Harbour Network Chair

About us 

The Harbour Network is the RNLI’s LGBT+ People Network. We exist to provide a safe, supportive and inclusive space for LGBT+ colleagues and volunteers, as well as allies, across the RNLI. The network plays a vital role in creating connection, peer support and visibility for LGBT+ communities, while also influencing organisational culture, policy and decision‑making.

Over the last few years, the Harbour Network has grown significantly, evolving from an ambassadors programme into a fully established People Network. We work closely with colleagues across the organisation, our network sponsor and external partners to ensure LGBT+ voices are heard, valued and embedded within the RNLI’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) commitments.

We are now entering a new phase and are moving to a Co‑Chair model, which is already working well across other People Networks. This shared leadership approach helps ensure sustainability, balance and diverse perspectives at the heart of the network. 

The impact you will make 

As a Harbour Network Co‑Chair, you will help lead and shape the network’s future, supporting LGBT+ people and allies across the RNLI. You will play a key role in delivering meaningful EDI activity, contributing to organisational priorities and helping make the RNLI a more inclusive place for everyone. 

What will you be doing? 

Working alongside a fellow Co‑Chair, you will be responsible for leading the Harbour Network, including:

• Promoting and championing EDI initiatives and the Harbour Network
• Organising and chairing regular network meetings (currently every 6 weeks)
• Setting annual network objectives aligned to the RNLI EDI plan
• Supporting and coordinating key workstreams, including:
• LGBT+ Accreditation Scheme
• Pride activity
• Supporting and engaging network members, including signposting support where needed
• Collaborating with other People Network Chairs and Co‑Chairs to promote intersectionality
• Representing the LGBT+ community with internal and external stakeholders
• Liaising with the network executive sponsor.
• Acting as a key point of contact for the network’s LGBT+ service provider
• Planning network communications for key dates such as IDAHOBIT and Coming Out Day
• Supporting sustainability and succession planning for the network
• Participating in wider cross‑network EDI meetings and contributing to RNLI EDI activity as required 

What do you need for this role? 

• A passion for inclusion and a strong commitment to EDI best practice
• Confidence to lead sensitive, open and respectful conversations
• Good communication skills and the ability to create safe, inclusive spaces
• Be a current RNLI volunteer or member of staff
• The ability to balance network responsibilities alongside your existing RNLI role, with manager support
• Availability to attend bi‑annual in‑person Network Chair meetings 

What’s in it for you? 

• The opportunity to help make the RNLI a more inclusive organisation
• Leadership experience within an established People Network
• The chance to elevate LGBT+ voices and influence organisational change
• Development of skills and experience that enhance your CV
• Collaboration with passionate people across the RNLI
• Opportunities to contribute to organisation‑wide projects and initiatives 

Safeguarding 

The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero‑tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This may include relevant criminal record checks depending on role eligibility. 

Diversity at the RNLI 

Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We value diversity of background, skills and perspectives, and we are committed to being an inclusive organisation where everyone feels they belong. We welcome applications from all, and look for people who share our RNLI values: trustworthy, courageous, selfless and dependable, as we work towards our vision - to save Every One.

Safeguarding

The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role. (England & Wales; DBS check, Scotland; Disclosure Scotland PVG, Northern Ireland; Access NI, Republic of Ireland; Garda Vetting; International, International Child Protection Certificate process).

Diversity at the RNLI

Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable), and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.