Charity Spotlight is a weekly series dedicated to showcasing the incredible work of Jersey’s charities – from grassroots initiatives to island-wide movements, we’ll be sharing the stories of the people working tirelessly to support those in need and the importance of leadership in guiding that work.
Each week, Express hears from a charity leader on their biggest challenges and successes, what leadership and wellbeing truly mean in the third sector, and their hopes for the future.
Next up is the Jersey Lifeboat Association, a sea rescue charity which operates with the help of around 50 volunteers, including highly-trained lifeboat crews and dedicated fundraisers.
A member of the UK Independent Lifeboat Association, the JLA collaborates daily with other Search and Rescue assets in the Channel Islands and prides itself on being able to offer unique capabilities to assist local boaters, including FLIR thermal imaging technology and defibrillators.
Here’s what the charity’s Chair, Paul Richardson, had to say about life working at the Jersey Lifeboat Association…
The most rewarding part of our work is…
Knowing that by our hard work our community is safer.
One thing I wish more people understood about our cause is…
That all our work is undertaken completely by volunteers with no paid
employees.
The most inspiring success story I’ve witnessed through our work is…
The collective success possible from teamwork and how this can manifest itself
in the saving of lives.
Our charity wouldn’t exist without…
The team of highly trained and dedicated volunteer lifeboat crew fundraisers
and of course the generosity of the public & businesses of the Island.
The best way for people to support us (beyond donations) is…
To become members, gain knowledge of our shared interest in the love of the
sea and the risks it poses.
A great leader in the charity sector needs to be…
Able to adapt to the ever-changing needs and demands of the charity whilst
empowering others to engage and contribute their time.
The most important quality in a team is…
Flexibility.
When it comes to motivating people, I believe…
Being seen and showing passion about the charity’s objectives and successes to
be one of the most effective methods of team motivation.
One thing I do to support my team’s wellbeing is…
Communicate.
The one skill I think every charity CEO or manager should develop is…
A method of engaging with a wider audience in a way that they can appreciate.
If you know a charity you think should be featured, drop a message to editor@bailiwickexpress.com.
More from the series…
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