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Debbie brings broad experience across the wider charities sector, having most recently served as Director of Health and Wellbeing at Morden College, a prestigious City-backed Almshouse Charity specialising in residential, domiciliary care and support for older people; prior to that Debbie was Chief Operating Officer at Guild Care, a Worthing based social care charity providing care homes, day services, respite care and home care for older people, respite support for people living with dementia and their carers.
Debbie Dollner said:
“It is an honour to have been asked to join the RNBT family. With such a proud and important history I am delighted to be working alongside the remarkable people that touch the lives of those supported by the RNBT. Knowing the difference the Trust makes to those most in need, I am looking forward to continuing the charity’s incredible work. I would like to thank the trustees and staff for this very special opportunity.”
Russell Best, Chair of Trustees said:
“Following a robust recruitment programme, we are pleased to announce we will welcome our new Chief Executive this April. We look forward to her arrival and welcome her onboard as we embark on the exciting next phase of the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust’s journey. As we expand our Care and Benevolence offerings to Royal Navy and Royal Marines, serving and former serving and their families and dependants, I am sure that Debbie has the right combination of talent, experience and innovative thinking to lead us forward.”
The appointment of Debbie Dollner follows the news that the current Chief Executive, Rob Bosshardt, is retiring after seven years with the Trust.
On the announcement of his departure. Rob Bosshardt said:
‘It has been my great privilege to have led RNBT as Chief Executive over the last seven years. I have been brilliantly supported by staff at Castaway House, Pembroke House and Admiral Jellicoe House, as well as working with superb trustees and volunteers. RNBT is a really special organisation in which helping our people is always at the heart of all that we do. We have made so many advances including delivering Admiral Jellicoe House as our centenary care home project and developing our benevolence processes, which withstood the sternest of tests during the pandemic. I am retiring with a sense of pride in our achievements and very fond memories. I wish Debbie all the success in the world as she leads The RNBT to the next phase of its development as the major naval benevolence delivery charity.’
A fundamental characteristic of the Trust is that a significant proportion of our Trustees are serving and ex-serving Royal Naval ratings and Royal Marine other ranks. Accordingly ‘Ordinary Member’ trustees are people who have been or are RN ratings and RM other ranks. Only those who are or have served as Ratings in the Royal Navy make decisions on the approval of grants to individuals: Sailors and Marines helping Sailors and Marines – now and always.
The RNBT efficiently and effectively help Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel and their families in times of need, whether through the provision of wide-ranging financial assistance or the superb care offered to older members of the Royal Naval family at Pembroke House in Gillingham, Kent and the Trust’s Centenary Year Project – Admiral Jellicoe House in Southsea, Hampshire which opened in June 2022.
The Ordinary Member Trustee position will commence from early April 2024 and election will take place during the last week of March. We are looking for a wide range of competences and the current Trustees wish to continue to encourage diversity, with applications from Junior Rates/ Ranks as well as representation from minority groups very welcome. In particular, those with service in the Royal Marines or Submarine Service would be very welcome.
If you are interested and would like an application pack, please contact Michele Stanley on 02394 216292 or email Michele at michelestanley@rnbt.org.uk
The closing date for applications is 15 March 2024.
The RNBT was first formed in waters off Orkney ahead of the Battle of Jutland. Commander-in-Chief, Admiral John Jellicoe set up a benevolent fund for sailors and their loved ones, shelling out £50 – around £4,000 today – to help sailors and their families rebuild their lives following what became the largest naval battle of World War One.
That £50 was the beginning of the Grand Fleet Fund which later became the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust in 1922. Now, more than 100 years on, that same fund is still helping those who have served – and those closest to them.
The attached article in the Scotsman Scottish National Newspaper details the key events that formed the RNBT and the positive impact that we have had as a charity on RN and RM serving personnel and their families over the past 100 years.
We have an estimated 200,000 serving sailors, veterans and family members in Scotland able to access financial help, with around £3m available each year to support RN and RM families nationwide.
A collection was made for the benefit of three charities including BFF, who provide entertainment to boost morale across the Armed Forces, the RNRMC and the RNBT (Admiral Jellicoe House).
Representatives from Admiral Jellicoe House were invited to HMS Sultan to receive a donation of £350.
Base Warrant Officer, WO1 Daniel ‘Bouncy’ Castle said: “The RNBT provides fantastic welfare support, especially in terms of dementia care for older members of the service community.
“The wrap around care they provide is a great example of the ‘serve a day, supported for life’ work that they undertake, and we are delighted to be able to show our support.”
Jade Delaney the Deputy Home Manager at Admiral Jellicoe House said: “I can’t thank HMS Sultan WO & SR’s mess enough for all the support that they have shown Admiral Jellicoe House since our opening in June 2022. From inviting us to their meat raffles and Christmas dinners, to now donating money for us to buy a Christmas tree for our residents and relatives to enjoy over the Christmas period, we really are so grateful.”
Guests, including the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth and the RM Corps of Drums, gathered to celebrate Alan’s special day.
The Royal Marines Corp of Drums performed a spectacular display of music and on completion family and close friends gathered for a small party. It was a very special day for everyone and especially Alan.
RNBT assists our most needy people who only have a very low household income with a regular payment to help make ends meet. We have recognised the impact of the recent rise in the cost of living, particularly on utility bills, and to help offset the impact, particularly in the difficult winter months ahead we recently increased our amount.
If you are on a low income and are struggling with the cost of living please get in touch with RNBT.