Innovation & Technology: For Innovation and Technology in Maritime SAR

Established in 2012, the RNLI’s Future Leaders in Lifesaving Programme is truly innovative.

The programme aims to develop individuals as future leaders of their organisations, empowering them to lead and improve organisational practices and behaviour, thereby significantly enhancing drowning prevention in countries where it is a major cause of death.

The 2016 programme specifically focused on new and developing Maritime Search and Rescue Organisations. Sixteen delegates from nine countries attended the course, which took place in September at the RNLI Headquarters in Poole, UK.

The course was split into three core themes: individual and organisational leadership, operational service implementation and development, and organisational development.

The leadership themes provided delegates with the knowledge and skills required to lead individuals and teams within their organisation.

Topics such as how to identify service levels, how to set up and manage an operational SAR station, and how to deliver appropriate training to maintain your team’s competency levels were covered in the service implementation and development strand.

The organisational development theme covered fundraising, financial management, working with stakeholders, and marketing and media skills.

These structured sessions were facilitated by RNLI subject matter experts, giving the delegates access to a group of individuals who have expert knowledge, skills and experience in their particular field. As well as the structured workshops, this programme gives the participants the opportunity to develop relationships, network, share best practice and learn from each other, as well as create a real sense of community.

After the course, the delegates can take part in a 12-month mentoring programme led by the RNLI which helps them turn their ideas in to reality when they go back to their organisations.

They also join an online forum of previous Future Leaders, so they can continue to share knowledge and skills with each other in the future.

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