to stand for a final term. vote had been left open whilst the Chairman The names were displayed on the screen. had opened the official online voting. The Chairman invited a show of hands from Governors were invited to vote on the Governors present in the room who wished the resolution in respect of ten Council to vote in favour of the resolution, and those members who were standing for re-election. who wished to vote against the resolution. The Chairman remarked that they had given They were advised that the online voting invaluable service and they were willing to was open and invited to vote. The vote was left serve for another term. Governors had been open until the Chairman advised it was closed. invited to vote to re-elect them for a second The Chairman invited Governors to vote on term of up to 3 years by way of a single the resolution in respect of nine names who bloc vote, and the names had been displayed were standing for election for the first time. on the screen. Governors had been invited to elect them for The Chairman advised that further technical a first term of 3 years with a single bloc vote, issues had been experienced and the voting and the names were displayed on the screen. remained open whilst a film had been shown The Chairman invited a show of hands from the and the issues resolved. Governors present in the room who wished to The Chairman invited Governors to vote vote in favour of the resolution, and those who on the resolution in respect of ten Council wished to vote against the resolution. They were members who were standing for re-election. advised that the online voting was open and As the Chairman had already remarked, invited to vote. The vote was left open until the Council members had given invaluable the Chairman advised it was closed. service and they were willing to serve for Whilst awaiting the results, the Chairman another term. Governors were invited to spoke to the Governors about the Trustees and re-elect them for a second term of up to Council members, and noted a particular thank 3 years with a single bloc vote, and the names you this week as it had been Charity Trustees were displayed on the screen. Week. The Chairman thanked all of our The Chairman invited a show of hands from exceptionally helpful Trustees, and the people the Governors present in the room who wished on the Council who he remarked were talented to vote in favour of the resolution, and those professionals; they had a range of expertise, who wished to vote against the resolution. gave their time to the RNLI, got involved in They were advised that the online voting our advisory committees and review groups, was open and invited to vote. The vote was left mentored staff and gave specialist advice. open until the Chairman advised it was closed. The Chairman added that his fellow Trustees The Chairman invited Governors to vote had responded to the challenges, both of 2019 on the resolution in respect of eight Council and of 2020 absolutely admirably. members who were standing for re-election, The Chairman said that in 2020, all our and were willing to serve for a third and final committees held all their meetings online term of up to 3 years. The Chairman remarked and on time, and they had given advice around that the Council members had continued to the clock to support the Chief Executive and provide a crucial service to our charity and he the senior leaders. The Trustees had agreed
4 5 AGM 2021 | Additional Information Booklet that reserves could be used but cost savings The Chairman remarked that all those Trustees should be made, that the government furlough and Council members he had mentioned had payments and the equivalent be accepted, made a massive contribution to our charity, and agreed to run the very best lifesaving and he gave his sincere thanks to each of them. service possible at the same time. The Chairman The Chairman advised the Governors that felt that together this had been achieved, and the votes had been received and were shown would continue to do so. on the screen. A total of over 270 Governors The Chairman noted that stepping down had voted online, and five or six Governors from the RNLI Council this year were Charles had voted in-house, and he declared: Deakin, Neil Hardy, Michael Seymour, Nick The resolution to re-elect the following Winterbottom and David Delamer, although 10 Council members for a second term David Delamer was only stepping down as a had been carried: Trustee and would remain on the Council. The Chairman advised that Sir Tim Laurence Dr Peter Aitken was also stepping down as a Trustee and John Burke a Council member; he had given 16 years Roger Fairhead of absolute sterling service; he had been a Dr John Killeen member of the Trustee board, the Council, Paul O’Leary Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the Professor Mike Tipton Operations Committee. The Chairman noted Ian Venner that Tim had brought so much knowledge Lesley Wilkin and expertise to the RNLI, that he had chaired Kate Wilson 24 RNLI Coast Reviews which was not about Denis Woulfe sitting in a boardroom a few times a year; it was getting out and about, visiting stations, The resolution to re-elect the following meeting and listening to volunteers face-to-face, 8 Council members for a final term had and learning about the demands they faced been carried: every day. Tim had not just listened, he had taken people’s concerns and ensured they Andrew Cooper reached the Executive, and he had argued Janet Cooper successfully for necessary changes. The Martin Gregory Chairman calculated that Tim had given at Adam Griffin least 7–8 full weeks every year to the RNLI Paddy McLaughlin which was an immense amount of time set Sonia Modray aside in an already very busy life. It was why he Sandra Morson was so well respected around our coasts and, Professor Phil Sutton at the last count, he was just a handful of stations shy of visiting all 238. The Chairman The resolution to elect the following 9 said that knowing him as he did, he felt that new Council members had been carried: Tim would probably go on to complete the full set during what would be described as a well- Robert Boddington deserved retirement. Tim Bryan
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Philip Davies centre which had to close for a time but Gillian Hodgetts had gradually got going again and was Al Kassim now fully operational. Alastair Miller Sir Tim referred to the fundraisers who had John Newell also had a difficult time. Their normal sources Melissa Potter of funds and events had been cut off; they had Jane Totten to use great imagination and innovation to come up with new ideas, new ways of doing business and new ways of raising money, 6. VOTE OF THANKS TO CREW and he had been delighted to hear from the AND VOLUNTEERS Chief Executive earlier how successful they had The Chairman invited Sir Tim Laurence to been despite all of those difficulties. give a Vote of Thanks to all our crew members Sir Tim paid particular tribute today to our and volunteers on behalf of the Trustees, frontline – the lifeboat crews, the lifeguards Council members and Governors. and the stations that supported them. All of Sir Tim Laurence thanked the Chairman for them had been put under exceptional strain his kind words about himself and also those this year, as Governors had already heard, who were stepping down, and he thanked having had to make the usual difficult balance the Chairman on their behalf. He thanked between home life and their duties to the RNLI, the Chairman for having allowed him to having to cope with the additional demands of say a few words to add to what he had said operating in a Covid environment and making earlier in his introduction. He said that it was sure that they themselves stayed fit and well a privilege on behalf of the Council and the so that they could continue carrying on Trustee Board of the RNLI to propose a Vote their duties. of Thanks to our staff and volunteers for what It had been a tough year for everyone in they had achieved in the last 18 months; the the RNLI but as usual the Institution had risen last nine of those months had been dominated to the challenge magnificently and continued by the Covid-19 situation and he focused on to provide a first-class service throughout, that period with the following brief words. here in UK and Ireland and overseas as well. Sir Tim referred back to March when staff The Governors had heard and seen this in had been immediately required to take the words of Mark Dowie and some of a number of, and in some cases, almost those excellent videos which he had shown. impossible decisions about how to proceed. Sir Tim advised that he had been directly Whatever decision they had taken, some would involved for about 16 years, that it had been have said they had got it right, some would the most enormous privilege for him to walk have said they had got it wrong. They had alongside this great Institution, and to be part battled through that despite some criticism, of the One Crew that made up the RNLI. He some of which he had felt was unjust, and felt that he had gained far more from it than they had continued to operate through this he had given, and he knew many other people very difficult summer. He had included in who supported the RNLI had that same sense. that message all the staff present at today’s As he stepped down from the Institution today, meeting and also the all-weather lifeboat he was delighted to ask all those present and
6 7 AGM 2021 | Additional Information Booklet all those online to give a huge round of applause over the last 8 months, and that the RNLI had to thank everyone in this incredible crew. learnt to live with providing a lifesaving service The Chairman thanked Sir Tim. during the Covid-19 pandemic period. Many of the things now being done were being carried out with all the measures in place that made 7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS our people safe and kept the public safe as we The Chairman introduced item seven on the delivered our service. The RNLI would continue agenda, Any Other Business and, in particular, doing what it did, which was to save lives. questions from the floor. It had begun to return to exercising, training Before the Chairman opened up the floor and, as Sir Tim had mentioned, back to working to questions, he advised Governors that there in the all-weather lifeboat centre. The RNLI was was another way in which the financial stability getting back to business properly now and or sustainability could be ensured in the future, the last of our staff had now returned albeit in a more conventional manner. from furlough. The Chairman explained that a modest Mark Dowie reported that about 84 of our increase would be made to our membership shops were currently open in England and they rates later next year. The Shoreline membership would increase to £36, the Offshore would probably have to close for the next few membership would increase to £84 and the weeks. There would probably be other changes Governor subscription would increase to £114. from some of the other countries and regions The Chairman noted that this was the first time that we operated in. The RNLI would need to an increase had been made since 2018, and he stay flexible and it was about finding a way hoped that Governors thought this was fair and to do things, and finding a way to deliver also a necessary decision. our service rather than whether to do it. The Chairman advised that Mark Dowie and members of the Executive team were on hand b) The next question concerned fundraising to help answer as many questions as possible and related to the projected drop in income. and, if there was insufficient time, questions The first part asked about the RNLI’s plans would be responded to directly by email as for digital solutions including contactless soon as possible. A number of questions on payments, and how well that was progressing. a similar topic had been received and they The second part asked whether the BBC Saving were collated into one. Lives at Sea series actually generated income for the RNLI. a) The first question related to the government’s announcement at the weekend Jayne George, Fundraising, Media and of an additional lockdown in England, Marketing Director, responded firstly to the along with the various restrictions around Saving Lives at Sea question. She advised that the rest of the UK and Ireland. What changes the BBC had a policy which meant that the would be needed to the delivery of the RNLI could not fundraise directly off the back RNLI services from Thursday, and what the RNLI would be doing differently from the of Saving Lives at Sea. As there were no adverts first lockdown. or advertising breaks, we were not allowed to do anything directly. However, people from Mark Dowie, Chief Executive, responded. the film were featured in all of our social He said that a huge amount had been learned media activity during the series, and the series
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conveniently led into the peak-giving period The Chairman responded that it was not of our year which was Christmas. Governors something we were planning to do, but would on social media would therefore see some be kept under review. The opportunity to ensure stories about the crew members featured that those people who received awards and in Saving Lives at Sea and we tried to make could be recognised in their community was the connection in that way. felt very strongly. This year a change to our Jayne George responded to the digital long service awards had been introduced, question. She advised that we had accelerated and many people will have received 30-year, our capability in this area this year which had 40-year, and in some cases, awards for 60 years’ resulted in, for instance, our online shop going service. This award system will be continued. from a very small base to generating over e) It was questioned what the impact of the £1 million in online sales. In addition, and due pandemic has had on the production of new mainly to the lockdown, our campaigns had lifeboats and on the Severn Life Extension meant that more people were giving more Programme and maintenance. It was also online than they normally would. The positive questioned if more of our resource was being news from a fundraising point of view was that put into the Severn class refurbishment at the generally people were more generous when expense of new builds, or whether that might they gave online than when they were be the case in the future. writing a cheque. Angus Watson, Engineering and Supply c) The next question related to our plans Director, responded. The pandemic and the for future AGMs, and whether there was an restrictions that we had been operating under intention to keep offering a virtual option in have had an effect, so it had been necessary the future. for the factories to be closed. A core team was retained to look after emergency repairs and The Chairman responded as the question had maintain the maintenance of the relief fleet. been directly addressed to him. He advised that Some activity was happening in all the three it had been the intention to pose resolutions factories but not in the way that the volume this year to be able to hold virtual meetings or of work was normally delivered. However, to hold meetings both simultaneously online and everything was now back up and running, in person. At this stage the Charity Commission all the work that had to be postponed was were unable to authorise this, therefore it continuing and new boats still had to be rolled will be reviewed again for next year’s AGM. out. Other work had been undertaken in the The current plan was to hold a physical AGM background – supporting the stations whilst in 2021, the benefit that had been learned with their boat was not replaced and ensuring that online activities and virtual attendance was they remained safe and fit for purpose. It was that it brought many more people into the a delay, but it was still possible to ensure that possibility of, in a sense, attending. good reliable equipment was available. The approach taken, which was part of d) It was questioned whether there would be the business case for the All-weather Lifeboat any resumption of the annual awards event Centre, was to understand how many pieces of that used to be held in the Barbican. equipment needed to be replaced every year.
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Lytham St Anne’s crew punch through waves in their Shannon class lifeboat Barbara Anne. The station has been saving lives since 1851
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The RNLI has 150 All-weather lifeboats with a and mental health were checked to ensure that life expectancy and therefore six major builds they were fit to serve and were not being put were required every year. For a period, that was in any danger by allowing them to perform in six Shannons a year, but it was always intended their roles. Careful monitoring was required to transition between the different classes – and any changes made had to be the right currently, the change was being made from the changes to ensure they were not being put Shannon class into the Severn Life Extension into further danger. It was noted that this programme. It was planned eventually to have was one of the projects that had to be paused built all the Shannons, then the Severns, during Covid-19, however plans were in hand and perhaps Tamar upgrades. The factory to restart it. Mark Dowie added that he hoped had been built as open plan as the versatility an announcement would be made soon about enabled the different classes of boat through station officials; the position regarding sea- the whole life to be done. going crew would take more time. It was believed that this was not a compromise but a through-life asset management on all g) It was questioned whether our frontline crew our fleet, balancing the next piece of equipment were Covid-tested. that required replacement to ensure that the whole fleet was fit for purpose and safe for Mark Dowie, Chief Executive, responded. the crew. Great success was being made on It was noted that frontline crew were tested, the Severn life extension prototype where but only in the same way that all people were much had been learned. The pandemic had tested if they had symptoms and/or if they delayed some of that timeline and things wanted to be tested. A programme of testing were now back on track. It had been observed had not been conducted across all crew that some of our engineers had worked very around the coasts of both the UK and Ireland. successfully from home during the pandemic However a close eye had been kept on crew and therefore the engineering detail of the resilience so that it was known at any one drawings and everything they needed had time how many crew were isolating or ill. been progressed. This had allowed the factory An up-to-date response could be offered to workers to settle in immediately on their return the coastguards of both the UK and Ireland in with the drawings being available to them. terms of which assets the RNLI was able to declare. f) It was questioned whether the retirement ages for operational and shore crew were h) It was questioned whether, or how, the being reviewed. significant income currently held in restricted funds was being addressed, and to what extent Mark Dowie, Chief Executive, responded. It was that might be able to assist in some of the noted that the retirement ages for operational shortfall experienced this year. and shore crew were reviewed, and remained under review. It was a fit-to-serve policy where Steven Peacock, Chief Financial Officer, the fitness of all the people who served in responded and confirmed that the questioner operational positions, both sea-going crew, was correct. It was noted that the net assets shore crew, lifeguards and also officials and of the RNLI at the end of 2019 were just under station officials, were looked at. Their physical £734 million:
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• 65% of those were related to fixed assets organisations into the task, and part of that which were our lifeboats, launch and was about communication. The next edition recovery equipment and lifeboat stations, of the Lifeboat magazine would feature an as examples. article on some of the work providing support in Bangladesh. This appeared in a proportionate • 16% of our assets were in restricted way through our channels and we were trying reserves which were specifically focused to ensure that the broader populations, on donations towards future assets which particularly at government level, understood were not currently in place but due to be the scale of the problems that faced different focused in the future. communities around the world.
Those assets needed to be utilised as much j) The next question related to our SMS as possible, but it needed to be recognised that messaging service and had been asked by a the priority of focus in terms of the investment governor who subscribed to the receipt of in our fixed assets, in our new boats and new alerts from their local station but felt that lifeboat stations, was around the need rather there was a delay in receiving those messages. than based on financial requirement. Ways It was also questioned whether there were to leverage those assets and let them help any plans to improve the service so that us in the short-term need were always being notifications could be immediately received, reviewed, however our focus needed to be on for example, a link to the crew paging system the priority of the need of the end user. or some means by which it could be sped up. i) A question was received on the international Claire Deuchar, Chief Information Officer, aspects of the RNLI’s activity and in particular, responded. It was noted that we had recently thanks for the superb work that we did today invested quite significantly in updating our and whether that activity should be publicised paging infrastructure by the replacement of more widely. the hardware around the coast of the UK and Ireland to ensure that the paging infrastructure James Vaughan, International Director, was available to support our brilliant volunteers responded by thanking the questioner for for the next ten years. An app had also been their support which was much appreciated. implemented to support that, which was also International activity was an incredibly integrated with the UK and Irish coastguards, important issue and, if the activity was put again to help our volunteers, and to reduce the into scale, it was estimated that 320,000 time for that information to emerge by about people drowned each year which was the one and a half minutes. Currently, through the equivalent of the size of the population of feedback of the working group comprised of Cardiff. An enormous challenge was faced volunteers, it had not been planned to further all around the world in trying to tackle integrate with regard to the SMS messaging. drowning reduction. Claire Deuchar agreed to take that point The RNLI wanted to get other people away and revisit it with the working group. involved in this, so our job was about raising awareness, raising evidence or putting together k) A question was received relating to evidence and helping introduce different our fundraising branches and guilds,
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the questioner said they had frequently Mark Dowie, Chief Executive, responded. heard staff commenting that this system of He felt that one of the things that made fundraising at branches and guilds was no the RNLI so special was that it was funded by longer relevant, and wondered what the RNLI’s public subscription. The RNLI has an incredible policy was of retaining the current branch and army of supporters, donors, volunteers, guild structure. shop workers and people who helped us with our funding, which was a big ask. A large Jayne George, Director of Fundraising, Marketing amount of money had to be raised every year and Media, responded. She advised that her to keep the service going. The pandemic had career had begun in fundraising as a community placed particular strains on the RNLI which fundraiser, and for her branches and guilds were was also a big employer with nearly 2,000 everything that the RNLI did. This was not just people working as full-time staff. During the because they formed part of our communities pandemic, where it was appropriate and where around the coast and took the word of the RNLI activity had to be stopped, we were able to to a much wider population than we would use the furlough scheme in the UK and the otherwise be able to reach, but because there temporary wage subsidy scheme in Ireland was a really important point that required to help us through that time. The RNLI also clarification. About half of our legacy income benefited from Gift Aid and from some of the was not due to anyone giving that because exemptions that charities were able to claim they had been a contributing member on our from other taxes and charges that applied to database, but because they had come to know companies and individuals. Therefore, in some the RNLI through other means, and it had to be ways the RNLI did benefit from government assumed that that other means was our branch support more widely. He firmly believed, and guild network who were at the heart of our and he knew that the Trustees agreed, fundraising and we will do everything we can to that going further for government support give them the best support going forward. for our services would be a mistake. The RNLI Jayne George also responded to the had existed for 197 years, at least a couple of question on the new contactless technology times in that 197 years we had been to the (see question b) for the branches and guilds. government for help, and he hoped that we She confirmed that the technology was being did not need to do so during his time. The RNLI rolled out, that some successful collections had would therefore continue to review its options, been made using this technology and also in but it was not our long-term intention to seek Covid-restricted areas, and that was going further government support. to be even more important going forward.
l) A governor commented how remarkable it was that the RNLI was wholly funded by 8. CHAIRMAN’S CLOSING REMARKS voluntary donations but had questioned The Chairman announced that the Annual whether, because of the disruption due to General Meeting had concluded and he Covid, now was the time to lobby government thanked Governors, volunteers, supporters, to obtain some central funding, perhaps to donors and staff, who had done so much over supplement the charity’s income and ensure the last year, especially through the pandemic. the current service levels could be sustained. He also thanked their families and friends who
12 13 AGM 2021 | Additional Information Booklet had supported them in that mission, and that their screens, which would also be available on what we did together made a huge difference the website at RNLI.org/agm2020 and would to so many people every day. remain there for a few weeks. The Chairman thanked Mark Dowie, The Chairman advised Governors that any Chief Executive, who had led the RNLI remaining questions could be submitted and through the past year with genuine concern they would receive an email response within for all and had even voluntarily halved his the next 30 days. salary when the scale of the crisis had been realised. The Chairman thanked the organisers, all those behind the scenes, and those who DATE OF NEXT ANNUAL had overcome some of the local difficulties, GENERAL MEETING and enabled this meeting to be conducted The Chairman announced that the next Annual online today. General Meeting would be held on 8 July 2021, The Chairman also thanked the Charity hopefully in person and the location would be Commission who had enabled this meeting published in the usual way through the Lifeboat to be held virtually. It was the RNLI’s first magazine and on the website at RNLI.org. attempt to hold a virtual AGM, and the Chairman wished to hear Governors’ thoughts POST-MEETING NOTE: The date of the and also how they thought it might be improved AGM has been moved from 8 July 2021 in the future. Governors were informed that to 1 July 2021. a link for a short survey would appear on
Lifeguards at Constantine Beach don goggles, masks, gloves and aprons to safely provide casualty care during the pandemic
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Annex A Summary of unanswered questions submitted online during the AGM and answered by email response within 30 days
The questions on a similar theme have been Mark Thorpe, Retail Manager, responded. grouped together. Our 173 shops had been heavily impacted this year due to lockdown restrictions and also cross-contamination considerations, with the RETAIL majority of our shops being part of the station. 1) A governor enquired when the shops will open. His team had worked hard to re-open as many shops as possible in a Covid-secure manner Alison Byers, Regional Engagement Lead, during the summer, and had opened 91 of the Scotland, responded. 173 shops prior to the new lockdowns which All of our shops had been closed during came into force. The total gross income forecast the first lockdown early in the pandemic. for the year for shops was £1.8M against 2019 The decision had been taken not to re-open when £6.9M sales had been achieved. This shops this year where there would have been equated to about a £2M reduction in net an impact on operational activity such as profit paid back to the Charity this year. shared entrances between crew and customers. However, like many retailers, a huge increase However, as a result of putting robust processes in sales online had been seen this year as more in place to make our shops Covid-secure, people switched to shopping online, and our it had been possible to re-open 88 shops, gross sales from this Channel will be close to either standalone or station shops with their £4M by the end of the year compared to own entrances, by the end of September. £1.4M in 2019, so a huge move forward. Processes were put in place to support our The overall impact was likely to see a volunteer teams where they had to react reduction of net profit from the sales to changing restrictions such as in Wales, company to the Charity of about £400–500K, where shops had re-opened again recently, and to remain very profitable in the current and in England where all shops were closed environment was a fantastic achievement. until 2 December. Shop income had been Mark added that our shop volunteers should significantly impacted in 2020, however the be recognised for their resilience and support incredible efforts of our shop and souvenir in getting so many shops re-opened during the branch teams meant that retail income of over course of this year. £1.5M had been generated year to date. 3) A governor noted that contrary to the 2) A governor asked how shop revenues had achievements of many online shopping been affected since Covid-19, and also whether outlets, the RNLI seemed to have virtually the RNLI could have increased ‘shop’ revenue shut down, and wondered if they felt they by offering more items from specific locations. had missed out as a result.
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Mark Thorpe, Retail Manager, responded. wanting to buy more generic items to show RNLI Sales re-launched the RNLI online shop their support. (shop.rnli.org.uk) in May 2018 in a new and A small range of items had been trialled to profitable manner after a number of years of understand what was, and was not, wanted by non-profitable trading. In 2019 our gross sales our members and only the governor items had from the online shop were just under £1.4M. sold, with sales being low. This volume did not However, he was delighted to report that in meet most of our suppliers’ minimum order 2020 our total gross income was forecasted quantities for bespoke items and so they would to be close to £4m for the full year which was not actually help the RNLI make profits from almost treble last year’s sales. This would also these sales. The decision was therefore taken set a new record sales figure for online for the to stop selling these items. RNLI which was previously £3.5M. The Retail team had reacted with agility to ensure stock availability to support sales that MARKETING were well in excess of the planned numbers and, despite many challenges, had delivered 5) A governor requested that the new prices for one of the largest growths in the UK retail Shoreline, Offshore and Governor membership and charity sectors. be repeated. There was a significant trend shift to online Lucy Barnett, Senior Marketing Manager, shopping and it was expected that the total Individual Giving Team, responded. share of the retail market from online to settle As of Q2 in 2021, the prices will be between 30-40% of total sales in the future as follows: which was about one-third higher than pre-Covid trends. Shoreline - £36/€42 Offshore - £84/€102 Governor - £114/€132 MARKETING / RETAIL 6) A governor stated that ‘Saving Lives at Sea’ 4) A governor stated that membership had been a brilliant BBC television series and merchandise seemed almost non-existent particularly valuable in keeping the RNLI in and that this was invaluable to governors in people’s minds at this challenging time. Whilst order to show their support. It was requested Covid restrictions continued to limit face-to- that more merchandise be made available to face engagement opportunities, the governor reflect governors’ commitment. wondered whether it was the intention for filming to continue indefinitely with more Lucy Barnett, Senior Marketing Manager, series to follow. Individual Giving Team, responded. She explained why we had the level of Michaela Campion-Smith, Senior Marketing membership merchandise and why it had Manager, responded. not been increased. Unfortunately since She was glad to hear of the enjoyment the re-launch of the new RNLI Shop site, experienced by the governor, and explained the demand for member specific products that whilst the RNLI would be delighted for a had been declining, with our supporters further series of this programme, it remained
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the decision of the BBC and its commissioners. and buckets could be made to stand out. It was hoped to find out if a sixth series would Work would be undertaken closely with our be produced next year, and advised governors volunteer fundraisers to look at their needs, to keep an eye out for such an announcement. their feedback on public giving trends, and new opportunities to ensure that our fundraising teams were correctly equipped. Some of our FUNDRAISING buckets will be adapted with an evolved lid to include a contactless card reader and still have 7) A governor asked Jayne George, Director of the ability to take cash. Our collection tins Fundraising, Marketing and Media, to elaborate will include other digital giving methods on the ways that the RNLI would adapt to which will allow donors to use their smart respond to the impacts that Covid-19 has phone to donate if they do not have cash. had on the fundraising capability. 9) A governor referred to the difficulties Jayne George, Director of Fundraising, surrounding cash collections in our ever more Marketing and Media, responded. cashless society which had been mentioned Lessons learned during Covid-19 had also many times in the past few years, and at last provided us with an opportunity to enhance year’s AGM the growing problem of how to our fundraising resilience and lay the foundations attract supporters in our increasingly online for the future. Where possible, activities online world had also been raised. This move to an such as virtual open days had been moved, live online society had been strengthened by the virtual events had been held including Cuppa response to Covid-19. As the treasurer of a with the Crew and campaigns such as Mayday fundraising branch, the governor accepted adapted to enable our supporters to fundraise that we must keep pace with modern culture, from home and online. Contactless card readers and could see how fundraising methods could were being rolled out to our fundraising teams move online. However, the governor could not which in a society that was seeing a decline see how the current branch structure could in cash usage was a significant step forward. survive. Volunteer role descriptions had been These adaptions would ensure we were in a updated to allow for (or even encourage) a good position to continue to save lives. more flexible, less formal fundraising structure. The governor questioned whether the 8) A governor enquired about the future for Institution planned to formally migrate RNLI collection boxes as we moved into a to a more flexible fundraising structure, credit card / cashless society. or was it thought that this would result from a natural evolution. Jayne George, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Media, responded. Jayne George, Director of Fundraising, Collection boxes would remain a Marketing and Media, responded. key fundraising tool for all our activity. Work was being undertaken directly Investment would be made in all areas of with our branch volunteers to review areas of public giving that included the increased improvement to our volunteer onboarding and use of contactless boxes, QR and VR codes, fundraising branch structure to create more online giving, and how collection boxes desirability for new fundraising volunteers
16 17 AGM 2021 | Additional Information Booklet to offer a longer term commitment. A less a very large weight penalty, but would also formalised and flexible approach would take up a lot of space. There would also be be created for our branch and supporter the space and weight of the waterjet and groups where this was needed, however motor itself which would have to be inboard. any changes to our current branches would The outboard arrangement currently afforded not be forced where they were happy with a good open platform for the crews to their formalised standard. work from. The needs of each branch and supporter There were also the infrastructure challenges group would be reviewed with their Community such as charging facilities and re-charge Manager, and the format adapted to meet their capability for multiple shouts in succession needs, whilst keeping our fundraising groups which was a common event with the D class. legal, compliant, safe, and empowered. Our With the progression in technology and the fundraising network was a vital component RNLI’s drive to become fossil fuel-free in the to our future success and everything possible future there may be an opportunity to review would be done to build a sustainable future of the D class platform and its requirements our groups and their growth. which may mean that an electric / waterjet propelled boat could become a viable option in the future. ENGINEERING
10) A governor enquired whether any thought OPERATIONS had been given to developing a water-jet powered version of the D class for use 11) A governor said that saving lives at sea among rocks where an outboard motor and on our coasts was our priority but during could be vulnerable to impact. this process wondered whether the RNLI also salvaged significant valuable marine equipment Angus Watson, Director of Engineering and and vessels. The governor also questioned Supply responded. whether the Institution received any significant The question had been very pertinent to our income on the return of this salvaged focus on the reduction of our carbon footprint equipment to the owners following rescue. and improvement of the safety for our crews when they carried out these challenging Adrian Carey, Head of Maritime rescues around rocks. Delivery, responded. Until recently, this would have been The RNLI does not claim salvage fees as largely impractical or impossible with the it is believed that this could dissuade those current range and performance required of in difficulty from calling for assistance in a the D class and the restrictions on its physical timely manner. Even delaying the initial request size and weight both for afloat operations and for assistance could lead to increased risk for trailer limitations. those in trouble and also our rescue crews. In order to achieve the same performance However, it was not uncommon for casualties with a water jet (on the assumption that it to make a donation to the RNLI or local would be electric) it would require a significant lifeboat station as a thank you after amount of batteries which would not only incur receiving assistance.
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12) A governor noted that in recent years were publicly faced, it was important that they there had been unrest at several northern were tackled so that the station, its volunteers stations, New Brighton, Whitby, Scarborough, and staff could go on to thrive, as had been Cleethorpes, Bridlington etc, that many seen in all of these examples. The RNLI has supporters had been affected and ill-feeling a most excellent team of managers on the had been common. The governor wondered ground supporting our lifeboat stations. whether anything was being done to address The governor was thanked for their support, this problem. and the RNLI would do its best to reassure, and inform you and other supporters, of what Adrian Carey, Head of Maritime was being done to tackle issues and why. Delivery, responded. The nature of this question demonstrated a passion for how the Institution was considered WATER SAFETY / EDUCATION in the public eye. It was true that challenges had been faced at all of the stations mentioned 13) A governor enquired whether there were over the past few years, however, since that any plans to widen the education programme time the volunteers and staff had continued into more inland areas, to raise awareness for to commit huge amounts of time and effort those visiting coastal and RNLI operational into maintaining an effective lifesaving service areas to help reduce the number of call outs that all involved could be proud of. by those visitors. In the case of New Brighton as an example, it was highlighted how successful the station Gareth Morrison, Head of Water had been over the summer with their busiest Safety responded. year ever. The station had faced challenges The short answer was yes, but by way with a significant turnover of volunteers four of a more detailed explanation. The RNLI years ago but had worked incredibly hard was working hard to broaden the remit of to re-establish both their lifesaving effect education, recognising that in order to and their standing in the community. What educate the population the focus should be they had achieved was truly remarkable and on more than just youth, whilst not forgetting demonstrated again those wise words of our about youth. This would also include inland. founding father ‘with courage nothing The RNLI has a team of water safety volunteers is impossible’. The RNLI would continue based in inland locations which in future would to stand by its decisions to robustly defend work with our regional teams to target and RNLI values and if required our position in deliver interventions, such as classroom-based public if challenged. school talks or the young adults programme, Our regional management teams are made to raise awareness and deliver education to up of professional managers from a range of those communities. backgrounds and many have themselves been It was known that 51% of those who RNLI volunteers. Volunteers and staff deserved drowned did so in 11 coastal counties across great management practices which included the UK and Ireland, and may have travelled setting boundaries, maintaining standards and from outside that county, including inland. tackling poor behaviour. Whilst it was sad that In 2021 it was planned to undertake further from time to time such events as described research to look at the home locations of
18 19 AGM 2021 | Additional Information Booklet casualties and call outs to underpin this work. All email from the RNLI was sent from The team does, and would increasingly, an “@RNLI.org.uk” address if it was from an work with key partners in inland locations, individual representative of the Institution such as other emergency services, to support or “@email.RNLI.org.uk” if it was part of a and share subject matter expertise, ensuring communications campaign or broadcast. the delivery of high quality water safety Recognised good practice techniques were education. The RNLI education team had been exercised to help ensure the authenticity of central to the development of digital platforms our email communications. However, it was such as StayWise, a multiagency education also recognised that there would inevitably be resource website which was due to launch occasions where external entities would seek in 2021 to support education offerings in to exploit our reputation and the trust of our isolated locations. supporters by impersonating the RNLI using This summer the joint RNLI / HMCG more nefarious means. Such events would (and GAA) beach safety campaign targeted continue to be monitored, and there would specific audiences with key messages be no hesitation to adapt to any such threat before they left their homes, and it was to our reputation by making further use of hoped to replicate this with our planned appropriate technologies where necessary. winter campaign. Reference was often made to reliable publicly Despite the challenges, it was felt that available sources that offered guidance on how the RNLI was making a vital difference in to recognise unauthorised or illegitimate email, water safety. and these sources are listed below: The governor was given the opportunity https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/ to follow up more with Gareth Morrison, or suspicious-email-actions contact his colleague Sam Johnson, National Water Safety Education Partner, who was an https://staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/ expert in this area. identity-theft-fraud-cybercrime/spam-and- phishing/ https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of- IT / MARKETING fraud/phishing
14) A governor had received what they thought 15) A governor enquired whether it was possible was a spoof email which had gone straight for governors (at least) to access a searchable to the junk folder. The email had been from database of rescue information as this would be someone called Jeff and said it was about his useful for those who liked to look at patterns of son James. The governor wondered how to data, to help understand trends etc. tell the difference between a genuine message Claire Deuchar, Chief Information Officer, from the RNLI and a spoof. Insights Technology and Strategy Dept., Gary Osborn, CISM, CISSP | Information responded. Security Officer, responded and offered Our lifeboat rescue dataset was guidance as to how to recognise whether made available via our open data site an email claiming to be from the RNLI was (https://data-rnli.opendata.arcgis.com/) genuine or not. which provided direct access to datasets
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We offered the public clear guidance on how to have the safest summer possible, whether their beach was lifeguarded or not
Lifeguards setting up a safety advice windbreak. Preventative actions like this are key to keeping beachgoers safe
20 21 AGM 2021 | Additional Information Booklet that were provided and maintained by her In order to help us achieve this, the RNLI had team and could be used by interested parties signed up to Disability Confident and currently for analysis and mapping projects. It included had employer status. This meant that we were lifeboat stations, lifeguard units, lifeboats and committed to, amongst other things, offering launch information. interviews, where possible, to people who There was also a page on the RNLI.org declared a disability as part of the recruitment website that linked to it: https://rnli.org/ process and fulfilled the minimum criteria about-us/our-research/rnli-open-data. for the role. Overall, we were committed to The rescue data requested by the governor ensuring that people with disabilities were could be found as follows for 2008–2019: treated fairly and equitably across all roles, https://data-rnli.opendata.arcgis.com/ both staff and volunteers, in the RNLI. datasets/rnli-returns-of-service. It could With regard to our volunteering opportunities, be downloaded as a spreadsheet, KML or our dedicated volunteering team worked closely shapefile. It was updated on an annual basis, with Susan Kingswood to ensure that we could usually in March, once the previous year’s welcome people with disabilities in as many dataset had been completed and validated. volunteering roles as possible. This included The team also wished to let the governor diversifying our Council, Committees and know that they welcomed any feedback on Trustees so that we could successfully represent the site and any suggestions for ways that it those we served. could be improved, or made more useful As an old organisation, the RNLI faced to governors. The Open data page gave a challenges to full inclusion with the historic contact address of [email protected] and nature of some of our buildings, in particular this would come through to the team who our very old lifeboat stations, as they may not were keen to continue to evolve the product. be easily adapted to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. However, we wanted to enable as many disabled people as possible INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY to feel part of the RNLI and would be working towards leader status of Disability Confident 16) A governor asked what the RNLI’s policy was over time. on diversity, particularly disability and inclusion, The governor was provided with our and whether there were any opportunities for Inclusion and Equality Policy for reference those affected, from the top down. and was encouraged to feel able to apply for an employment or volunteering role in the Sue Kingswood, Inclusion and Diversity future, if they so wished. Manager, Learning and Organisational Development, responded. 17) A governor asked what the RNLI’s Policy The RNLI was committed to becoming was regarding diversity. a more diverse and inclusive organisation which reflected the wider variety of people Sue Kingswood, Inclusion and Diversity we served in many different communities. Manager, Learning and Organisational This included aiming to attract people with Development, responded. all sorts of disabilities, both hidden and visible, The RNLI was committed to creating a more as volunteers, supporters and staff. diverse and inclusive RNLI which enabled our
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long-term sustainability as a leading charity. 19) A governor questioned how they could vote We wanted to visibly demonstrate that we for, or against, individuals being re-elected to welcomed supporters, volunteers and staff the Council when they were all listed together, from a wide range of people, representative of and wondered if it was not reasonable to have the myriad communities we served throughout a block vote in these circumstances. the world. The governor was provided with our Simon Payne, General Counsel and Company Inclusion and Equality Policy for reference Secretary responded. which underpinned this approach. The same response was given to this question as for Question 18.
GOVERNANCE Note: We are always pleased to receive any questions post-AGM and will answer them 18) A governor enquired when there could all individually. However, only those received be greater granularity on future votes. within the 30-day period after the AGM Where there were items that governors did will be recorded formally in the minutes of agree with, and items that they did not the meeting. This is in alignment with the agree with, governors would like the ability normal adjourned business period as specified to vote for those they believed were good for in our Bye-Laws. the organisation, and to vote for those which they felt could be improved and resubmitted for approval.
Simon Payne, General Counsel and Company Secretary responded. As the 2020 meeting had been a virtual meeting, the first of its kind for the RNLI, and where unfamiliar technology had been used, Trustees had agreed that pursuant to Regulation 4 ss 4.13.1 (extract repeated below) voting would be conducted en bloc to ensure that all AGM business including questions could be conducted within the allotted time (including any delays on the day caused by technical issues). ‘4.13.1: If the number of recommended nominees included on the notice of the AGM is equal to or less than the number of vacancies, the Governors so nominated shall, subject to Regulation 4.13.2, be deemed to be elected by a show of hands. Those recommended may be
proposed together, and the Governors asked Rhyl volunteer crew members sharpen to approve the resolution appointing the new their skills, getting stuck into a training Council members en-bloc.’ exercise after the first UK lockdown
22 23 AGM 2021 | Additional Information Booklet Supplemental Information to the Notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Governors
To be held virtually on Thursday 1 July at 2pm
In the chair: Simon Dudley Stuart Popham CMG QC (Hon) Simon is an actuary and executive reward Chairman of the Institution specialist with over 40 years’ experience in pensions and investment in the UK and A formal notice and agenda for the meeting internationally. He formerly worked at BP as was sent to all the Governors in May 2021. reward director, BAT Industries and Unilever, The supplemental information below relates and has experience in consulting. He has wide to agenda item 6. experience working with both HR and finance, and as an advisor to remuneration committees. Agenda item 6 He is the current chairman of the RNLI To elect/re-elect Council members to hold Contributory Pension Scheme Trustee Board. office from the conclusion of the meeting. Lives in Surrey. Council member since 2018.
RE-ELECTION OF RETIRING COUNCIL Dr Philip Goodwin MEMBERS FOR SECOND TERM Philip has been chief executive of VSO The following members of Council, being International since March 2015. VSO is eligible for re-election, stand for election to the world’s leading international development hold office for a second term of up to 3 years organisation, using volunteers to fight poverty (until the 2024 AGM): and reduce inequality. Lives in Somerset. Council member since 2018. Trustee Board Neil Appleton as International Trustee since 2018. Neil is currently director of global professional services at Secureworks. He has a background David Hallam in programme delivery, IT and cyber security, David is currently director at EU and and has spent the last 10 years leading multiple International Trade, Defra (UK Civil Service). large-scale transformation programmes for He has had a career over 25 years in corporate customers. Neil is also a former international negotiations, development and shore crew member at Cromer Lifeboat Station. humanitarian aid. He led the UK negotiating Lives in Norfolk. Council member since 2018. team in the United Nations on the Sustainable
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Development Goals (SDGs). Lives in London. Council member since 2018. Member of Council member since 2018. Member of the Property Committee since 2015. International Special Interest Group. Mark Wordsworth Professor Anthony Kessel Mark, a former crew of Alderney Lifeboat Anthony is a public health physician, academic Station, is executive chairman of LW Theatres, and GP. His current role is clinical director a group of seven theatres in the West End, (national clinical policy) at NHS England as well as chairman of The Really Useful HQ. Prior to this, he worked for a decade as Group, a global content and live entertainment director of global public health at Public Health business focusing on musical theatre. He is England, and national director of public health chairman of a family office for a high-net-worth strategy, director of R&D and medical director individual. Mark is experienced in investment at PHE’s predecessor, the Health Protection and corporate finance. Lives in London and Agency. He is also an honorary professor at the Hampshire. Council member since 2018. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Appointed as a Trustee in April 2021. Lives in London. Council member since 2018. Member of the RNLI Bicentenary Member of the RNLI International and new Steering Group. strategy Special Interest Groups. RE-ELECTION OF RETIRING COUNCIL Judy Nelson MEMBERS FOR THIRD TERM Judy recently retired as a senior manager within The following members of Council, being the NHS in Northern Ireland, having managed eligible for re-election, stand for election to support staff over five sites. She is currently hold office for a third and final term of up to working with a local charity based in Portrush. 3 years (until the 2024 AGM): Lives in Northern Ireland. Council member since 2018. Member of Council for Ireland Professor John Chudley since 2019. Member of People Committee John is a rector at MLA College and a private since 2019. Judy has volunteered for 19 years global higher education distance learning as press and admin officer with Portrush RNLI. provider. He has had a wide-ranging career from engineering apprenticeship, research Scott Parsons and PhD, civil servant as director of National Scott is currently employed as COO UK by Apprenticeship Service, provost of Warsash Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, leading all aspects Maritime Academy and now developing a of investment, development, construction and ‘private University’. He is also a Board operations. His previous experience includes Member of the Engineering Council. Lives in Land Securities plc as board director, corporate Devon. Council member since 2015. Former diversity sponsor, managing director of £6.3B member of Technical Committee 2013–2019. retail business for 13 years, European managing partner at Brookfield Asset Management for Rear Admiral Roger Lockwood 3 years, and 10 years’ real estate banking at Roger is a retired naval officer and former chief GE Capital. Scott is a former crew member executive of the Northern Lighthouse Board. of Chiswick Lifeboat Station. Lives in London. He has considerable maritime experience.
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Lives in Perthshire. Council member since 2015. officer of Domestic & General insurance Ltd Member of Scottish Council 2016–2017; from 2017, at the DX Group (2011–2017) and at Chairman since 2017. Trustee Board since easyJet (2007–2011). Lives in Buckinghamshire. 2018. Member of Operations Committee Council member since 2015. Trustee Board 2019–2020; Chairman since 2020. Member since 2016. of Scottish 2024 Panel. Chris Walters Captain Ian McNaught Chris has been chief executive of Pressure Ian has been the deputy master of Technologies plc since 2018. Formerly, he was The Corporation of Trinity House s chief executive at TSC Inspection Systems Ltd ince 2011. Incorporated by Henry VIII from 2014–2018, Lloyd’s Register (2002–2014), in 1514, The Corporation of Trinity House of SVP Oil & Gas Services (2011–2014), director Deptford Strong, also known as Trinity House, of marine operations (2008–2011), SVP Japan is the official authority for lighthouses in – Taiwan & Philippines (2004–2008), and a England, Wales, the Channel Islands naval architect at P&O Group (1992–2002). and Gibraltar. Lives in North East England. Lives in Surrey. Council member since 2015. Council member since 2015. In his role as the Trustee Board since 2015. Member of Technical deputy master of The Corporation of Trinity Committee (2012–2015), chairman (2015–2019), House, Ian is also an ex-officio governor of member since 2019. Former member of the RNLI Council. Property Committee (2017–2019).
Mike Sturrock Additional details of decorations and Mike is managing director of Olima Consulting. professional qualifications are given in In his former career, he was chief information the Annual Report and Accounts.
Hoylake volunteers launch their Shannon class lifeboat Edmund Hawthorn Micklewood across the beach to rescue three paddleboarders
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ELECTION OF NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS Lord Mark Sedwill kcmg frgs In addition to those nominated above, Lord Sedwill is a former UK Cabinet Secretary the following have been nominated for and National Security Adviser. He is a former election as new members of the Council, Chair of the Civil and Public Service Lifeboat to hold office for a first term of up to three Fund. Lord Sedwill is an RNLI Governor and a years (until the 2024 AGM): long-standing supporter. He is a member of the Royal Yachting Association, British Kite Surfing Althea Loderick Association and British Sub-Aqua Club, a water Althea is the Chief Executive of the sports enthusiast and a scuba diving instructor. London Borough of Newham, a Council Lives in Yeovil. in East London representing the third largest population in London. Prior to this role, Dinesh Visavadia Althea was a Corporate Director in two Dinesh is a Director at Independent Trustee other London Councils and an organisational Services Ltd (ITS) which provides Trustees development Senior Director in two and governance services to company pension government agencies. Lives in Middlesex. schemes. In addition, Dinesh is a Trustee of Member of People Committee since 2019. a number of charities. Lives in London. Chair of RNLI Racism, Discrimination and Diversity Action Group. Involvement with By order of the Trustee Board Tower lifeboat station. Mark Dowie, Chief Executive and Secretary Dated: 15 April 2021
The crew of Hunstanton’s inshore rescue hovercraft The Hunstanton Flyer set out at sunset for an evening’s exercise
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To save every one
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea
Royal National Lifeboat Institution West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ 0300 300 9995 (from the UK) / 01 511 9834 (from the Republic of Ireland) +44 1202 663234 (from outside the UK) [email protected] RNLI.org
Photos: Leon Bennett, David Edwards, Don Jackson-Wyatt, Callum Robinson, RNLI/(Stephen Duncombe, Nigel Millard)
Cover image: To save lives and to protect themselves and others during the pandemic, Littlehampton volunteers wear Covid-19 PPE aboard their Atlantic 85 lifeboat Renée Sherman
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (CHY 2678 and 20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man (1308 and 006329F), the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney 28