RNLI welcomes new Deputy Chair, Janet Cooper OBE

The Deputy Chair’s role is to support our Chairman, Stuart Popham, in providing direction and leadership to the RNLI Board and Council, enabling the Trustees and Council to fulfil their responsibilities for the governance and strategic direction of the RNLI.

Janet is currently the senior partner of law firm Tapestry Compliance, following 20 years as a partner at global law firm Linklaters.

She has been a part of the RNLI crew since 2011 when she joined as a member of the RNLI Resource Committee, a role which she held until 2014. Janet was then elected to the RNLI Council and appointed a Trustee. Since October 2019, she has also been the Chair of the RNLI Remuneration Committee.

Janet brings a huge range of skills and experience to support the RNLI’s lifesaving work. She was a Trustee and Vice President of the UK board of UN Women, which is the United Nations entity supporting gender equality globally, as well as being a board member of several non-profit organisations. Janet received an OBE in the 2017 New Year’s Honours list for services to equality, women’s empowerment and employee share ownership.

Janet says: ‘I am inspired by the many volunteers who work so hard to provide the RNLI’s invaluable service and feel hugely privileged to be involved in such a great organisation.’

RNLI Chairman, Stuart Popham says: ‘I am really pleased that Janet has taken on this extra role. Her extensive skills, experience and enthusiasm are a great benefit for the RNLI. I wish her every success in this new role.’

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Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.