Overview
RNLI lifeboats and lifeguards help thousands of people each year around the UK. It’s quite a story and you can help us tell it.
We’re looking for someone to join the RNLI’s Communications Team in 2026 on a 10 month placement. Ideally, we’re looking for people with some basic experience and understanding in PR, Communications or Media, social media or who are looking to develop their skills in this area.
You’ll be a keen learner looking to build on a good understanding of communications and PR principles. You’ll be a skilled communicator and confident to hit the ground running – whether that’s writing press releases, social media community management or picking up the phone to our lifeguards, lifeboat crew or the media.
You’ll gain a broad range of experience, from publicising lifeguard and lifeboat rescues and helping handle communications around major incidents, to dealing with the media and protecting the reputation of a well-loved charity. You’ll find out how to use a multi-media, multi-channel approach to promoting a large organisation and discover what it’s like to be part of a busy communications team at a national charity.
The RNLI is a 24/7 search and rescue organisation and you should be ready to work outside normal office hours on occasion.
Your reward will be seeing the RNLI’s reputation go from strength to strength as you help raise awareness of this lifesaving charity and inspire people to support us.
We will use your application to score your suitability for the role so please use the opportunity to tell us what relevant skills and experience you have and why you would be a good candidate for the position. This role is intended as a short-term engagement, limited to two separate opportunities per individual.
Please note the start date for this role is 2 February 2026.
Safeguarding
The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role. (England & Wales; DBS check, Scotland; Disclosure Scotland PVG, Northern Ireland; Access NI, Republic of Ireland; Garda Vetting; International, International Child Protection Certificate process).
Diversity
Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable), and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.
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