Family Support Volunteer - Bembridge

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. We provide a 24-hour lifeboat search and rescue service around the UK and Ireland and a seasonal lifeguard service. We are one crew – volunteers, supporters and staff – and we are committed to saving lives.

At the forefront of our lifesaving activity are over 9,700 operational lifeboat station volunteers who give up thousands of hours every year to save lives at sea, complete training, launch and maintain lifeboats, equipment and much more.  The majority of our operational lifeboat station volunteers carry pagers and can be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their commitment to the RNLI and to their local community has a significant impact on their families who have to adapt to the highs and lows of living with an RNLI pager.

The RNLI Families Programme provides support to the families of operational lifeboat station volunteers and full-time crew members and in this important role you will support the families at Bembridge lifeboat station.  You will make sure all families feel welcome and included and will ensure that they are kept informed about the support that is available to them.  You will also gather ideas and feedback and share it with the wider Families Programme Team. 

You will have the opportunity to use your excellent interpersonal skills when you meet RNLI volunteers, staff and their families.  To carry out this role confidently you will need good communication skills and the ability to develop relationships of trust with volunteers and their families. You will also need an understanding of what it means to be a member of the lifeboat station community. 

You will receive training to ensure you are fully equipped to carry out the role. You will be supported by the Regional Family Support Coordinator and the Families Programme Manager will also be on-hand to offer guidance when required. 

This is a great volunteer opportunity for someone who is looking to use their current skills or gain new experience.  If it sounds like something you would like to be involved in, and you feel you have the qualities or potential to be successful, we would be delighted to hear from you.

If you would like to find out more about this role, please email Ruth Bessant, Families Support Manager,  [email protected]

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.