RNLI recognised for work during pandemic

It is also one of 164 groups in this year’s list to have also been selected for a special designation to recognise impactful Covid-related support provided during the pandemic.

The Guernsey branch of the RNLI is a local charity that serves any and every person at sea within range of the Guernsey lifeboat station.

They could be professionals or amateur seafarers, ferry passengers, kayakers, cliff rescue casualties, paddleboarders, windsurfers, or divers.

The station also provides additional cover beyond the standard RNLI contribution, such as emergency evacuations or transport from the smaller islands around the Bailiwick of Guernsey.

The branch consists of four elements – crew, guild, association and management group, which together fulfil its mission of saving lives at sea.

The RNLI was recognised with the highest award available to local volunteer groups along with Creative Learning in Prison.

Lt-Governor Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder said: ‘This highlights once again the quality of the Bailiwick’s voluntary sector, which is very reassuring in view of the ongoing challenges resulting from the global pandemic.’

He encouraged anyone who knows of a particularly deserving local charity to consider nominating them for next year’s awards.

All nominations for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service are made by members of the public who have either been helped personally or witnessed the benefits of a group’s work within their community.

Each year, a shortlist of several hundred eligible groups from across Britain is reviewed by the National Award Committee, which makes recommendations to the Cabinet Office before submitting a final list to the Queen for approval.