Tag: RNBT

Here at RNBT, we’re extremely proud that our former Chief Executive, Commander Rob Bosshardt RN (Retired), has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours List 2025 for his exceptional services to veterans’ welfare.

Rob served as Chief Executive of RNBT from 2017 until his retirement in 2024. During his tenure, Rob led the Trust with dedication and vision, and his leadership was instrumental in numerous advancements, including the successful delivery of Admiral Jellicoe House, our centenary care home project, and the enhancement of our benevolence processes, which proved resilient during challenging times such as the pandemic.

Rob spent a large portion of his career in active service and, through RNBT, has supported the welfare of thousands of serving and former Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel and their families. As a team, we at RNBT extend our heartfelt congratulations to Rob on this well-deserved and prestigious honour.

On receiving the honour, Rob said: “RNBT is a really special organisation in which I feel very privileged to have played a part. The OBE reflects the commitment of the entire team, who continue to work relentlessly to ensure Royal Navy veterans and their dependants receive the help and support they deserve.

“Helping our people is at the heart of everything RNBT does and my greatest hope is that this incredible honour helps to raise awareness among the whole naval community that RNBT is here for them.”

The RNBT offers wide-ranging financial help for those who serve or have served, as well as their families. Learn more here.

We are delighted to confirm that His Majesty King Charles III will be retaining the Patronage of The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust.

 

This announcement marks the first anniversary of Their Majesties’ Coronation and we continue to feel incredibly honoured and grateful to be acknowledged and supported by His Majesty in the work we do.

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.’