At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team ensuring safe and effective lifesaving operations at RNLI.
- Company: Join the RNLI, dedicated to saving lives at sea for over 200 years.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and outstanding pension scheme.
- Other info: Home-based role with occasional travel; commitment to diversity and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by supporting lifesavers and improving operational safety.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational leadership, risk management, and governance in regulated environments.
The predicted salary is between 49504 - 60504 £ per year.
Salary: £50,544 - £59,464 (dependent on experience)
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full-Time
Additional information: Home-based role with occasional travel, including a minimum of once a month in Poole
Interview date: w/c 9th November
Closing Date: 22-10-2026
Reference: 22040
About us
Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea. 24 hours a day, every day, RNLI lifesavers are ready to launch to the rescue. We're looking for a Lifeboat Risk and Support Lead to join our Lifeboat Services team. The Lifeboat Services team provides the operational framework that enables the RNLI's lifeboat stations, crews and operational teams to deliver safe, effective and compliant lifesaving services. Through risk management, governance, operational support, assurance, policy development and continuous improvement, the team helps ensure that RNLI lifeboat operations remain ready to save lives whenever and wherever they are needed.
Some of the benefits:
- Salary: £50,544 - £59,464 (dependent on experience)
- Flexible working
- 26 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- Outstanding pension scheme
- Life assurance
Your role
As a Lifeboat Risk and Support Lead, you will provide leadership for a specialist team responsible for operational risk, governance and support services across Lifeboat Operations. Working with regional teams and subject matter experts, you will help shape policy and operational standards, oversee risk management processes and ensure the RNLI continues to operate safely, effectively and in compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards. You will also act as an adviser, providing leadership on assurance activities, investigations, lessons learned, operational support and organisational improvement initiatives.
About you
You'll be an experienced operational leader who can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery. You will be comfortable working across complex stakeholder groups, influencing decision-making, managing risk and leading teams to achieve positive outcomes. To be successful in this role, you'll bring significant experience from any of the following operational environments: maritime, emergency response, search and rescue, defence, coastguard, fire and rescue, aviation, safety-critical or similarly regulated operational environment. You'll be able to demonstrate experience with governance frameworks, leading organisational improvement activities and using evidence and data to support sound decision-making.
So, as a Lifeboat Risk and Support Lead, you might already be a senior operational leader, risk manager, governance specialist, maritime manager, emergency services leader or safety professional. You'll have excellent judgement, strong stakeholder management skills, a collaborative leadership style and the ability to influence and drive improvement across a complex operational environment. Most importantly, you'll be motivated by the opportunity to support thousands of RNLI volunteers and staff by ensuring they have the governance and support needed to deliver safe and effective lifesaving services.
If helping save lives at sea through operational leadership and continuous improvement sounds like your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.
Safeguarding and referencing
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 reference checks at offer stage and relevant criminal record checks being carried out, dependent on the eligibility of the role.
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.
Lifeboat Risk and Support Lead in Poole employer: RNLI
RNLI is an exceptional employer that values its team members and fosters a supportive work culture, offering flexible working arrangements from home while allowing for meaningful travel across Scotland. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring personal and professional growth, all while contributing to a vital cause that saves lives at sea. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to making a difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lifeboat Risk and Support Lead in Poole
✨Get Some Hands-On Experience
If you're looking to land that full-time gig in emergency medical services, don't underestimate the power of hands-on experience! Volunteering with local ambulance services or first aid organisations can give you a great insight into the field and show potential employers you’re dedicated.
✨Connect with EMS Communities
Join local EMS associations or online groups where professionals chat about job opportunities and trends. These communities are goldmines for networking, and you might just overhear about openings at places like RNLI that aren't even advertised yet!
✨Showcase Your Skills Through Certifications
Make sure you’re up to date with your certifications—CPR, first aid, and any relevant EMS training. Having these on your CV or mentioned in interviews can really set you apart from the crowd when applying for that full-time role.
✨Leverage Local Job Fairs
Don’t forget about job fairs, especially those focused on healthcare and emergency services. These events are perfect for meeting representatives from companies like RNLI face-to-face and making a lasting impression. Plus, they often have a ton of insider info about the hiring process!
We think you need these skills to ace Lifeboat Risk and Support Lead in Poole
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Certifications:In the emergency medical services world, certifications like EMT or Paramedic are crucial. Make sure to prominently display any relevant qualifications on your CV to show you’re qualified and ready to jump in.
Showcase Your Experience in High-Pressure Situations:This isn’t just about ticking boxes; we want to see how you’ve handled emergencies. Share specific examples from your past roles, focusing on your ability to stay calm and effective under pressure—this will really make your CV stand out!
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for EMS. Share a brief story about why you got into this field and what drives you. This personal touch helps us connect with you beyond just your qualifications.
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills:Being part of an EMS team means communication is key. Highlight your experiences working in teams, especially in stressful environments, and how you effectively communicate with both your team and patients. This will show us you can thrive in our fast-paced world.
How to prepare for a job interview at RNLI
✨Brush Up on Your Medical Knowledge
As we're stepping into the emergency medical services world, it's crucial to have a solid grasp on medical protocols and procedures. Expect to face scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills in high-pressure situations, so reviewing your medical textbooks or guidelines might just give you the edge!
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
In EMS, teamwork and communication can literally save lives. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated in past settings or during training exercises. They might throw in questions about managing stressful interactions with patients or colleagues, so highlighting your soft skills could really set you apart.
✨Familiarise Yourself With Local Protocols
Since you'll be serving the community, knowing the specific EMS protocols and guidelines of RNLI is key. Research their operations and any recent changes they might have implemented. Demonstrating that you're well-informed about local practices shows your commitment and readiness to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Practical Assessments
Don't be surprised if your full-time interview includes a hands-on assessment. Practising skills like CPR, patient assessment, and using EMS technology will show you're ready for the rigours of the job. So gather your training materials and maybe even practice with a mate to simulate the scenario-based tests you might encounter.
