Elimination of modern slavery and human trafficking

RNLI statement on the elimination of modern slavery and human trafficking

Introduction

This statement is for the year ending 31/12/2025. The RNLI has zero-tolerance toward slavery and human trafficking and does not accept modern slavery in any form. In our operations and supply chain, we work with partners and suppliers to ensure compliance with the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 (“the Act”) and the updated 2025 statutory guidance.

Our Business and structure

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is a charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (CHY 2678 and 20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man (1308 and 006329F), the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney, of West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ. Clayton Engineering Limited (Registered No. 01274923). R.N.L.I. (Sales) Limited (registration number 2202240) also trading as RNLI Shop. RNLI College Limited (registration number 7705470). All companies are registered in England and Wales with registered offices at West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ.

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. We provide, on call, 24-hour lifeboat search and rescue service around the UK and Ireland. We also provide a seasonal lifeguard service in the UK and Channel Islands, an on-demand flood rescue service in the UK and have an international team who work with global leaders, public health organisations and at-risk communities in several countries. We have a mix of full-time staff based at our support and training centre in Poole, Dorset, and around the United Kingdom and Ireland, as well as a large number of volunteers who are key to delivering our service.

We are structured in relation to governing, delivering, and supporting the operational search and rescue and drowning prevention services we provide.

Governance structure and Departments:

RNLI Governors elect the Council. The Council appoint the Trustees and advise and assist their work. The Trustees oversee and shape the work of the CEO and the Executive Team. Empowerment of the regions has continued through increasing both fundraising and lifesaving resources and decision making closer to the communities where we operate.

Our Supply chains

The RNLI has a varied supply chain and broad supplier base and we work with UK based and International suppliers. We procure materials, services and equipment to enable the construction of high-tech lifeboats at our manufacturing centres in Poole, Dorset and in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight. In addition, we buy and distribute lifesaving equipment, vehicles, personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing to our Lifeguards on 240 beaches, volunteer crews and staff at 238 lifeboat stations, 6 regional bases and a number of support centres. We operate a number of shops retailing new RNLI merchandise and supply RNLI branded materials to our fundraising and education teams throughout the UK and Ireland. At our RNLI Support Centre in Poole, we have a training centre with accommodation and catering, alongside traditional office functions, warehousing, and logistics.

The RNLI recognises that the greatest risks of modern slavery may lie within complex, multi-tier supply chains.

Our Policies on Modern Slavery and Human rights

We have implemented policies and procedures to identify and mitigate the risks of modern slavery in our operations and supply chains, including:

• Code of Conduct - outlining our expectations for ethical behaviour and respect for human rights.
• Volunteer Code of Conduct - outlining our expectations for ethical behaviour and respect for human rights for our volunteers.
• Supplier Code of Conduct - requiring suppliers to uphold fair labour practices and prohibiting forced or child labour.
• Whistleblowing Policy - providing a confidential mechanism for employees and stakeholders to report concerns, including those related to modern slavery.
• Safeguarding policy - that outlines the charity’s commitment to protecting individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults, from harm.
• Recruitment Policy - ensuring fair and transparent hiring practices and preventing the exploitation of workers.
• Procurement Policy - providing a set of guidelines that supports the charity’s purchasing of goods and services to support ethical and social responsibility.

Due Diligence and Risk Assessment

We assess potential risks of modern slavery within our business and supply chains by:

• Including contractual clauses that require suppliers to comply with modern slavery laws.
• Evaluating suppliers based on location, industry and type of labour used.
• Conducting supplier assessments and audits where appropriate.

Effectiveness and Monitoring

We measure the effectiveness of our actions by monitoring:

• Supplier compliance rates with our ethical standards.
• Reports of modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chain.

We are committed to continual improvement and will review and strengthen our approach each year.

Future Commitments

In 2026 we plan to:

• Evaluate suppliers outside of direct contracting parties to better understand complex multi-tier supply chains.
• Collaborate with industry partners and NGOs to promote best practices.

Approved by the Executive Board on 3rd November 2025.

Signed

Sarah Davies

Chief Financial Officer