Volunteers deserve recognition for the incredible contribution they make to saving lives at sea.

We have a range of awards recognising both the service and efforts of RNLI volunteers, including Excellence in Volunteering Awards, Long Service Awards and informal thank you cards.

Recognition

Take a look at some of the different types of RNLI awards and how you can help celebrate and recognise our incredible volunteers. You can also view our Long Service and Excellence in Volunteering Award recipients for 2022 on our Volunteer Recognition 2022 Awardees page.

Excellence in Volunteering Awards

Excellence in Volunteering Awards recognise volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their usual volunteering role and positively impacted an individual, their team, their community, or the wider RNLI. Awards range from Letters of Thanks from Heads of Region and Certificates of Thanks sign by the Chief executive to hardware, depending on the award level decided by the Excellence in Volunteering Panel. For more guidance, see our FAQs on Excellence in Volunteering Awards.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

Submit your nomination

Long Service Awards

Our Long Service Awards recognise the dedication and commitment of our long serving volunteers. All registered volunteers are eligible with awards starting at 20 years plus in 10 years increments. All RNLI cumulative service is recognised.

The awards take the form of a medal (and clasp from 30 years onwards) or badge; with the option to purchase the alternative.

Anyone who manages volunteers in a staff or volunteer capacity (e.g. Volunteer Shop Managers, Branch Chairs and Lifeboat Operations Managers etc.) can put people forward for an award.

There is an annual nomination process and nominations are currently closed.

Our Long Service Award FAQs (PDF - 368KB) are available to download. See our previous awardees. If you have any questions, please get in touch at [email protected].

Supporter awards

RNLI supporters play a vital role in saving lives at sea. Supporters are any person or business who is not registered as a volunteer, but raises funds or awareness on our behalf. These include local businesses and individuals who have organised one-off fundraisers or schools. If you know of a supporter who deserves recognition, please complete the Supporter Award form.

Meritorious Awards

Meritorious awards are as old as the Institution, the first being presented in 1824. They are awarded for a single incident or service that merits recognition through an act of courage, endeavour or bravery. Meritorious awards are available to predominantly lifeboat crew, shore crew and lifeguards. Meritorious awards are categorised into two groups:

Commendations

• Lifesaving Operations Director Commendation
• Chief Executive’s Commendation
• Medical Director’s Commendation

Gallantry awards

• Letter of Thanks signed by the Chair
• Thanks of the Institution on Vellum
• Bronze medal
• Silver medal
• Gold medal

Recommendations for an award are initiated by coastal teams at our Lifeboat Stations or Lifeguard units. Further information can be obtained by contacting: [email protected].

Retirement or leavers recognition

For Operational volunteers:

Certificates of Service for Operational Volunteer Leavers can be requested through People Admin: [email protected]. These are automatically awarded to all Crew, Shore Crew, LOMs and LMAs who have served 10 years or more.

For all other volunteers:

Certificates of Service are signed by the Chief Executive and are available for volunteers leaving the RNLI, who have served 10 years or more. Please contact volunteer recognition team [email protected]

Just want to say thank you?

Has someone helped you in your role at the RNLI? Perhaps they’ve helped you learn the ropes, taught you a new skill or offered their time or skills to help you in your role? Why not take a moment to make them smile by saying ‘thank you!.