Our philosophy

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea

We provide, on call, a 24-hour lifeboat search and rescue service and a seasonal lifeguard service. Our values reflect the way we do business as an organisation.

Our purpose

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea.

Our vision

To save every one.

Our values

Our values reflect the way we work. As one crew, we strive for excellence and are:

Trustworthy

To hold the trust of the public, our volunteers, supporters, partners and staff.

Courageous

To have the courage to take on the most demanding challenges. 

Selfless

To put the needs of others first.

Dependable

To be reliable, consistent and authentic.

Things we will not change

In support of these values, our core principles will guide us in delivering our lifesaving service, now and in the future.

Volunteer ethos

Our lifesaving service is provided wherever possible by volunteers, generously supported by voluntary donations and legacies.

Community-based, with the support of a major charity

Our strength lies in operating through local teams, centrally directed and resourced.

Every life matters

We value every life and look to prevent loss of life, whoever it may be and wherever they may be in trouble.

Safety, Health and Environment

Our safety culture is of paramount importance to everything we do.

Maritime expertise

Our exceptional expertise is in the preservation of life at sea and on the water through rescue, together with the delivery of coordinated safety and education programmes.

Independence of thought

We will not seek funding from central government if this could jeopardise our independence.

Our role as bridge-builder

We always work to identify, grow and maintain effective partnerships and coalitions to further the cause of the wider lifesaving community.

Striving for excellence and innovation

We believe in constantly looking for better ways of delivering what we do, embracing new technologies and ideas.

Heritage

We are proud of our history, the affection in which people hold our traditions, and the RNLI’s achievement of saving lives over nearly two centuries.