3 Oct 2017
Our Deputy CEO Charles Newitt has been shortlisted for the Supporting Executive of the Year at the 2017 Charity Times Awards for his work in overseeing the successful introduction of our second helicopter and leading the charity’s strategic direction during his time as Interim CEO.
Since 2014, Charles has supported London’s Air Ambulance as Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this role, he forms part of the core leadership team and has operational responsibility for service delivery, as well as helping the board execute its operational strategy. The teams he manages include Aviation & Helipad Operations, HR, Finance and Communications.
Over the past few years there have been two landmark developments as our charity strives to improve patient outcomes. These were acquiring the second helicopter and introducing extended flying hours. As COO, Charles oversaw both of these historical changes to the charity’s aviation function. Once the second helicopter became operational, mechanical availability for the charity’s aircraft rose from 83% in 2015 to 98.6% in 2016.
Charles stepped in as Interim CEO between August 2016 and April 2017. Under his leadership, London’s Air Ambulance also won the Emergency Services category at the 2016 Pride of Britain Awards. This was a seminal moment for our charity and increased awareness massively.
Speaking about Charles’ contribution to London’s Air Ambulance, Chairman Mark Vickers said:
“Charles’ contribution to our charity as COO has been outstanding. After we raised funds for our second helicopter, Charles was put in charge of finding and acquiring the aircraft, and negotiating on price — a hugely demanding and complex task that required incredible patience. Under his leadership, the helicopter was then transported from the Middle East, re-registered according to CAA regulatory requirements and fitted to the medical spec of a trauma service. He did a top job.
Having barely recovered from the rigours of this demanding project, Charles took up the role of Interim CEO in August 2016. He stepped up to new and unexpected responsibilities with his usual qualities — strong and inspiring leadership, calmness, professionalism, commitment, integrity and compassion. He is an unsung hero to whom the charity and its thousands of patients will be forever indebted. I cannot commend him enough.”
The Charity Times Awards continue to be the pre-eminent celebration of best practice in the UK charity and not-for-profit sector. Now in their 18th year, the awards are run by Charity Times Magazine - the leading title for UK non-profit professionals. This year’s winners will be announced at the Charity Times Awards Gala Dinner & Ceremony on 4 October 2017 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.
