Executive Director of Corporate Services
Appointment Brief
September 2025
Introduction from the Chief Executive
Thank you very much for your interest in the role of Executive Director of Corporate Services with Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS).
This is an incredibly exciting and interesting opportunity to work alongside an exceptional and highly motivated multi-disciplinary team as part of one of the world’s leading air ambulance services. You will lead a well-established, highly skilled Corporate Services Team, and work in effective collaboration with a multi-talented Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees, playing a critical role in ensuring KSS can reach more patients and save more lives.
The role leads on the operational and strategic delivery of various corporate services that provide the essential infrastructure for all KSS activities and enables future growth through leadership and management of the treasury, finance, procurement, governance, compliance, risk, health and safety, human resources, facilities and information technology functions. You will work as a strategic and financial partner to the Chief Executive, providing insight and informed advice to help effectively manage the charity.
For over 35 years, KSS has provided world leading pre-hospital emergency medicine to critically ill or injured patients within a framework of excellence in regulatory compliance and clinical governance. In 2020 we became the first Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) to be rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission on all five of its key lines of enquiry: safe, effective, caring, responsive and wellled. This defining moment provided us with a strong platform from which to further grow, innovate and increase our impact in the communities we serve.
We are proud to be an independent, agile charity and rely almost entirely on the generosity and commitment of our supporters. Everyone who is a part of Team KSS, no matter their role, is truly people centred, purpose driven and values led. We are fearless and tireless in fighting to save even more lives.
It costs £21million to deliver our lifesaving service each year and the demands on our service continue to grow. In the last year we responded to 3,139 incidents and treated 1,801 patients. We have overcome significant challenges and capitalised on huge opportunities meaning we are in a strong and resilient position and now own two of our three helicopters as well as our fleet of five rapid response vehicles.
We continuously research and innovate to drive improvements in patient care and further develop our Patient and Family Aftercare Service. As part of our education and prevention strategy, we deliver a Restart a Heart campaign, which has already created over 100,000 potential lifesavers in our communities. We are transforming our fundraising and engagement strategy by strengthening our profile, widening our reach and both growing and diversifying our income streams. We continue to develop and strengthen our ESG framework, our people strategy and our technology strategy to ensure KSS can continue to be a sector leader.
This truly is an exciting time to join KSS and I sincerely hope that you feel inspired by this amazing opportunity to become part of Team KSS.
Thank you.
David Welch, Chief Executive
About us
KSS is an independent, award winning and world-leading air ambulance charity at the forefront of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services with a strong reputation for excellence nationally and internationally.
Our 24/7 365 days a year lifesaving service is only possible thanks to the incredible generosity of the communities we serve who contribute 91% of our total income. We serve our resident population of around five million people across Kent, Surrey and Sussex, plus a transient population of 90 million who travel through the region every year.
We are here for the thousands of people who experience sudden critical injury or illness across our region every year. When every second counts for survival, our pilots fly our expert doctors and paramedics to our patients, fast, performing lifesaving interventions in challenging environments at scene such as general anaesthesia, surgical procedure and blood transfusions.
We’ve been on an incredible journey over the past 35 years with our patients always at the heart of everything we do. We’re proud of our established reputation for research and innovation which has led the way in continually improving patient outcomes in the UK and around the world. We have defined The KSS Way, our people centred, purpose driven and values led cultural and strategic framework, which sets out the exceptional ambitions and standards we aim to achieve. We are driven by our purpose of saving lives and ensuring the best possible patient outcomes and committed to our vision for the future of an end of preventable loss of life from medical emergency. Fundamentally, underlying all of our ambitions, plans and activity is our valued based, inclusive culture: how we behave and how we treat and respect each other.
Our strategy – Working Together to Save More Lives –is our ambitious roadmap to enable us to reach more patients and save even more lives. Our strategy centres on delivering advancements in patient care through technology, practice, and treatment through research and innovation. We commit to continuously seek and generate new learning and insights so we can drive solutions. We want to help to create a future where there are less medical emergencies, where we can influence the need for our service by equipping our communities to provide critical first response and training and educating them in lifesaving skills, and where we can have a truly lasting impact where our patients and families are able to benefit from ongoing support to enable their best possible future.
We look ahead with real hope, optimism and possibility to all that we can achieve together. To enable these ambitions, we need to grow our income. We need to inspire an even bigger army of supporters across Kent, Surrey and Sussex to believe in our cause and join with us. We will draw, and build, upon our network of partners, stakeholders, supporters, and volunteers to collaborate for maximum impact.
To support us in our ambitious strategy, we’re looking to appoint an Executive Director of Corporate Services to help drive our high performing organisation.
Our strategy
Working Together to Save More Lives
We operate in a complex, fast-paced, challenging, collaborative and opportunistic environment, in which our strategy has to deliver and in fact thrive.
Our five-year strategy ‘Working Together to Save More Lives’ 2022-2027 sets out how we focus on working in true collaboration with the NHS, the private sector, the not-for-profit sector and our communities to achieve the best possible patient outcomes. It’s based on the journey of our patients and examines how we can give the best possible chance of survival during each stage of treatment and care in the chain of survival.
As we look to the future, our top priority remains the safe delivery of our service with the highest quality of treatment and care which reaches even more patients and saves more lives.
We are enhancing our aviation capability, continuing our world-leading research and innovation to help improve patient outcomes, further supporting former patients, their families, and bereaved families, with the expansion of our Patient and Family Aftercare Service as well as growing our education and prevention work in our communities.
Continuing to widen our reach and engagement and grow resilient income streams is a top priority as we continue to ensure the financial stability and sustainability of our vital lifesaving service in an increasingly challenging fundraising environment.
We’re deeply passionate about building even more compassionate communities where people feel inspired to support us and empowered through our growing participation, and prevention and education initiatives to help save more lives.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
KSS is committed to creating an equal, diverse and truly inclusive culture where everyone feels welcome and able to be their authentic selves. We believe that everyone has the right to live without fear or prejudice and be treated fairly with respect and dignity regardless of sex, race, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, background, religion or beliefs.
Finances
KSS prioritises the financial stability of the charity to ensure the long-term sustainability of our vital lifesaving work, and to have capability to react to opportunities to innovate, grow and invest as they present themselves.
Last year KSS raised a record level of income, maintaining our healthy financial position. We now own two of our three helicopters, providing us with a more secure financial future and enabling service developments so we can reach even more patients and save more lives.
However, the cost to operate our service increased by 2% last year and to replace helicopters and develop our service we will need to expand our income further in the years ahead. The vast majority of our income is generated by our generous communities, and we value every penny we receive, meaning we strive to achieve maximum impact from our valuable funds.
Our full financial position, and our financial policies are publicly available in our Annual Report which is published at Companies House and the Charity Commission. The year ending 31st March 2025 will be available this month.
Corporate Services Department
Role description
Job title: Executive Director of Corporate Services
Reports to: Chief Executive
Direct reports: Head of Finance, Head of HR Management, Culture & Learning, Head of Facilities & Infrastructure, Head Of Governance & Compliance, IT Manager and People Business Partner
Location: Across Redhill Aerodrome and Rochester City Airport
Salary: £100,000 full time equivalent (flexible working arrangements will be considered)
Role purpose
The Executive Director of Corporate Services is a key member of the KSS Senior Leadership Team (SLT) with responsibility for leading and developing the charity’s corporate functions to support the formation and delivery of the strategic plan and our lifesaving service.
This role leads on the operational and strategic delivery of various corporate services that provide the essential infrastructure for all KSS activities and enables future growth through leadership and management of the treasury, finance, procurement, governance, compliance, risk, health & safety, human resources, facilities and information technology functions. You will work as a strategic and financial partner to the Chief Executive, providing insight and informed advice to help effectively manage the organisation.
This key leadership role comprises a wide area of responsibility requiring an individual with an exceptional level of commercial acumen and experience, the ability to lead a multi-disciplinary team and manage competing priorities. You will have excellent collaborative and influential skills and the ability to manage strong relationships with our Board and key stakeholders. You will be well supported by an experienced and highly skilled and knowledgeable team and an expert range of professional advisors.
Key responsibilities
Strategy and planning
• Lead the development and implementation of a corporate services strategy and business plan which align with our vision and purpose and enable the delivery of The KSS Way – our strategic and cultural framework and our five year rolling strategy - Working Together to Save More Lives.
• Support the implementation of a comprehensive and rigorous strategic and business planning process across KSS, including developing 5 and 10 year budgets and financial projections.
• Play a key role supporting the Chief Executive, the Executive Director of Business Development and the wider SLT in the further development of The KSS Way along with its implementation.
• Support the Aviation Committee and SLT in the delivery of the KSS aviation strategy.
• Lead KSS crisis management testing and preparation, including acting as chair of GOLD command as required.
• Provide full support to the Chief Executive as required, including playing a key role in crisis response, contractual negotiations and disputes, strategic programme activity and any work which does not naturally fit into the typical SLT responsibilities.
Leadership and culture
• Provide authentic, clear and dynamic leadership to the Corporate Services Team, and managers across KSS, ensuring alignment to the KSS values and goals.
• Support, coach and develop the Corporate Services Team and other staff.
• Consistently demonstrate, role model, promote and build a proactive culture of care, trust, dedication, innovation and collaboration and aspire for excellence through continuous improvement.
• Lead the team to achieve operational excellence so KSS is a well-run, transparent and ethical charity that people can trust and support.
Finance
Work with the Head of Finance to:
• Deliver financial leadership and oversight of the finance function to ensure efficiency and maximum value from our funds.
• Provide sound financial advice to the Chief Executive, SLT and the Board of Trustees.
• Develop and implement KSS’ financial plan, investment approach, reserves and other financial policies, in line with best practice developments.
• Oversee management of the KSS investment portfolio and manage relationships with investment management companies.
• Develop and manage the charity’s procurement function, reviewing all major contracts.
• Govern all banking and payment card industry activity.
• Lead all legacy estate management activity in KSS.
• Present financial information in an accessible format, with a focus on strategic issues.
• Ensure that robust and appropriate financial controls, systems and processes are both in place and being adhered to by the Finance Team and wider organisation.
• Prepare the annual budget and support delivery of the annual report and accounts.
• Liaise with external auditors through the annual audit process.
• Lead the preparation of project budgets and costings as well as project-based accounts.
Governance, risk and compliance
Work with the Head of Governance & Compliance to:
• Ensure activities of Company Secretary are completed.
• Deliver effective support to the Board of Trustees including developing and implementing effective processes to guide Trustee recruitment, performance and development, and effective Board conduct.
• Manage the governance arrangements and operational processes to support the Board Committees.
• Ensure the implementation of sound corporate governance processes across all areas of the business.
• Lead the development and implementation of a robust risk management framework.
• Implement and maintain a compliance management system to identify and report on statutory and regulatory compliance requirements, including Charity Commission requirements and ensure the effective management of KSS policy and procedural documents.
• Provide, with support of advisors, expert advice in the areas of data protection and cyber security.
• Mange the relationship with our legal partners and any associated activity.
• Keep up to date with relevant legislation, policies, acts and best practices relating to the sector.
• Review and establish employee, Trustee and public liability insurance annually.
Facilities
Work with the Head of Facilities & Infrastructure to:
• Have overall management oversight of both sites at Rochester and Redhill, ensuring both sites support all staff to work to the best of their abilities.
• Encourage a positive health and safety reporting culture and oversee Redhill and Rochester base safety and security.
• Ensure cyber, building contents and event insurance are reviewed and renewed annually.
• Maintain relationships with Chief Executive’s of Redhill and Rochester Airport.
• Ensure bases are maintained in a good state of repair, safe and secure, and compliant with facility management regulations.
Information technology
Work with the IT Security & Systems Manager to:
• Develop and implement a technology strategy which meets the organisation’s ongoing and future needs.
• Deliver the technology systems that underpin the strategic development of IT at KSS.
• Position the charity at a strategic advantage, driven by its innovative use of technology.
• Deliver an ongoing strategy relating to the charity’s use of AI to drive efficiency and create opportunity.
• Maintain Cyber Essential Plus accreditation and advance cyber protection policies across KSS, to maintain the KSS Gambling Commission license and maintain compliance with the NHS data support and policy toolkit (DSPT)
• Increase automation across corporate services and drive towards systems which provide a single version of the truth.
Human resources
Work with the Head of HR Management, Culture & Learning, and People Business Partner to:
• Design, develop and implement the charity’s HR strategy.
• Lead the delivery of high-quality human resource processes and services, including payroll.
• Support the development of our culture and values through The KSS Way.
• Provide support and meet the training needs of managers on a range of HR issues.
• Establish secondment contracts and agreements with various NHS Trusts.
• Deliver a best practice recruitment and retention strategy to attract and retain the best staff.
• Support all recruitment activity and ensure it is in line with the KSS remuneration policy.
• Maintain a full suite of HR policies and a secure HR personnel management system.
• Deliver a robust training programme/platform and ensure compliance with mandatory training across KSS.
• Review and renew annually the employee benefits plans and insurance.
• Oversee KSS pension provision, with support of advisors.
• Deliver the KSS volunteering strategy, to grow volunteer support and value/increase engagement.
• Oversee management of volunteers including celebration events, recruitment, induction and motivation.
Other general duties
• Maintain the main relationship with all KSS specialist advisors.
• Re-tender key corporate service supplier contracts on a planned basis.
• When at the Rochester or Redhill base, receive visitors and assist them in the appropriate manner, liaising as necessary with other staff members.
• Be a KSS representative across a number of various forums and network opportunities and support KSS activity on thought leadership.
• When working at KSS premises, observe and adhere to office procedures.
• Respect confidentiality of all information obtained whilst working for KSS.
• Contribute to the functioning and morale of the team, whilst conducting yourself in a professional and efficient manner.
Person specification
Commercial acumen with experience in treasury and finance management, budgeting and business planning with a relevant qualification or proven experience.
Significant senior leadership experience in a similar corporate service leadership role with knowledge and experience in key areas of responsibility as outlined in the JD.
Significant project management experience.
Experience of dealing with regulators or working in a highly regulated environment - charity sector an advantage but not essential.
Some experience of aviation regulation/ operation or NHS/medical operations.
Inspiring, enabling and empowering leadership style, skilled at leading and working with subject matter experts.
A track record of challenging and driving change, ensuring business focused results.
Outstanding communications, interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills with a proven ability to build strong relationships and influence others.
A proactive and solutions-orientated approach, excellent problem-solving skills and proven ability to identify and implement solutions.
High level of computer literacy and numeracy.
Demonstrated initiative, flexibility and a collaborative business approach.
Benefits
This is a summary of the core benefits package provided by KSS. Please note we do review our insured benefits annually and reserve the right to amend and adjust these offering from time to time.
Annual Leave
• 25 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-timers).
• Leave increases by 1 day per year after one year of service up to a maximum of 28 days.
Group Personal Pension Plan
• Auto-enrolment into a qualifying scheme provided by Royal London.
• 3% employee contribution (mandatory) / 6% employer contribution. Salary exchange arrangements in place
Group Life Assurance
• Cover provided at the rate of 4 x salary in the event of death in service.
Group Income Protection
• Scheme provides long term financial support in the event of ill-health which prevents an employee from working.
• Following 13 weeks of consecutive absence, subject to insurer accepting the claim, a benefit equal to 75% of salary is available.
Critical Illness Cover
• Scheme provides a lump sum payment in the event of an employee experiencing major health conditions, subject to the condition being covered by the scheme rules.
Employee Assistance Programme
• Confidential 24/7 support service for employees and their families
Health & Wellbeing
• Trained first aiders and mental health first aiders.
• Calendar of internal Social & Wellbeing activities and initiatives.
• Access to SECAmb’s Wellbeing Hub.
Learning & Development
• Training budget available to support individual professional and personal development.
Staff Discounts
• You can register or a ‘Blue Light Card’. For just £4.99, members of the Blue Light community can access more than 15,000 discounts from large national retailers to local businesses across categories such as holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones, and many more.
How to apply
To apply for the role, please upload your CV together with a supporting statement (of no more than 1000 words) onto the Prospectus website via the link.
For guidance on formulating your supporting statement, please review our guide here.
Please ensure that you have included a telephone number, as well as any dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the recruitment timetable.
If you wish to apply using an alternative format please contact Prospectus on 020 7691 1920 or email executive.admin@prospect-us.co.uk
Applications via the Prospectus website should be made at: https://prospect-us.co.uk/job/192779
At Prospectus we believe passionately that a truly inclusive workplace leads to increased social impact. We are committed to supporting our clients build more inclusive teams. To understand how we are performing, we ask that you kindly complete the brief equal opportunities questionnaire when you submit your application via our website. Please be assured that your responses are kept confidential, separate from your candidate record, are not part of any application you make, and that the consultants never see individual responses to the questionnaire.
Recruitment timetable
Deadline for applications: Wednesday 8th October
Interviews with Prospectus: 14th-28th October
Engagement meetings with KSS: w/c 3rd November
Interviews with KSS: w/c 10th November
These dates may be subject to change and applicants will be advised in advance should this happen.
Queries
If you wish to have an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact our retained advisors Anna Gardet or Erica Ritchie at Prospectus on 020 7691 1920, or email:
anna.gardet@prospect-us.co.uk erica.ritchie@prospect-us.co.uk
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