Issue 487 – The people’s air ambulance needs trustees

In 2011, the Wiltshire Air Ambulance will become an independent charity and the search is on to recruit up to 10 people to act as trustees.

Now in its 21st year of life-saving operation, the air ambulance service in Wiltshire has until now been run by the NHS with the Great Western Ambulance Service acting as the sole corporate trustee. However that is about to change with all responsibility for fundraising passing to a new charity which is in the process of being set up.
Current charity chairman David Philpott said, “I was brought in by the Great Western Ambulance Service 12 months ago to help with transitioning the charity to independent status. I a delighted to say we are on track to have the process completed over the next few months.”
The charity currently raises about £750,000 a year through voluntary donations but it is recognised that this amount will have to increase substantially over the next few years, since the indications are that Wiltshire Police will not be in a position to co-fund the joint police/air ambulance project in Wiltshire after 2014.
David Philpott said, “I am looking for people who live or work in Wiltshire to put themselves forward for this prestigious but unpaid role. Ideal candidates should have experience in areas that will be of benefit to the charity. This could be finance, law, medicine, marketing or journalism to name but a few. As a charity we are also dependent on an army of volunteers, so we are hoping to have at least one volunteer representative sitting around the table. An ideal board will represent Wiltshire in all its diversity with trustees drawn from all over the county.”
Meetings will be held four to five times a year, but trustees might be invited to sit on various committees. The initial term is three years. They will also be expected to get involved with fundraising and be ambassadors for the life saving service.
Anyone wishing to apply should send their CV to: David Philpott, Chairman, Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal, Great Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Jenner House, Chippenham, Wiltshire. SN15 1GG
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to visit the air support unit prior to a formal interview process.