HR Manager Review
at RNLI College
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Recruitment
Poole, Dorset
Review Submitted: May 2025
Overall Rating
3.8 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
Managing a team of 4 to deliver an internal recruitment service for all employee recruitment within the RNLI. This includes Stakeholder Management, Supplier Management, Team Management, Managing recruitment (from planning through attraction /advertising to selection and supporting the offer stage). Supporting seasonal campaigns, Compliance, Data Protection, Inclusion and Diversity, Managing the recruitment system and being the first line of support for all users.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy the Coaching Apprenticeship programme I'm on. I love learning about both the theoretical and practical aspects of it, and it’s a new way to add value to the organisation and its people. It offers a lot of challenge, whilst also having some simple techniques and tools that can help both coaching and my everyday role.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes - lots in the 9 years I've been here!
Currently I’m in the process of completing a coaching apprenticeship, but my skills in all areas have developed whilst in this role. From interpersonal communication, people leadership and management skills, to recruitment and IT skills and knowledge. Through both formal training, ad-hoc opportunities and opportunities to take on additional responsibilities.
Currently I’m in the process of completing a coaching apprenticeship, but my skills in all areas have developed whilst in this role. From interpersonal communication, people leadership and management skills, to recruitment and IT skills and knowledge. Through both formal training, ad-hoc opportunities and opportunities to take on additional responsibilities.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
It's very good. Initially I didn’t have clarity of how the apprenticeship and study worked, but this became clear within a month. I enjoy and appreciate the flexibility to study at my own pace, whilst having regular workshops and learning sessions.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
I currently receive excellent support from my line manager, from the apprenticeship team, and the RNLI coaching network. Apprentices on the same course have also been great at supporting and learning from each other.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
A good amount of support. Support in sessions is great. Between sessions - if I asked for it, I know it would be given (but haven't had the need to seek it often).
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
It has made a noticeable difference in my core role and has opened new opportunities to use a coaching approach for a range of situations (where it’s suitable/relevant) to reach a better result, or interact in a better way.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
Volunteering is at the heart of the RNLI and there are opportunities to do so. Apart from this, there have been few ad-hoc or informal opportunities e.g. a lunchtime running club and some networking opportunities – but not formally arranged by the organisation.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend RNLI College to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The RNLI is a great charity, with an incredibly varied and complex environment and a lovely atmosphere – everyone working towards the same worthy cause. The salary is fair and the pension is good.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to RNLI College?
Pay attention to the essential requirements published in the advert and on the Job Profile and highlight them in your application. Consider how you meet these requirements before an interview, along with the 'desirable'; aspects, and have a think of some examples that demonstrate how you have met these in the past. Also - read up on our values and consider how (and whether) you genuinely exhibit these.
