Welcome our new people network co-chairs

Over the summer, we were looking for new people with fresh ideas and perspectives to help support two of our people networks, Harbour (our LGBT+ Network) and the Race Equality Network.

Tim Doran and Nikki Wrench have decided to step down from their chair roles, but will continue to champion their networks. They have both done an incredible job of creating safe spaces, elevating minority voices and working to promote inclusion for the communities they represent.

Find out more about our people networks and how to join on the Volunteer Zone.

The Race Equality Network

The Race Equality Network (REN) welcomes Lottie Chase, Partnerships Account Manager, who joins Olivia Abengowe-Robertson as co-chair. The Race Equality Network believes that: ‘No matter your race, together we stand.’ In line with the RNLI's motto ‘with courage nothing is impossible’, the network is a safe space to speak with courage, respect and vulnerability. The network strives to achieve positive change across the organisation through open, honest and impactful discussions.

‘Hi everyone, I’m Lottie and I’ve been with the RNLI for 3 and a half years, managing our partnerships with Ford, Helly Hansen and, more recently, Dryrobe. I’m passionate about building strong, meaningful relationships that help support the RNLI’s lifesaving work.

‘I’m excited to be taking on the role of co-chair of the Race Equality Network alongside Olivia. The REN is a proactive, passionate and respectful network that values and celebrates everyone's lived experiences. I’m looking forward to helping create even more opportunities for the network to grow, connect volunteers and colleagues and continue developing the REN as a cornerstone network within the RNLI. I believe that everyone deserves to feel valued, respected and able to bring their whole selves to work. My hope is that we can continue to grow the network, amplify diverse voices, encourage curiosity and understanding, and create opportunities for people to connect through shared experiences. I'm really looking forward to listening, learning and working together to make a positive difference.

‘I’m excited for what’s ahead and look forward to working with many of you along the way!’

Olivia Abengowe-Robertson, Co-Chair, Race Equality Network, said:

'Following a favourite quote of mine, “Be the change in which you wish to see in the world”, I am proud and absolutely delighted to share that Lottie Chase has joined the Race Equality Network as our new co-chair.

'Lottie brings warmth, enthusiasm and a genuine passion for creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels seen, heard and valued. From our conversations, it's clear that she cares deeply about bringing people together, celebrating diversity, and helping to ensure that all colleagues feel a sense of belonging at the RNLI.

'As co-chair, Lottie is keen to build on the fantastic work already achieved by the network. She hopes to encourage greater engagement across the organisation, create more opportunities for meaningful conversations, and ensure that the network continues to be a supportive and welcoming space for members and allies alike.

'Please join me in giving Lottie a very warm welcome. We're excited for this next chapter and look forward to continuing our work together to champion race equality across the RNLI.

‘As always, Liv.’

It is exciting to welcome Lottie to this new role, but we will miss Tim Doran, who has co-chaired the network with Olivia for nearly 3 years. He has co-chaired the network with compassion, insight and care, creating spaces to share and learn but also opportunities to amplify minoritised voices.

Tim said: ‘Being co-chair of the RNLI Race Equality Network has been a real privilege. I’ve enjoyed bringing my lived experience, Irish lens and accent to our discussions, and I’m proud of the progress we've made and the colleagues we've inspired along the way. I wish Lottie and Olivia every success as they lead the Network forward, and I look forward to continuing to support it as an active ally.’

Harbour (LGBT+) Network

Harbour welcomes two new co-chairs, Katie Hill and Megan Murphy, who are both Community Managers.

The RNLI’s Harbour Network provides peer support for volunteers and staff and works to create a more welcoming, diverse, inclusive, and equal organisation for all by increasing representation and understanding of LGBT+ lives. 

Katie, who is based in the North East, said: ‘Hello! My name is Katie Hill, and it is with great pleasure that I will be co-chairing the Harbour Network for the next 3 years. 

‘The Harbour Network is amazing – providing a place for people to belong, to be seen and to be heard. In my role as co-chair, I want to build on the incredible work that has already been achieved to grow and strengthen the network and enable the community to help to shape and inform how the wider RNLI can engage, represent and support LGBT+ people.

‘I’m from and now based in the North East – the home of stotties, good times and pease pudding – but have lived and worked around the country with charities for nearly 20 years. I have been a proud member and lead for LGBT+ and equality networks across several organisations. I have seen firsthand the difference that is made when inclusion is so well embedded that people effortlessly feel part of the team. 

'The ability for someone to bring their full self to their work or volunteering is so powerful and has so many benefits for both people and the work of the organisation. I am so excited to get started in this role! 

‘Alongside Megan, I will be working to make sure that:

• Network members can clearly see an opportunity to thrive through the network – with new opportunities for people to lead, share and develop their skills.
• We make real change and can influence and inform how the organisation works with and supports LGBT+ people. 
• We use our collective voices to set plans and encourage fresh ideas for the network.
• We champion and challenge! Inclusion and LGBT+ communities go hand in hand – the network has the potential to help shape practical support and guidance for volunteers, staff and supporters. We want to raise the volume on the views and voices of the community both with the other networks and in the wider organisation.

‘A super important thing I want to do though, is have fun!  Harbour is a space for people to come together, celebrate what makes the community so awesome and make friends and connections across the country. 

‘I’m really looking forward to seeing how the Network evolves and to working with you all! Exciting times ahead.’

Megan added: ‘Hey! I’m Megan Murphy, Community Manager for the South East, and I’m really excited to be one of the co-chairs of the Harbour Network!

‘I’ve called Brighton home for the last 5 years, where I live with my wife and our two dogs. I’ve worked in the charity sector for around 8 years, from botanical gardens to international charities.

‘I’m a proud member of the LGBT+ community and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into my role as co-chair. Alongside my fellow co-chair Katie, my goal is to make meaningful, positive steps forward in creating an RNLI where LGBT+ staff feel safe, supported, valued and able to be themselves, while also giving our allies the confidence and tools to stand alongside us.

‘I’m really excited to see what we can achieve together and, most importantly, to make sure Harbour is a network that belongs to and works for its members.’

A very warm welcome to Katie and Megan. But we will miss Nikki Wrench who has been chairing Harbour for the last 6 months. Nikki has supported the network through several changes and through some exciting new opportunities.

‘As my time as interim chair of the Harbour Network comes to an end, I wanted to take a moment to reflect and say thank you.

‘I've been part of the Harbour Network for 5 years, including the last 2 as deputy chair. When our Chair, Neal, stepped down earlier this year, it was a privilege to be asked to step in and provide continuity while we looked ahead to the future of the network.

‘Over the last 6 months, I've had the pleasure of working alongside an incredible community of members, allies and supporters. Together, we've achieved a great deal, including:

• Reviewing and renewing our partnership with Stonewall.
• Strengthening our approach to Pride and awareness activity.
• Increasing opportunities for members to have their voices heard.
• Taking important steps to ensure Harbour remains sustainable and well-positioned for the future.

‘One of the most important pieces of work has been listening to the network and reflecting on what leadership should look like moving forward. Those conversations helped shape the decision to move to a co-chair model, creating a more sustainable approach that will help Harbour continue to grow and thrive.

‘None of this would have been possible without the passion, honesty and commitment of our members, allies and supporters. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who attended meetings, completed surveys, shared feedback and created opportunities within their own teams and communities. Every contribution has helped shape the network's future.

‘I'd also like to thank everyone who has supported me during my time as interim chair, particularly Amy Russell, our Inclusion Lead, and Rob Faricy, our Network Sponsor. Your support, encouragement and commitment to Harbour have made a real difference.

‘To our new co-chairs, congratulations and good luck as you begin this exciting new chapter. Harbour is a special network with an incredible community behind it, and I know you'll have the support of so many people as you take the reins. I wish you every success and look forward to seeing all that you'll achieve.

‘While I'm stepping away from the chair role, I'm certainly not going anywhere. I'll continue to be a proud Harbour member, supporting the network and championing inclusion wherever I can.

‘Thank you for making the last 6 months such a rewarding experience.

‘With love and pride, Nikki.’

Thank you to our people networks

All our people networks do a fabulous job of creating inclusive spaces and supporting our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) plan. They are open to everyone, employees and volunteers, allies and members of the communities they support. 

You can find out more about our people networks and find out how to join on the Volunteer Zone.

A huge welcome to our new co-chairs Lottie, Megan and Katie. And an absolutely massive thank you to Nikki and Tim for everything you have done to promote inclusion and elevate voices from your communities. 

Amy Russell - Inclusion Lead