theLifeboat asks Ian Ventham, former head of fundraising and marketing, to reflect on his time at the fundraising helm and we speak to his successor, David Brann, on his vision for the future.Ian What notable changes in fundraising have you seen over the years? The growth of members and governors - in particular, the spectacular launch and growth of Offshore This has been achieved whilst traditional fundraising in the regions, and from branches and guilds, has steadily grown and developed.

Charity fundraising in the UK generally has become a highly organised business, so our growth has been achieved in the face of increasing competition. We all felt that the National Lottery might hit charity fundraising but, certainly for the major charities, this hasn't been the case.

What was the most important message you tried to get across? The people who provide the funds, whether branch or guild members, Offshore or Shoreline members, governors, donors or legators, are all individual and have a million different reasons why they give their support. It is very important that this is not taken for granted and that we try to understand people's involvement, respect it, and allow as much choice as possible to how they choose to give support. I believe that a long-term relationship is vastly more important than merely going for cash today.

What was your most memorable or proudest moment? When the RNLI was presented with no fewer than four fundraising awards in one year, having been judged best in three categories of fundraising, against many hundreds of entries from all sorts of different charities. The most memorable moment, though, was watching Volunteer Spirit, a new Severn class lifeboat, funded by the magnificent efforts of our branches and guilds in our 175th anniversary year, be named and dedicated earlier this year. What a fantastic tribute to all our supporters.David What was your reaction when you were told that you had been successful in getting the post? I was extremely excited to be offered this challenge and well aware of what an impressive act I had to follow. Ian has done a tremendous job and has left us in a very strong position.

What is your message to our supporters? Firstly, to thank them for the generous and loyal support over the years that has provided us with such reliable funding. This has enabled us to build a lifeboat service that is second to none and to explore new ways of saving even more lives.

Our immediate challenge is to recruit younger supporters so that the RNLI continues to be able to provide our crews with the boats and equipment they need.

Legacies remain our most important source of funds and we hope that many of our supporters will continue to remember us in their wills.

What new ideas or strategies do you have? The department is already working to a strategy to which I, in my previous role as marketing manager, have contributed and therefore fully endorse. We will carry on providing for current financial needs, whilst developing the strengths we will require in the future. Our focus will be on building strong, longterm relationships with our supporters, What is your vision for the future of RNLI fundraising? We must continue with the good work that has been done in the past and should never take the support we receive from legacies for granted. At the same time, we must continue to find ways to encourage younger audiences to give their support and must continue to modernise and improve efficiency.'Charity fundraising in the UK generally has become a highly organised business, so our growth has been achieved in the face of increasing competition.' Ian Ventham, former head of fundraising and marketing 'Our immediate challenge is to recruit younger supporters so that the HNLl continues to be able to provide our crews with the boats and equipment they need.' David Brann, fundraising and marketing director.