RNLI Data & Insight Advisory Group Member - Anywhere

About us

Can your data skills help save lives at sea? 

We're relaunching the RNLI Data & Insight Advisory Group and we are on the lookout for volunteer data leaders. If you speak the language of data – from AI and BI to DE and DS – and want to put your expertise towards a life-saving mission, we want to hear from you.

We have just launched our refreshed data strategy and are in the midst of genuinely transformative change, all supported by a modern data architecture. This is your chance to use your leadership to provide the independent advice we need to make better and faster decisions. While we cannot promise you a trip out on a lifeboat, we can promise you the chance to solve real-world data problems that make a direct impact on our ability to save lives.

We are looking for critical friends for our data strategy and roadmap, offering insight on everything from governance and architecture to analytics and AI. As a member of our advisory group, you will meet two or three times a year, providing strategic guidance on maturing our data management and building capability.

Your expertise will not just inform a report – it will help us provide essential support to our crews and lifeguards, improve supporter experience and ensure value for every donation.

If you are interested in volunteering your time and expertise, or want to find out more, please get in touch for an informal chat.

The impact you will make 

This role helps us save lives at sea by bringing independent challenge and seasoned leadership into our data strategy and delivery, so we make better, faster decisions on the information, technology and analytics that power lifesaving, supporter experience and value for money.

What you may be doing 

• Acting as a critical friend to the RNLI’s data strategy and roadmap across governance, architecture, integration, analytics and AI

• Providing independent advice on maturing data management, data quality, standards, metadata and business glossary approaches

• Offering insight on operating models and capability build (people, process, platforms), and signposting relevant external networks

• Reviewing pre-read packs and sharing feedback or connections ahead of meetings

• Joining 2–3 Group sessions per year; proposing agenda items when helpful

• Respecting RNLI tone of voice and brand standards in any outward-facing engagement

What you need for this role 

Required:

• Current or recent CIO/CDO/Data/Analytics/Information leader (or equivalent senior head-of) with a record of delivering strategy into operations at scale
• Strength in two or more of: data governance, data architecture, analytics/AI, platform integration, value realisation and operating model change
• Independent judgement, inclusive leadership, clear communication, and commitment to RNLI values and conduct

Desirable:

• Charity or public sector experience, or safety-critical / mission contexts
• Experience building communities of practice/SIGs or serving on advisory boards

What’s in it for you 

• Join an inclusive and diverse organisation  
• A direct way to contribute your expertise to a mission-driven charity saving lives at sea
• A peer network of senior leaders and RNLI specialists; opportunities to see our operations and College first-hand
• Recognition as appropriate, and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed per RNLI practice

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.