A dedicated volunteer from Kessock RNLI has been recognised with an Excellence in Volunteering Award, celebrating her outstanding contribution to championing women in search and rescue (SAR) across Scotland.
The Excellence in Volunteering Awards (EVAs) recognise volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their usual volunteering role and positively impacted an individual, their team, their community or the wider RNLI.
Jane Hier, a volunteer Lifeboat Helm at Kessock Lifeboat Station, became the station’s first female Helm in 2022. While her operational role at the helm demonstrates her skill, leadership and commitment to saving lives at sea, this award recognises the wider impact she has made in supporting and empowering women throughout the RNLI.
In October 2025, Jane led the delivery of the inaugural Women in Search and Rescue Scotland event in Inverness, bringing together more than 35 operational women from RNLI lifeboat stations across the country – representing nearly 20% of all operational women volunteers in Scotland.
Held on 25 October at HM Coastguard Highland and supported by Inverness Marina, the event marked a significant milestone for training and development within the region, creating a dedicated space for women in SAR to come together, build skills and share experiences.
The day featured a comprehensive programme of afloat exercises and classroom-based learning. Participants trained on both Kessock’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat and Invergordon’s Shannon class lifeboat, taking part in search pattern exercises, towing, boat handling and navigation training in the waters of the Moray Firth.
Alongside the practical sessions, a series of expert-led workshops and talks covered topics including casualty care, chart work and returning to operational duties after life events such as pregnancy. The programme featured guest speakers ranging from an Olympian to an MCA-approved doctor and Coastguard officers, creating space for open discussion while supporting professional development across a range of operational roles.
While the focus of the day was on developing lifesaving skills, its impact extended far beyond training. The event created a powerful sense of connection, with participants describing increased confidence, renewed ambition and a stronger sense of belonging within the RNLI.
Petra Surplus, Trainee Helm at South Queensferry Lifeboat Station, said: “It’s so important for women in search and rescue to have visible role models. I first met Jane at the national Women in SAR event at the RNLI College in Poole, and it was clear from the start how passionate she is about supporting others.
“I’m delighted she was able to bring this event to Scotland, as it gives so many more women the opportunity to get involved, build friendships and support one another in their operational roles.”
Sally McKay, who supported communications for the event, said: “Because I covered the press for Women in SAR Scotland, I spoke to several attendees afterwards, and it had a far greater impact than any of us anticipated – something Jane herself never expected. It genuinely lifted everyone involved, and many participants spoke about how much it boosted their confidence.
“This recognition is so well deserved. Jane has been an incredibly supportive presence for many women across lifeboat stations in Scotland, and through this event she has helped create a really special community in Scotland that simply didn’t exist before.”
What began as a single training initiative has since developed into a supportive and growing network of women across Scotland, fostering collaboration and lasting friendships. Many attendees have stayed in touch long after the event, continuing to support one another and share experiences across stations – creating a close-knit community that extends well beyond the day itself. The success of the October 2025 event has created a ripple effect across the RNLI in Scotland, with further events now planned to build on its impact.
Reflecting on the success of the initiative, Jane said the most rewarding outcome has been seeing women remain connected and continue to support each other’s development, creating “a community that supports each other, on and off the water.” She added that the event achieved far more than she ever imagined, helping to build confidence, and she hopes it will continue to inspire more women to step forward into operational roles.
Carlos Hamlet, RNLI Area Operations Manager, added: “Jane’s commitment to supporting women in search and rescue has had a truly lasting impact. The Women in SAR Scotland event was a significant moment, bringing women in operational roles together to share skills, build confidence and strengthen connections across stations and services.
“Her leadership and determination have helped encourage others to progress onto navigation and helm pathways, and leadership within the RNLI are delighted that women across many different stations are now connected in ways that they weren’t before. This recognition is very well deserved and reflects the difference Jane has made.”
Jane’s recognition with the Excellence in Volunteering Award reflects the lasting difference she has made – not only through her own dedication, but in bringing people together, building confidence and creating a more inclusive and supportive environment within the RNLI.
