Mark Hallam, former finance director of RNLI, is claiming constructive dismissal against the charity at an Employment Tribunal in December.

Civilsociety.co.uk understands that Hallam, a chartered accountant who qualified with PricewaterhouseCoopers, is making his claim at the Southampton Employment Tribunal against RNLI chief executive, Vice Admiral Paul Boissier.

It is understood that Hallam contends that both Boissier and some board members at RNLI were unsupportive of his professional stance on financial integrity, and the chief executive eventually made his position at the charity untenable.

Hallam, who has a wide-ranging career background, including management roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers, joined RNLI in November 2005. Paul Boissier joined the RNLI, after retiring from a 35-year career in the Navy, as its new chief executive in September 2009.

Hallam left RNLI in September 2012. He is now director of finance, IT and training at the Marine Society and Sea Cadets.

An RNLI spokeswoman told civilsociety.co.uk: “The RNLI would like to reassure people that any allegation brought to our attention by our staff or volunteers is thoroughly investigated and fairly dealt with. Employment Tribunal proceedings relating to claims of unfair dismissal are being defended and, as such, it is not appropriate for us to comment further.”

The hearing is scheduled for 5 and 6 December.