When Bembridge-based Andrew Sibley isn't working on overhead power lines or underground electricity cables across the Isle of Wight, he can often be found out on the Solent helping to save lives and rescuing vessels and people who have come into difficulty, playing his part as a member of the local RNLI unit.
Andrew has worked with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) for 30 years, and for 25 of these he has also been a dedicated member of the RNLI crew based in Bembridge, and goes out on both of the two specialist boats stationed there.
Working with SSEN allows Andrew to combine his longstanding love of boats with a career that gives him the flexibility to let him respond to emergency calls when it is safe to do so. He said:
"There is a real community spirit in our crew, which is really important as we never know what the next call-out can bring. We can respond to a very diverse range of call-outs at any time of the day, from the tragic to the minor to the totally bizarre, such as the giant inflatable swan we had to retrieve last year."
"Working with SSEN, safety is the number one priority and I'll always check that it is OK to leave a job before I respond to the RNLI call-out, but it's very reassuring to know that I've got the support of my employer when I am heading out as part of a team to deal with a potentially life-threatening situation."
Jon Ivey, one of SSEN's regional managers, believes that supporting colleagues who volunteer for life-saving organisations such as the RNLI, is a vital part of the company's commitment to the local community.? He said:
"I'm really proud that our colleagues are volunteering for these services. It's a real boost for them, and also for the local communities. As we can offer flexible working for our staff, it's the right thing to do, especially if they are able to respond to a life-saving situation in the local community."