How the RNLI is run

It cost £163.5M in 2018 to run our lifesaving service – all funded by our generous supporters.

The Royal Charter and Byelaws are the RNLI's two key constitutional documents. 

Her Majesty The Queen has been Patron of the RNLI since 1952, while His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent has been President since 1969. 

The Executive Team are the RNLI’s senior managers, responsible for the day-to-day running of the RNLI. 

Vice Presidents are appointed by the Trustee Board as a mark of special recognition of service to the RNLI.

Our trustees are a body of volunteers who carry full financial and legal responsibility for everything the RNLI does. 

The RNLI Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on Thursday 9 July 2020 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London Tower Bridge. Governors will be officially notified by letter in mid-April 2020 and the agenda, event timings and RSVP form will also be available on this page at that time. 

Read about our rescue and drowning prevention activities in 2018, future plans, financial review, independent auditor’s report and financial statements in RNLI Annual Report and Accounts 2018 – Lifesaving powered by inspirational people.

As an organisation that employs over 250 people in Great Britain, the RNLI is legally required to publish its gender pay gap figures.