About the RNLI
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is a distinguished charity with a legacy spanning nearly two centuries, dedicated to saving lives at sea. Rooted in the principles of selflessness, courage, dependability, and trustworthiness, the RNLI has continually inspired generations of supporters through its unwavering commitment to maritime rescue. With the vast majority of its operations powered by volunteers, the RNLI stands as a testament to the incredible impact that people can achieve when united by a shared mission of serving and safeguarding their communities.
In early 2025, the RNLI was honoured with the prestigious The Learning Awardsin Silver in the category of "People Development Programme of the Year – Public Sector / Not for Profit." This awardrecognisesorganisations that have implemented outstanding people development programmes, contributing significantly to their operational effectiveness and overall performance. The RNLI's receipt of this award is a commendation of its exceptional efforts in maintaining an effective and standardised training programme tailored to its diverse and valiant cadre of volunteers and staff.
The RNLI’s People Development Programme has been instrumental in fostering a cohesive and proficient team, capable of executing complex search and rescue operations under the most challenging conditions. Through this programme, volunteers and staff receive comprehensive, high-quality training that not only enhances their technical skills but also instills a profound understanding of the core values that define the RNLI. This holistic approach ensures that everyone involved in the lifesaving mission is prepared to respond with courage and efficiency, regardless of the demands of the situation.
The recent award acknowledges the significant business impact and performance improvement resulting from RNLI’s innovative training initiatives, which have undoubtedly contributed to the success in saving lives at sea. This achievement underscores the vital role of a well-structured development programme in empowering volunteers and staff.
Main Challenges
In the past, the RNLI faced significant challenges in maintaining an effective and standardised training program for its diverse volunteers.A primary problem was the lack of structure and standardisation in their training system. The competence-based training, introduced in 2001, had become overly complex due to continuous additions of policies and procedures, resulting in a cumbersome and confusing journey for volunteers. This necessitated navigating through up to 85 competencies, with prolonged training durations due to the need for external assessment validation, causing frustration and burnout among volunteers and leading to attrition rates of 15-20%.
Furthermore, RNLI struggled with data and reporting challenges due to an outdated and customised Learning Management System that impeded upgrades and effective data integration. The absence of advanced reporting tools made it difficult to track volunteer progress and station readiness accurately, hindering efficient resource allocation and succession planning.
Lastly, ensuring volunteer safety was critically compromised by the disjointed structure. The complexities and inefficiencies of the training system undermined RNLI's capability to guarantee consistent safety standards and preparedness for rescue operations. Addressing these multifaceted challenges necessitated a comprehensive overhaul to enhance efficiency, clarity, and assurance in their training and operations.
Why Cornerstone?
Recognising the urgent need for a transformative approach, RNLI embarked on a journey to overhaul its training framework and systems. This journey began with an empirical approach, emphasising direct engagement with the volunteers. Through extensive surveys and reviews conducted at approximately 25 lifeboat stations, the team garnered invaluable feedback. This participative approach allowed RNLI to identify the pain points directly from the volunteers who experienced the system's inefficiencies firsthand. Volunteers voiced their dissatisfaction with the complexity of the old model and the tedious nature of individual assessments. This feedback was instrumental in shaping clear objectives, including reducing training time, improving reporting mechanisms, and enhancing volunteer satisfaction.
Building on this feedback, RNLI implemented a completely restructured competence framework, transitioning to a more streamlined operational competence framework. This new model focused on holistic learning journeys and summative assessments, analogous to a driving test. Structured learning journeys provided volunteers with a clear, step-by-step pathway, beginning with safety induction and progressing through role-specific training. The introduction of summative assessments ensured that local instructors and volunteers could collaborate to determine readiness for a final comprehensive test. This approach eliminated the constant need for external validation and significantly reduced the training duration.
To support this new framework, RNLI adopted Cornerstone Learn for advanced learning, collaboration, reporting and data analysis. Cornerstone offered a modern, user-friendly learning platform that facilitated a blended learning strategy, including videos, online communities, and seamless course bookings. Volunteers gained control over their training paths, with mobile access ensuring convenience and real-time interaction. Real-time dashboards enabled clear, actionable insights at all organisational levels, empowering RNLI to make informed operational decisions and proactively manage resources. These technological upgrades played a crucial role in addressing the inefficiencies and safety concerns, setting a new standard for volunteer training efficacy.
Results
The comprehensive transformation at RNLI yielded significant benefits, particularly in efficiency, safety, and volunteer engagement. These results underscore the success of the organisation’snew approach.
Efficiency Improvements:
- Reduced Training Time: The streamlined competence framework directly reduced the training duration. Volunteers were no longer bogged down by endless individual assessments.
- Cost Savings: RNLI cut down on unnecessary travel expenses for assessors and repetition of courses by implementing need-based course enrollments. Enhanced regional resource allocation further optimisedoperational costs.
Safety and Assurance:
- Improved Safety Records: Volunteers had to consistently demonstrate their skills to maintain their roles. The BI system ensured that only up-to-date, properly trained volunteers participated in rescues.
- Immediate Insights: Real-time access to individual training statuses and station readiness allowed for proactive management and quick resolution of potential issues.
Volunteer Engagement and Satisfaction:
- Enhanced User Experience: Volunteers appreciated the clarity and structure provided by the new learning journeys. Access to their own training records via mobile devices reinforced their autonomy.
- Lower Attrition Rates: Monthly churn rates saw a significant drop, with volunteers finding joy in their roles again. This positive outlook also reinforced RNLI’s recruitment efforts.
Data-Driven Culture:
- Informed Decision Making: RNLI’s operational decisions are now backed by solid data, whether it concerns succession planning or identifying immediate needs.
- Clear Performance Metrics: Comprehensive tracking and reporting underpin development discussions, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Conclusion
What started as an overwhelming challenge at RNLI has seamlessly transitioned into a remarkable success story. The organisation has not only resolved its initial problems but has also set a new standard in volunteer training efficacy. By focusing on feedback, leveraging modern technology, and centering on the volunteer experience, RNLI exemplifies a model of thoughtful, data-driven transformation.
As James Ellerton puts it, "We have transformed the way we use data at RNLI, ensuring our volunteers are trained, competent, and most importantly, safe." With the combination of Cornerstone LMS and Power BI, RNLI's commitment to volunteer competency and safety shines brighter than ever.”
