Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is one of those organisations whose work genuinely matters. As a charity and membership-led organisation, their entire mission is built around helping people enjoy being in, on, and around water safely. Behind that mission is a proud and long-standing history of reducing drowning through the dedication of volunteers, staff, trustees, and members who champion water safety in communities across the UK.

RLSS UK's portfolio of world-leading training and education programmes, including the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, represents decades of expertise. Getting the right people into leadership positions is therefore not just important, it is essential.

A trusted partnership built over time

Charisma's relationship with RLSS UK did not begin with a single brief. Over several years, we have supported the organisation through a series of significant appointments, helping to shape and strengthen their board by securing a Treasurer and trustees with Commercial and Legal specialisms. Each of these placements brought fresh, independent thinking and relevant sector experience to the table.

Following the successful delivery of those board-level appointments, RLSS UK appointed Charisma to find their new CEO. After a robust public search and a rigorous headhunting programme, the right person was found. With that appointment in place, RLSS UK returned to us once again, this time to secure three further senior hires: a Director of Finance and Operations, their first ever Director of Income Generation and Engagement, and a new Director of Membership and Education.

Understanding what the role required

The Director of Membership and Education was a significant appointment. The successful candidate would be responsible for strengthening, developing, and growing the RLSS UK membership offering, deepening engagement with both existing and prospective members, and leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of educational programmes, courses, and resources.

Importantly, this was not just a strategic role. The Director would also need to be a confident, empowering leader, managing a team of 13 with four direct reports. Day-to-day, they would be driving the effective delivery of member initiatives alongside lifesaving, lifeguarding training, and water safety education.

It was a role that required someone capable of holding both the big picture and the operational detail at the same time.

A thorough search for the right fit

Charisma conducted an extensive campaign to identify candidates with the right blend of skills and experience. We were looking for people with a genuine track record in driving membership growth, establishing educational goals, policies, and procedures, working with governing bodies, and managing relationships with high-level stakeholders.

Compliance and evaluation were also key considerations. The ideal candidate needed experience ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, alongside a demonstrated ability to monitor and evaluate the performance of educational programmes.

After an extensive search, a strong shortlist of candidates who met these criteria was secured. Each person brought relevant experience and a genuine understanding of what the role demanded.

From shortlist to appointment

Following a two-stage interview process, the successful candidate was selected. They are a strong fit for RLSS UK's values and ambitions, and we are confident they will make a meaningful contribution to the organisation's membership and education offering.

"Thank you for your support as always."

RLSS UK CEO

That kind of feedback is exactly what drives us. Knowing that the leaders we place go on to make a real difference is what Charisma is all about.

Why long-term recruitment partnerships work

The RLSS UK story is a good example of what becomes possible when a recruitment relationship is built on trust over time. Because we understand the organisation, its culture, and its ambitions, we are better placed to find candidates who will genuinely thrive there. Each appointment we make for RLSS UK has been informed by the ones that came before.

Whether it is a board-level trustee, a CEO, or a director-level hire, the same principles apply: understanding the brief properly, searching thoroughly, and presenting candidates who are not just qualified on paper but right for the organisation in practice.

Looking to make your next key appointment?

If your organisation is preparing for a senior hire and you want a recruitment partner who will take the time to really understand what you need, we would love to hear from you.

Get in touch with the Charisma team