Applications are now open to become one of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) face-to-face fundraisers in Wales. This vital role helps the lifesaving charity reach thousands of people every year, sharing safety messages and encouraging new supporters to sign up and donate.

A role within the RNLI’s face-to-face fundraising team offers flexible working in some great locations, including big events and at the beautiful beaches of the Welsh coast. Fundraisers receive full, high-quality training and competitive rates of pay, whilst also developing valuable professional and personal skills.

One person who knows very well the impact that funds raised can have is John Connolly, who joined the RNLI as a fundraiser in 2018, and now works as a Deputy Face-to-Face Fundraising Manager. 

“I grew up in a maritime town, so I was always aware of the RNLI and what they did, but its importance was really brought home to me on a holiday with my family back in 2009,” said John. “My children were all enjoying bodyboarding on a lifeguarded beach, when my son started to drift outside the area marked by the red and yellow flags. He was quickly rescued by the RNLI lifeguard on duty. 

“It was a scary moment, but we didn’t appreciate the enormity of what had happened until later, when the relief really set in.”

A few years later, when looking for summer work, John saw an advertisement for RNLI face-to-face fundraisers. Attracted by the possibility of working outside, raising funds for the RNLI’s lifesaving work, and engaging with members of the public, he decided to apply.

“I realised I would like to give something back,’ said John, who has now worked all around the country as part of the face-to-face fundraising team. ‘You meet all sorts of people and hear their stories of why the work of the RNLI is important to them. It’s amazing to be doing something I fundamentally believe in, and to be raising money so that other people can be as fortunate as I was.”

The funds raised by John and his colleagues are vital in supporting the RNLI’s lifesaving service. The charity, which recently celebrated its 200th anniversary, operates 238 lifeboat stations around the UK and Ireland, and has seasonal lifeguards on the same number of beaches. During its two centuries of lifesaving, volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved an incredible 146,277 lives – made possible by the generous support of the public. 

Beth Lee, Senior Face-to-Face Fundraising Manager at the RNLI, said: “Our face-to-face fundraiser roles are the perfect fit for anyone who is friendly, energetic and able to talk to anyone. It really is a vital role in supporting the RNLI’s lifesaving work, sharing safety advice with thousands of beach visitors every summer, as well as inspiring them to support our lifesavers with a donation.   

“This year is a particularly exciting time to be considering becoming part of the RNLI family, as the charity marks two hundred years of saving lives at sea. I’d encourage anyone, no matter what career you are considering, to take up the challenge and apply for a face-to-face fundraising role.” 

RNLI face-to-face fundraising vacancies are now available across the UK and Ireland, including in Wales, with a range of hours from part- to full-time and some accommodated roles available. To apply or find out more, visit rnli.org/FundraiserJobs.