The Women’s Royal Naval Service Benevolent Trust (WRNS BT) is to become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) to reduce running costs, the organisations have announced.
Members voted in favour of the change, which will see day-to-day management and back-office functions of the trust move to RNRMC by January 2024.
The subsidiary charity will keep its name and have its own trustee board that will consist of WRNS BT members and one representative from RNRMC.
Merger to ‘secure the future benevolence of the trust’
WRNS BT was created in 1942 in support of women who worked in the royal navy during the first and second world wars.
The youngest of WRNS BT’s remaining beneficiaries are expected to live for 40-50 years, according to the trust.
WRNS BT’s income for the 2021 calendar year was £260,000, down from £321,000 the year before, while RNRMC had a total income of £11m.
Heather Rimmer, WRNS BT chair, said: “I am delighted that our members have whole-heartedly endorsed our proposal, as our board of trustees has worked extremely hard over the last two years to come up with the proposal.
“Our new relationship with the RNRMC will secure the future benevolence of the trust and ensure business as usual.”
Andrew Jameson, chief executive of the RNRMC, added: “I am absolutely thrilled the WRNS BT have decided to strengthen the relationship with the RNRMC.
“By doing so, I have no doubt the central committee of the WRNS BT will be able to continue the wonderful support for WRNS BT members; and as the new charity partner, the RNRMC is also determined to honour the service of WRNS BT for many years to come.”
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