Job Description

Wales Air Ambulance is the largest air ambulance charity in the UK, serving a population of just over three million people and providing lifesaving critical care interventions to our citizens whenever and wherever they need it.

We are looking for people who have strong connections to Wales, and who are willing to volunteer their time to join our Board of Trustees, to shape our practice and our services and guide the Charity as we continue in our lifesaving work across Wales.

We are looking for people from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations, who have a range of skills and experience that can ensure we are best placed to realise our strategic ambitions. 

We are particularly looking for those with experience in leadership, fundraising, legal, retail, HR, accountancy and governance, where possible as part of the third sector. We are looking for people who understand the nature of charities and can bring with them their ideas and expertise to support our work.

Other skills and attributes that we would like from any prospective trustees are:

• A strong commitment to our mission, vision and values.
• A high degree of integrity.
• The ability to think strategically and plan for the future with good judgement.
• Critical thinking skills.
• The ability to work well as part of a team to collectively make decisions surrounding the Charity’s future work, vision and strategy.
• A willingness to undertake any necessary training.
• An understanding of safeguarding.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a charity trustee.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to attend meetings (virtual and in person) including undertaking the appropriate preparation reading and work.
• Good independent judgement and the ability to offer constructive challenge.
• Be at least 18 years of age.

The Role of the Trustee

The Welsh Air Ambulance Charitable Trust (hereafter referred to as “the Charity”) Board of Trustees has overall legal responsibility for strategic direction and governance and is collectively accountable for compliance with relevant legislative and regulatory requirements.

Being a trustee is a voluntary role, undertaken because individuals have a commitment to furthering the purposes of the Charity and have the skills, experience and personal qualities needed for the strategic management of the organisation.

All reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. To serve as a trustee you must be over the age of 18 and not disqualified because of bankruptcy, unspent criminal convictions for offences of deception or dishonesty, or a legal order for removal/disqualification as a trustee or company director. It is a criminal offence to act as a trustee while disqualified.

The term of office is for 3 years; at the end of which the Trustee will be able to stand for re-election to the Board.

The Board of Trustees

The Board meets 6 times a year. The Board is supported by sub-committees, including Aviation, HR&OD and Finance, which are open to Trustees to join in accordance with professional experience, availability and interest.

Trustee Responsibilities

The statutory duties of a Trustee are to:

• Ensure that the Charity complies with its Constitution, the law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensure the Charity pursues its objects as defined in its Constitution.
• Ensure the Charity uses its resources exclusively in pursuit of its objects.
• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees' role in setting strategy, defining goals and evaluating performance.
• To attend and actively contribute to Board and sub-committee meetings.
• To represent the Charity at functions and events as appropriate.
• To support the Charity’s equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion policies.
• To apply specific knowledge or experience to support the Board to make sound decisions.
• To scrutinise Board papers, lead discussions, focus on key issues, and provide advice and guidance requested by the Board on new initiatives, or other issues relevant to the areas of work in which the Trustee has special expertise.
• Safeguard and promote the values and mission of the Charity.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Charity.
• Ensure the financial stability of the Charity.
• Protect and manage the property of the Charity and ensure its proper use for charitable purposes.

The above list is not exhaustive and the Trustee may be required from time to time to perform additional tasks determined by the Chair of the Board.