#OneCrew in action: Creating connections

In our ‘#OneCrew in Action’ series, we are sharing stories from across the RNLI about how people have made changes, taken new approaches or considered how they can promote and support inclusion.

The RNLI’s People Networks are excited to launch ‘Let’s Talk About…’, a safe space where our people can learn, share reflections, and take part in open discussions about topics related to inclusion. 

#OneCrew in Action online

The ‘Let’s Talk About…’ online sessions are a safe space where RNLI people can learn, share reflections, and take part in open discussions about topics related to inclusion. Each chat is hosted by one of our People Networks, our Inclusion Lead, or our employee support forum Channel, and focuses on a specific theme that’s important to our communities.

The session could range from an informal chat to a panel style event, or a presentation from an external speaker. 

By coming along to these chats, we hope that RNLI people will feel empowered to take part in conversations around inclusion, foster an open-minded approach to learning about different people’s experiences, and take away everyday actions that can help us to work together as one crew.

Alison, tell us a little about yourself.

I’m Alison, the Regional Engagement Lead for Scotland and the Deputy Chair of the Disability Network. 

How long have you been with the RNLI?

I joined the RNLI in March 2020, 2 weeks before the pandemic began. I did wonder for a moment if I would still have a job at that point, but it turns out that it was an incredibly busy time keeping our volunteers supported and engaged throughout that period!

Tell us a bit about your RNLI roles.

I lead the amazing engagement team in Scotland ensuring that we support thousands of volunteers to do incredible things in their communities. This includes our fundraising branches, shops, regional partnerships, station visits and community presenters. As part of the Regional Leadership Team, I also support our wider fundraising colleagues to ensure we join up our fundraising efforts in Scotland and that they have all they need to be successful in region. 

I’ve been involved with the Disability Network for a while now, and Deputy Chair for the last 12 months. Our people networks are a fantastic way to connect with people, share experiences and support the RNLI in developing ways to be more inclusive.

Inclusion is important to us at the RNLI, what does it mean to you?

I’ve lived with severe hearing loss from birth and encountered barriers in every aspect of life. When I first started working as a young adult (almost 30 years ago, eek!) I often had to hide my disability to get jobs, many doors were closed completely, and accessibility tools (and attitudes) were basic to say the least. Very much a ‘fit in’ culture.

Inclusion to me is a culture where we all truly belong. We all feel valued, respected and accepted, differences and diversity are embraced. There’s still a way to go but there’s been a real evolution of both attitudes and tools and it’s an exciting time in the RNLI with our new strategy where inclusion is embedded throughout – inclusion is not a destination, it’s a direction.

Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired you to develop and launch ‘Let’s Talk About…’?

It was a combination of things really! With the new role of Inclusion Lead appointed (the fabulous Amy Russell!), the RNLI producing its 2025 EDI plan, new EDI training, discussing various challenges with the People Network chairs, it felt like EDI was having an increased impact. However, I thought there was a gap for people to come together to talk about inclusion topics and issues that matter to them or were curious about.

I believe culture change starts with conversation and wanted to create something that was optional for people to engage with, didn’t add to the workload and is a safe space for people to ask questions or share experiences. 

With the support of the People Networks we created a small working group to bring the concept to life. Huge thanks to everyone involved – you are amazing!

What difference do you think this will make to people and the RNLI?

We’ve had a trial run of sessions, and the feedback has been so positive and appreciative. We begin each session with a reminder of it being a safe space, confidentiality, respect and kindness so we role model inclusion throughout. 

I believe that we are bringing inclusion to life through conversation, helping drive forward increased awareness of inclusion in the RNLI. 

What would your top tips be for other people to consider inclusion in their roles?

The most important tip is to stop being on auto pilot with your daily tasks. Consider inclusion in everything you do; your meetings, your emails, recruitment, your documents, your language etc. 

Factor in time to continuously learn about EDI. Check out and use the resources we have available, join a network and reach out to our Inclusion Lead for support. True inclusion will not only promote EDI but brings benefits of improved collaboration, creativity, and personal growth.

Bring inclusion to life with your teams through conversations and join a Let’s Talk About session!

What do you think the RNLI should focus on in terms of inclusion?

It’s an exciting time for us as we go into our 2026-30 plan which has inclusion embedded within. 

As we all work to bring One Crew: One Plan to life in our respective teams and roles, it’s our opportunity to build inclusion as a golden thread throughout our plans and activities, ensuring inclusion reaches every area of the RNLI.

With my Disability Network hat on, accessibility is a key focus area particularly throughout all our buildings and stations. Something we’ll be focussing on for our next network 5-year plan!

Take part in Let’s Talk About

‘Let’s Talk About’ chats take place every fortnight on Thursdays at 12pm. Look out for announcements about the topics and the link to join in the Volunteer Experience newsletter.

To encourage open discussion, these sessions won't be recorded (unless by exception to record a presentation segment, for example). 

If you would like to add the whole ‘Let's Talk About…’ series to your calendar so you never miss a session, please email [email protected] to request this (please note that you may receive ongoing calendar updates as and when a session is updated).

Do you have a topic you'd like to talk about? Or might you be interested in running a session? Please fill in the suggestion form (the form is anonymous unless you opt to leave your details).

'#OneCrew in Action' needs you

Please get in touch if you would like to share your approaches to inclusion and encourage others to consider similar changes which can have a positive impact.

If you know of an example or have one to share yourself, please get in touch at [email protected].