Claire Deuchar to leave the RNLI

I am incredibly grateful for all that Claire has done to lead the Insights, Technology and Solutions’ directorate and our dedicated people during her tenure. She has been a highly valued member of the Executive Team, and I am personally thankful for the enormous support she has given me in stabilising the Executive Team and managing the transition as we prepare for the launch of our 5-Year Plan in late September.

Claire will leave the RNLI on 19 September following nine years of dedicated service to the Institution, but I am pleased to report that she will stay on as a volunteer at Lymington Lifeboat Station, where I know she is a much-loved member of the station team.

Claire joined the RNLI as the Supply Chain Director in 2016, delivering a transformation in our supply chain and procurement capabilities. She was subsequently appointed as Chief Information Officer in 2018, accountable for ensuring the organisation has the right information, data and tools to enable us to run our lifesaving service as well as operate our factories, shops, College and hotel. Within this role, Claire has played an instrumental part in transforming our supporter and volunteer data and implementing a number of tools and applications that our volunteers and staff now rely on. She has also started the RNLI’s transition to modern ‘cloud based’ products for the future.

Claire has been the Executive Sponsor of both the Disability Network and Women’s Community, who are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and supporting RNLI people within these communities. The RNLI’s People Networks help us to identify what we already do well and influence our charity to act when change is needed. Claire is particularly passionate about supporting our people, which she has clearly demonstrated in the various wellbeing initiatives and support systems in place within her directorate.

She should be extremely proud of everything she has achieved over the past nine years, serving three Chief Executives, playing an intrinsic role in development of the RNLI’s Strategic Intent 2020 to 2024 (Our Watch), and supporting the RNLI’s award-winning IT&S team, having won the British Data Awards for the last three years in a row.

Prior to joining the RNLI, Claire held a number of senior roles in the commercial sector, including Global Procurement Director for BP’s retail business, European Director for Innovation for Coca-Cola, and Associate Director Procurement at Coca-Cola Enterprises UK.

I am sure you will all join me in wishing Claire all the very best for the future. We will ensure she receives a proper send-off before she leaves in mid-September.

Details on the recruitment plans for Claire’s successor will be available shortly.

Peter Sparkes - Chief Executive