Cornwall Air Ambulance - Trustees

CHARITY TRUSTEES

Charity Trustees are the people who serve on the governing body of a charity. They are equally responsible in law for the Board’s actions and decisions and have equal status as Trustees. Cornwall Air Ambulance Trustees have and must accept ultimate responsibility for the charity’s affairs. They use their personal skills and experience to ensure that Cornwall Air Ambulance is solvent, well run and efficient and delivering its charitable outcomes. The Trustee role can be very rewarding and enjoyable, offering an opportunity to serve the community whilst learning new skills. The Trustees role is to focus on the strategic direction of the organisation and to ensure effectiveness and accountability. Day-to-day operational decisions are delegated to the Chief Executive and, through him, the remainder of the charity staff. All this sounds rather formal but in practice, our Board is a fascinating and fun place to sit. We experience all the challenges facing charities in fundraising, and we are constantly balancing risk and opportunity to achieve the best we can for our beneficiaries. The patient is at the heart of every strategic decision made, every operational plan delivered, and each tactical move which is necessary.

The Board is very proud of the Cornish heritage of the Charity, and the quality and pride built from its Brand. Being a part of the continued journey for this life saving charity is something every single Trustee has highlighted both during and after their terms of service.

Key responsibilities

To actively contribute to the Board of Trustees, which:

• Sets and maintains the vision, mission and values

• Develops the strategic direction and longer-term strategies

• Ensures compliance with the Governing Document and that the charity acts in the furtherance of its objects

• Ensures accountability, in that Cornwall Air Ambulance applies its resources exclusively in furtherance of its objectives

• Ensures compliance with the law

• Maintains a proper fiscal oversight

• Maintains effective Board performance

• Promotes Cornwall Air Ambulance.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• No conflicts of interest, or legal reasons why they may not act as Company Director

• Knowledge and understanding of Charity Governance and the duties and responsibilities of Charity Board Directors

• A commitment to Nolan’s 7 principles of public life

• A passion for organisations committed to their values and with healthy cultures

• The time to commit to the role, including daytime Board meetings

• Leadership and people management skills • Communication and interpersonal skills, discretion and diplomacy

• Creative and strategic thinking abilities.

Desirable

• Experience of leading or managing change

• An understanding of fundraising law and best practice

• Confident and able to express their views

• Ability to expand our networks to support further fundraising aims. Useful

• Crisis management and conflict resolution skills

• Ability to interpret complex financial information

• An understanding of aviation or clinical related industry.

Time commitment

• Approximately four board meetings (approx. three hours duration) per year, normally held in the Cornwall Air Ambulance offices in Newquay

• Sub-committee meetings – four a year or when requested

• A board strategic away day per year • Reading time for papers

• Contribution to charity events and activities

Cornwall Air Ambulance recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage Trustee applications from people of all backgrounds.

Trustee Onboarding Process This may include all or some of the following elements:

• Making an application

• Telephone call with a charity representative

• Meeting with some of the Cornwall Air Ambulance non-executives and senior executives at the charity HQ

• An opportunity to shadow a board meeting as an observer

• Access to our trustee handbook

• Trustees will need to provide two written references and sign a declaration of eligibility to act as a Trustee and Company Director.

Please forward your CV and covering letter addressed to:

Mark Carne CBE Chairman

Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust

Trevithick Downs

Newquay

Cornwall

TR8 4DY

Please mark the envelope: TRUSTEE APPLICATION PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

If you wish to apply by email, please send your application to Jackie Davis, HR and People Manager: Jackie.Davis@cornwallairambulancetrust.org. Please put: TRUSTEE APPLICATION PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL in the subject line of the email, and please ensure attachments and the e mail is no bigger than 5MB.