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The Communications And Public Service Lifeboat Fund

Also known as: Civil Service and Post Office Life Boat Fund, Civil Service,post Office and British Telecom Lifeboat Fund, Civil Service Lifeboat Fund, The Lifeboat Fund

The Lifeboat Fund (formerly called CISPOTEL) is an official charity of the Civil Service and receives donations from Royal Mail and BT staff. The Fund raises money for the RNLI to provide new lifeboats and to train and equip crews. Since it was founded in 1866, The Lifeboat Fund has provided 54 lifeboats, saving over 4,700 lives and has helped refurbish a lifeboat station on the River Thames.

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Activities & Mission

The Lifeboat Fund (formerly called CISPOTEL) is an official charity of the Civil Service and receives donations from Royal Mail and BT staff. The Fund raises money for the RNLI to provide new lifeboats and to train and equip crews. Since it was founded in 1866, The Lifeboat Fund has provided 54 lifeboats, saving over 4,700 lives and has helped refurbish a lifeboat station on the River Thames.

Areas of Operation

Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.

Financial Information

Latest Income
£39,581
Latest Expenditure
£10,538

Financial Efficiency

Overall Efficiency 26.6%
% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)
Expenditure Ratio 26.6%
Expenditure as % of income

Financial Trend

Annual Returns

As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2024.

Financial YearIncomeExpenditureCharitable SpendingNet AssetsReservesStaff
2024
£39,581
£10,5380 / 30
2023
£48,157
£67,6910 / 20
2022
£108,332
£112,4770 / 15
2021
£72,428
£90,7060 / 11
2020
£70,874
£53,0000 / 8

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about The Communications And Public Service Lifeboat Fund

What does The Communications And Public Service Lifeboat Fund do?

The Lifeboat Fund (formerly called CISPOTEL) is an official charity of the Civil Service and receives donations from Royal Mail and BT staff. The Fund raises money for the RNLI to provide new lifeboats and to train and equip crews. Since it was founded in 1866, The Lifeboat Fund has provided 54 lifeboats, saving over 4,700 lives and has helped refurbish a lifeboat station on the River Thames.

How much income did The Communications And Public Service Lifeboat Fund report in 2024?

The Communications And Public Service Lifeboat Fund reported total income of £40k and reported expenditure of £11k for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

When was The Communications And Public Service Lifeboat Fund registered as a charity?

The Communications And Public Service Lifeboat Fund was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 27 June 1966 as charity number 248421. It has been registered for 60 years.

Who runs The Communications And Public Service Lifeboat Fund?

The Communications And Public Service Lifeboat Fund is governed by a board of 15 trustees. The chair of trustees is John-Paul Marks CB. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does The Communications And Public Service Lifeboat Fund operate?

The Communications And Public Service Lifeboat Fund operates across 3 areas: Northern Ireland, Scotland and England And Wales.

Is The Communications And Public Service Lifeboat Fund a registered charity?

Yes — The Communications And Public Service Lifeboat Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 248421.

Details

Address
Honorary Secretary
Civil Service Lifeboat Fund
DWP
2 St Peters Square
Manchester
M2 3AA
Registration Date
27 June 1966
Status
Registered

Registry Information

Organisation Number
248421
Charity Number
248421

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Trustees

John-Paul Marks CB Chair
Andrew Theodore Goodman
Also governs 1 other charity
Angela Mary Saunders
Christopher Lamb BEM
Colin Billingsley MBE
Corin Jean Stella Robertson
FRANCES KILNER MBE
James Tristan Wyndham Dunstan
Jonathan Smith
Matthew Derek Briggs
Michael David Robinson
Michael Joseph Paul Lawler
Nicholas John Riddle
Peter Jamieson
Toni Court

Also Known As

  • Civil Service and Post Office Life Boat Fund
  • Civil Service,post Office and British Telecom Lifeboat Fund
  • Civil Service Lifeboat Fund
  • The Lifeboat Fund

Data & trust

Register data refreshed
14 May 2026
Report a data issue