## ANNUAL REPORT 2022 









Charity Registration No. 1161153 (England and Wales) Charity Registration No. SC051021 (Scotland) Company Registration No. 09391251 (England and Wales) 

Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) Annual report and consolidated financial statements 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

## LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION 

Mr D Brown MBE DL Ms A L Perry Mr J M Christensen (Vice Chair) Mr T D Howard Resigned 24 March 2023 Mrs H Benjamin (Chair) Mrs A C McLean Mr A D Welch Dr M Williams Ms C A Walters Mr A Hicks Appointed 16 May 2023 

Trustees 

Chief Executive Officer 

Ms S Akhtar 

Charity number (England and 1161153 Wales) 

Charity number (Scotland) 

Charity number (Scotland) SC051021 Company number 09391251 

International House Registered office 126 Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 3AP 

Thomas and Young Limited, Carleton House, 266-268 Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands, B90 3AD 

Auditor 

Jerroms Business Solutions, Blythe Valley Park, Blythe Gate, Solihull, B90 8AH 

Accountants 

Myers & Co Solicitors, 33-43 Price Street, Staffordshire, ST6 4EN 

BDB Pitmans LLP, One Bartholomew Close, London, EC1A 7BL 

Legal Advisors 

Handelsbanken, 3 Thomas More Square, London, E1W 1WY 

Bankers 


## CONTENTS 

**01** Message from our Chair 

**01** 

Message from our Chief Executive 

**02** Patient Stories 

**3 - 21** 

Trustees' report 

**22** Statement of Trustees' responsibilities 

**23** Consolidated statement of financial activities Consolidated balance sheet **23** 

**24** 

Charity balance sheet 

Consolidated statement of cashflows **24** 

**25 - 31** 

Notes to the financial statements 

**32 - 33** 

Independent Auditor’s Report 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 


## MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIR 


Another wonderful year as Chair for AAUK. We have continued to address as an organisation the many challenges facing the air ambulance sector with the continued focus on collaboration and sharing experiences. This has enabled us to keep ahead of the curve for addressing cost of living, global uncertainties. increased requests for our services and raising our profile as the country has emerged from the Covid epidemic. 

In 2022 we continued to make progress in our strategic journey and with the support of our members we have continued to invest in our team and stakeholder relationships to enable the focus on diversifying our fundraising and increase the national awareness of our causes to deliver lifesaving services across the UK. 

We are looking forward to support from MP’s across the UK for delivering our first Parliamentary Reception at the House of Commons in 2023. This is a key strategic aim of AAUK to have interaction at the highest level and influence over related government policy. We  have also started fundraising events in person and continued to drive research projects on data, blood products and driving development of our digital strategy, including our website and members exchanges in the forums. This has included a great initiative amongst sector colleagues to be thinking about the future world we will be living in. The exchanges with other Chairs during the year has provided a great  chance to discuss board level strategies for ensuring the charities remain sustainable with all the external and internal pressures in the world. 

Other strands included the Innovation and Development Fund working with Jude Morris’s family to distribute lifesaving funds to our members. One of the Board’s focuses is collaborating with member Air Ambulance charities in our Strategic Innovation Committee on environmental sustainability, where we are capturing our plans to reduce emissions and driving community links. 

Finally, we held our first face to face Annual Conference followed by an awards evening in November to celebrate all the amazing people we work with across the charities. 

I am proud that we have an increase in our income for what has once again been a challenging year. None of this would have been possible without the great support of our CEO, Simmy Akhtar, and her team and I would like to pass on the Board's thanks for all their wonderful ideas and hard work they have contributed to ensure innovative ideas have been brought to the Boardroom for discussion. 

I would like to thank the AAUK Board for all their support and sharing their experiences during this very busy year. We also would like to thank our members for all their support and our donors and beneficiaries, without which we could not have been such a great success in 2022. We are excited for our plans for 2023 and know we are building on a solid base for our future with the support of everyone involved. 


## MESSAGE FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE 


Welcome to Air Ambulances UK Annual Report 2022. We are excited to share a snapshot of our activities with you throughout this report. 

The year saw us managing the outcomes of the global pandemic as we were able to resume more in person activities and attend national events such as HeliTech, The Emergency Services Show, and the Emergency Services Mental Health Symposium. It was fantastic to meet with colleagues from across the UK and to bring the air ambulance community and supporters together at our Annual Conference and Awards of Excellence. All of these events and more provide us with opportunities to share the impact of the lifesaving work of the UK’s air ambulance charities. 

The year also included the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, and we are delighted to have worked with the Department of Health and Social Care and MP’s across the UK to successfully secure an amendment to the Jubilee Platinum Medal eligibility criteria to include air ambulance emergency first responders including pilots. 

We are extremely honoured to have launched our first ever Innovation and Development Fund in memory of the talented Jude Morris who sadly lost his life at a motocross event. This fund invites applications from our air ambulance charity members which demonstrate the impact of the daily patient-focused care they provide by air and road. I would like to thank the Morris family for their continued support and commitment to raising funds for our sector. 

Air Ambulance week which is held in September of every year attracted support from a variety of stakeholders for which we are grateful. This is a key week in our sector where we work in collaboration with air ambulance charities to raise awareness of the country’s air ambulance charities work by, for example, our social media reach in the range of 4.8 million. 

We continued to provide a platform for national projects such as the Pre-hospital Research and Audit Network Data Project and the Study of Whole Blood in Frontline Trauma. Furthermore, our work with NHS England to secure safe access to patient data for air ambulance charities continued to gather pace. We were pleased to work with NHS Blood and Transplant to highlight the need for more blood donors especially so after the pandemic which saw a decrease in blood donors. 

It is impossible to include every detail in this report, however, I hope that it provides you with an engaging insight into our work in collaboration with our air ambulance charity colleagues and supporters. I would like to say a huge thank you to all our donors without whom it would not be possible to deliver our support to the sector and I hope you enjoy reading through this report. 


Heather Benjamin Chair of Trustees  AAUK 

Simmy Akhtar Chief Executive Officer   AAUK 

1 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

## PATIENT STORIES 

## Air Ambulance Northern Ireland: Williams' Story 


William Graham was crushed by a dumper truck at his home in Co Down, Northern Ireland whilst doing maintenance. 

William said, “I could feel myself fading and had said goodbye to Emma (my wife) believing I wasn’t going to make it, my last memory after that is hearing the helicopter and help arrive". 

The Air Ambulance Northern Ireland team arrived at William’s home within 12 minutes and carried out advanced pre-hospital care which included placing William in an induced coma as he had significant, life-threatening injuries. 

The father of four young children was airlifted to the nearest major trauma centre where he stayed in intensive care for 7 weeks. Due to the extent of his injuries he was intubated for 5 weeks and then spent a further 5 weeks in the surgical ward. 

William added: “I owe my life to the service of the Air Ambulance NI and the staff at the RVH and will be eternally grateful. So much of what they do is funded by public donations which undoubtedly has saved countless lives. It really is a most worthy of causes” 

Now, almost two years on, William is back to work as an estate agent and welcomed his fifth child, and he is delighted to still be here for his family. 

## Great Western Air Ambulance Charity: Alfie’s Story 


When 3-year-old Alfie Farr complained to his parents that he was thirsty, they thought nothing of it however soon after he became unresponsive and lifeless. His Mum, Rebecca called 999, and when an ambulance crew arrived things took a turn for the worst after he started to suffer seizures and stopped breathing. 

Due to the severity of Alfie’s condition, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity’s (GWAAC) Critical Care Team were called and quickly placed him in an induced coma to minimise the impact on his brain as he had been unconscious for over 45 minutes. Due to the advanced care he received from the GWAAC team Alfie was able to go home after four days in hospital. He is now a football crazy tenyear-old who drags his dad out to play at every opportunity! 


## Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance: Dale’s Story 

Jogging through the streets of Portsmouth on a cloudy New Year’s morning, 30-year-old Dale was embracing the start of a new year. As he stepped out to cross the road, his life was about to change forever. 

“It was probably the first year as an adult I could manage to go jogging on New Year’s Day and not just be hungover. As I stepped out to cross the road, I was hit by an oncoming car.” 

Police units and paramedics arrived on scene, quickly followed by the HIOWAA Critical Care Team. Dale was stabilised at the scene and transported to the region’s Major Trauma Centre. Among his injuries were broken bones in his vertebrae, ribs, sternum, scapula and skull, eventually causing two bleeds on the brain, a punctured lung and a bruised liver. “The T12 vertebrae essentially exploded, causing my spinal cord injury, meaning I am now paralysed and have no sensation in the lower half of my body.” Dale spent the next 17 days in a coma and a further three weeks in UHS before being transferred to a Spinal Treatment Centre. 

When Dale was in hospital that goal was seemingly out of reach, but he was determined to walk again. 

“They thought I had a complete injury, meaning I wouldn't get any movement back, but it was only when I started attending private physiotherapy that they found there’s a chance I can get movement back and that I should be able to walk again.” 

At his first hydrotherapy session, Dale regained movement in his leg as he pulled his knee up to his chest. With his wedding fast approaching, Dale’s new aim was to stand for the first dance. “We chose Stand by Me by Ben E. King, and we just stood together. It was amazing.” 

“But without the support and generosity from the public, who knows what might have happened. No one knows who is going to end up needing the Air Ambulance today, tomorrow or the next day. It could be any one of us. And it's not just myself who is eternally grateful, it's my friends and family as well. We all just owe them so much.” 


2 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

## TRUSTEES REPORT 

Air Ambulances UK (AAUK) champions and supports the vital work of air ambulance charities at a national level. 

We are the national charity supporting the lifesaving work of the UK’s air ambulance charities, enabling them to save even more lives and improve patient outcomes every day. 

AAUK is a national platform for the sector, and we work to raise awareness of the lifesaving work of air ambulance crews and how they make a difference to anyone in need of their specialist care. We raise national funds to invest in the air ambulance community across the UK and act as the voice on issues of national significance. 

We launched the new strategy ‘Saving More Lives Together 2021-25' in June 2021. The earlier part of 2022 focussed on administration and governance tasks following the acquisition of the Association of Air Ambulances Ltd in 2020 whilst the latter half and into 2022 focussed on preparation and delivery of our strategic goals. 


## Our Vision 

Together we will ensure the best possible chance of survival and patient outcomes for everyone in need of lifesaving pre-hospital care. 


## Our Purpose 

Champion and support the vital work of air ambulance charities, enabling them to save even more lives and improve patient outcomes every day across the UK. 

3 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

## OUR VALUES 


## TRUST 

**We foster integrity in all we do, in order to be an ethical and trusted charity.** 


## COLLABORATION 

**We bring people, organisations and ideas together to maximise impact.** 


## INNOVATION 

**We focus on innovation in order to continually improve the services we deliver and enable improvements in patient outcomes.** 


## EXCELLENCE 

**We aspire for excellence in everything we do.** 


## KINDNESS 

**We treat everyone with the utmost kindness and respect at all times.** 


## OUR GOALS 


## TO INSPIRE NATIONAL ENGAGEMENT & SUPPORT 

**We will inspire commitment to the sector through raising funds, generating support and increasing national awareness of our cause.** 

## TO ADVANCE PATIENT CARE 

**We will support and champion research and good practice in the sector by the delivery of projects and sharing of learning to improve patient outcomes.** 


## TO BE A COLLECTIVE VOICE 

**We will become the trusted, national collective voice of the sector among central government, peer organisations, media and the public.** 


## TO MAXIMISE SECTOR IMPACT 

**We will deliver funding which enables air ambulance charity development and become the leading central hub of mutual information exchange, support and advice for the community.** 


## TO ACHIEVE ORGANISATIONAL EXCELLENCE 

**We will achieve the highest standards of governance and compliance, ensure financial sustainability and will nurture our team, as well as demonstrate our impact.** 

4 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 


## STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS 

## Fundraising 

## Inspiring National Engagement and Support 


A special thank you to our supporters and partners who have supported us throughout 2022 by raising key funds for Air Ambulances UK and the 21 air ambulance charities; helping us to save even more lives and improve patient outcomes in communities across the UK. 

Ageas UK Haynes Group Barrett Steel NFU Mutual Charitable Trust CSIS Charity Fund Porsche Club GB 

Revolution Blackpool Scrap Car Comparison Road Haulage Association The Jude Morris Foundation 

Our partners are helping us achieve our strategic goal of saving more lives together and improving patient care across the UK. They help raise vital lifesaving funds and raise the profile of the air ambulance community through their support of campaigns and other engagement activities. At the heart of our partnerships is the belief that together we save lives. Our partners and their employees have ran, drank copious cups of tea as part our Brew for the Crew campaign and abseiled to help air ambulance charities save even more lives. 

## Team AAGDS - LEJOG 

In June 2022, a team of intrepid cyclists cycled the 1189 miles from Lands End to John O Groats in just 7 days! Team AAGDS battled a long list of injuries, punctures and snapped spokes to raise £4,459 for Air Ambulances UK and cycled for 64 hours with over 49,000ft of climbing! 

5 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

## STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS Inspiring National Engagement and Support Fundraising 


## Henry Carpenter's 300 Miles in 3 days 


In October Henry cycled 300 miles in 3 days raising an incredible £6,000 for Air Ambulances UK. Henry wanted to thank the air ambulance community for their support after being airlifted following a traumatic farming injury in 2020. Henry wanted to take the opportunity to share the importance of teen mental health and his recovery by taking on another challenge. Thank you for your support, Henry! 

Henry’s story is very unique. In April 2020 he was taking a tractor out to fetch sheep in during lambing season. After climbing down from the tractor to close a gate behind him, Henry had knocked the gearstick. This resulted in him being knocked and run over by the tractor. A hydraulics box on the back of the tractor used for transporting ewes and lambs scraped up against Henry’s back. 

The Midlands Air Ambulance was dispatched from the RAF Cosford base, in Shropshire. After arriving on scene, the crew on-board started treating Henry for his injuries which included a fractured pelvis and dislocated hip. Henry had also torn blood vessels in his hip as he had attempted to free himself. 

In 2021 Henry won the AAUK Awards of Excellence, Young Person of the Year for his amazing fundraising efforts for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, the charity which saved his life following the terrible farming accident. Although Henry survived, his serious injuries meant that he had a long road to recovery which was hampered by COVID, leaving him in agonising pain, discomfort, and low mood. Despite this, in February 2021, finding every step incredibly painful, he took on the challenge to walk 54 miles in 30 days. Incredibly, he achieved it and managed to raise over £11,400 for the charity. 


## Viv Crochets with Love 

Viv celebrated the Platinum Jubilee in a rather unusual way - crocheting her local post-box to raise money for Air Ambulances UK! 

## Riders of Charity 

Motorcyclist group Riders of Charity, supported Air Ambulances UK through a ride out of The Wild Atlantic Way - Ireland's spectacular coastal route - raising £1,800! 




## Barrett Steel 

After one of their employees was airlifted UK wide Barrett Steel decided to fundraise to support the UK's air ambulances. Teams from across the UK got together and hosted an array of fundraising events including golf days and participating in challenge events raising an incredible £13, 979! 

6 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

## STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS Inspiring National Engagement and Support 

## Fundraising 


## Ageas Partnership 

Ageas is one of the UK’s largest personal lines insurers with offices across the country. Employees voted for Air Ambulances UK as their 2022 charity partner with employee fundraising supporting the five air ambulance charities near their UK offices and additional fundraising supporting the remaining air ambulance charities. 

The partnership kicked off in January 2022 with employees sharing their personal experiences of air ambulance charities highlighting to the wider staff group why the partnership was so meaningful. Stories included employees being directly airlifted but also witnessing first hand the advanced skills and expertise that air ambulance crews bring to the scene after loved ones unfortunately needed their lifesaving care. 

Ageas employees were challenged to think of imaginative ways to support the partnership through events, sponsorship or donations; they rose to the challenge and quite literally scaled new heights! A team of 15 from across the UK tackled the Welsh Three Peaks to celebrate Air Ambulance Week; fearlessly tackling the 7657ft ascent over 24 hours to raise an incredible £8,288. A team of three Ageas team members took part in the South Coast's biggest and best race – the Great South Run, which took runners past iconic Portsmouth landmarks including the Historic Dockyard, HMS Victory and Southsea Castle. As well as active challenges, employees drank copious cups of tea as part of AAUK’s ‘Brew for the Crew’ campaign and taken part in a delicious chocolate raffle! 

Ageas also ran a special promotion with some of its price comparison website partners, with money being donated to AAUK for every Ageas policy sold! Ageas also generously sponsored the Special Incident of the Year Award at the Awards of Excellence with Head of ESG Julie Lane presenting the prestigious award to winners from Cornwall’s Air Ambulance. 


We are delighted that our partnership has been extended to 2023 and look forward to another fun packed year! 

## Ageas climbers aim high for Air Ambulances UK 

“This was a hard challenge but an amazing weekend of hiking with colleagues. The weather was on our side, although it was extremely cold at the summits with disturbingly strong gusts of wind. What made it special was the sheer determination of everyone to reach the finish line, and the sense we did it together.” 

Jane Marucci, Ageas Welsh Three Peaks Challenge participant 



7 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

## STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS Inspiring National Engagement and Support 


## Members and partners who supported Air Ambulance Week 2022 included: 



## Air Ambulance Week 2022 






## 5 - 11 September 

Air Ambulance Week (AAW) is the national week for the air ambulance community that recognises, celebrates, and raises awareness of the lifesaving work of air ambulance charities in their local communities. AAUK have had ownership of AAW since 2020, making 2022 the third AAW campaign AAUK have delivered. The aim for the week is to raise national and local awareness of Air Ambulance Week and the air ambulance community. 










**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
The campaign received:<br>476,486<br>Non - Social Estimated<br>Reach social media 19,852 social 598 online 77 web and 3 blogs and<br>(blogs, videos, reach of  media likes mentions news articles 58 videos<br>web etc)  4.8 million<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


To read a full news article on the support from Scrap Car Comparison copy and paste the link below: 

https://www.airambulancesuk.org/air-ambulances-uk-named-scrap-carcomparisons-charity-of-the-month 

Our Air Ambulance Week video campaign can be viewed by copying and pasting this link: https://youtu.be/VRkZXcD4ENM 

8 



STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS Inspiring National Engagement and Support 







Our Air Ambulance Week video campaign can be viewed by copying and pasting this link: https://youtu.be/VRkZXcD4ENM 

9 



## STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS Inspiring National Engagement and Support 

## 2022 National Campaigns 

## International Paramedics Day 

Launched in 2022, International Paramedics Day takes place on the 8th July every year as this is the birthday of Dominique-Jean Larrey, the man often referred to as the 'father of modern-day ambulance services'. Air Ambulances UK were proud to support the campaign in 2022. 


## Gift of a Lifetime 

Leaving a gift in your Will to Air Ambulances UK, no matter how big or small, can make a real difference to the lifesaving work of air ambulances. 

Your gift will allow us to continue our work in supporting the UK’s lifesaving air ambulances for generations to come. A gift in your Will costs nothing in your lifetime but will give the gift of a lifetime to someone in urgent need of an air ambulances lifesaving care in local communities across the UK. Whether you want to update an existing Will, or you’re planning to write your first Will, leaving a gift to charity is simple and easy to do. An up-to-date Will ensures your wishes for your loved ones and any charities you support will be clearly understood and honoured. 



## Payroll Giving 

Our International Paramedics Day 2022 video campaign can be viewed by copying and pasting this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iljNgOo2zcY 

Payroll Giving, otherwise known as workplace giving or give as you earn is one of the simplest and most efficient ways for you to support Air Ambulances UK. It allows you to automatically give a gift to us each payday before tax is taken out of your pay cheque, so it is also tax efficient for you! 

Each pound you donate will cost you less – at least 20% less. You will be helping to save lives every time you are paid! 

10 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

## STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS Advancing Patient Care 

## NHS BLOOD AND TRANSPLANT (NHSBT) 


AAUK worked with NHS Blood and Transplant ‘Give a Pint, Save a Life’ to recruit blood donor heroes as 450 new donors are needed every day to help meet current demands and the needs of patients. 

## PRE HOSPITAL RESEARCH AND AUDIT NETWORK DATA PROJECT (PRANA) 

AAUK worked with the PRANA team to raise awareness of their project and engage key stakeholders including air ambulance charities across the UK. 

It is estimated that there are 40,000 patients per year treated by NHS ambulance services in England who could benefit from pre-hospital critical care interventions. There is currently no nationally coordinated data collection regarding provision of pre-hospital critical care. Patient specific data is collected by health services across the care pathway but information regarding treatments and their relationship to patients’ outcomes is not known, as linkage and subsequent analysis of such data is not currently achieved. 

PRANA is based within the University of Southampton and proposes to develop a national clinical audit of pre-hospital critical care to serve as a national collaborative asset. The PRANA team are: Mike Hepburn, James Bachelor, Dr Phil Hyde, Rod Mackenzie, Mike Eddie, Rob Crouch and John Pappachan. 

The project leads for the pre-hospital research and audit network (PRANA) said: 

"As clinicians, we treat patients every shift and often wonder what happens next, both in hospital and through their whole NHS journey. We wonder if the interventions we made in the pre-hospital environment were useful to the patient, if the patient survived, what treatment they received in hospital, if they got back to optimal functioning. But this information simply hasn’t been easily available.” 

The work that the PRANA team is undertaking now is seeking to bring about exactly that change but on a national scale and, importantly, covering the activity of NHS ambulance services and air ambulances. 

“To understand that level of information would be extraordinarily powerful to clinicians as we reflect on how we cared for each of our patients and how their outcomes might influence the care of future patients,” add the PRANA project leads. 


Dr Phil Hyde presenting the Pre-Hospital Research and Audit Network (PRANA) project at the AAUK 2022 Annual Conference 


The Daily Mirror reported that more air ambulances are being supplied with blood as evidence mounts onthe-spot transfusions save lives. It comes as one doctor described how he had no option but to attempt open heart surgery on a stab victim lying on the pavement 90 minutes from the nearest major trauma hospital. The woman had been knifed in the heart. Dr Luke Banks opened her chest and reached in to massage the organ while repairing the puncture wound. The patient was given four pints of lifesaving blood and eventually recovered. 

Luke, 41, a consultant at Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance, arrived at the scene in the early hours. He recalled: “We were in a very rural area and she needed to be on an operating table very quickly. She was in the process of dying.” Luke worked on her injuries while air ambulance paramedic Alex Walker performed an emergency transfusion of the two pints they had with them. Alex continued: “Only 10% of these patients even survive long enough to get to hospital. It’s almost unsurvivable. What was kind of unique was we were able to access the patient’s heart before it stopped beating. 

“You get a lot of information when you are handling a patient’s heart because you can feel the strength of it. It was slowing down and not beating properly.” The heart restarted 30 minutes after they began surgery. Luke then closed her chest with surgical staples. The air ambulance helicopter had been grounded in Lincolnshire that night due to bad weather. 

Driving her to a waiting surgical team at Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre, Luke and Alex realised she needed more blood so a vehicle carrying two more pints met them en-route so Alex could carry out another transfusion. He explained: “The patient had lost an enormous amount of blood. She was really clinging on to life. “Evidence shows emergency transfusions are the right thing to do. The contribution of blood donors can be the difference between life and death.” The NHS is 75,000 blood donors short of what it needs to recover from Covid. 

Dr Laura Green of NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Blood transfusion is an essential part of emergency treatment for severe bleeding. Any delay to  transfusion can reduce the chances of survival. “That’s why the role of air ambulances in delivering blood transfusions at the scene of an incident is crucial. Air ambulance crews are continually striving to provide even better care to patients.” 

Dr Luke Banks pictured at the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance 

Simmy Akhtar, Air Ambulances UK CEO, said "Many of the UK’s air ambulances carry blood on board. in 2021, more than 500 people needed emergency lifesaving blood transfusions from an air ambulance critical care team at the scene. Anyone, anywhere in the UK can need the specialist lifesaving skills of an air ambulance. And we would like to extend our grateful thanks to the thousands of people who have donated blood, including throughout the pandemic. This has helped air ambulance crews across the UK use blood products to help patients urgently in need in local communities." 

11 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS Advancing Patient Care 


## SWiFT TRIAL 

## STUDY OF WHOLE BLOOD IN FRONTLINE TRAUMA 

This study will look at whether giving another product instead of red blood cells and plasma will be better at reducing the number of deaths 24 hours after injury, and reduce the need for further large blood transfusions when patients get to hospital. This product is called whole blood (WB). It contains red blood cells, plasma and platelets (which help with clotting) all in one bag. Although there is some evidence of benefit with the use of WB, there have been no studies exploring the clinical and cost effectiveness of pre-hospital administration of WB versus the standard care for bleeding trauma patients in the UK setting. 

In 2019, NHS Blood and Transplant carried out a survey of UK Air Ambulance Services and their thoughts about giving WB to patients. In this survey, 82% said that WB would be their preferred blood component, followed by red cells and plasma in one bag (65%), and red blood cells and thawed plasma and platelets (in different bags) (30%). All those who responded said that they would like to see a clinical trial being carried out, before it was given widely in the NHS and would support this work. 

Simmy Akhtar, Air Ambulances UK CEO, said "We’re proud to support the SWiFT trial in collaboration with NHS Blood and Transplant and the Defence Medical Services. A number of air ambulance charities across the UK are directly involved with this trial and like them our vision aligns with the SWiFT trial, that together we will ensure the best possible chance of survival and patient outcome for everyone in need of lifesaving pre-hospital care. Air ambulance crews are continually striving to provide the highest level of patient care and we hope the results will ultimately improve trauma care.” 

Dr Laura Green, co-principal investigator for SWiFT and Consultant in Haemostasis and Transfusion Medicine at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “The role of air ambulances in providing blood transfusions at the scene of an incident is crucial - delivering the most challenging treatments in the most challenging environments. 

To find out more about the SWiFT Trial copy the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J21vmrCSlxc 

To read more about the SWiFT trial copy the link below: www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/clinical-trials-unit/current-trials-and-studies/swift/ 



“Any delay to starting transfusion during traumatic blood loss can reduce the chances of survival. We hope that SWiFT will show there are logistical and procedural benefits in giving a blood transfusion of all of the components in a single bag – and ultimately improved outcomes for patients. 

“We are grateful to be working in partnership with air ambulance organisations and the Defence Medical Services to drive innovation and provide even better care to critical patients. We are also incredibly grateful to our O Rh negative donors, whose universal donor blood is critical in trauma transfusion - including in this trial.” 

Professor Jason Smith, co-principal investigator and Defence Professor of Emergency Medicine for the Defence Medical Services, Ministry of Defence, said: “We have known that blood transfusions save lives in patients with life-threatening haemorrhage for over 100 years, but the exact nature and timing of those transfusions is still not known. This study will hopefully give us the answer as to whether whole blood is better than our current standard care in terms of clinical and cost effectiveness.” 


## NHS England 

## SECURE SAFE ACCESS TO PATIENT DATA. 


We continue to work closely with NHS England to secure safe access to patient data. This will help air ambulance charities provide the highest level of patient care. It is crucial for charities to have access to patient data once they leave air ambulance care and transfer to NHS services. This data would help air ambulance charities to gain further insight into the full patient pathway and ultimately the patient outcome. 

12 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS Being a Collective Voice 



Stephen Balmer-Walters 

## ANNUAL CONFERENCE 

AAUK hosted the first in person Annual Conference and Awards of Excellence since Covid-19 at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham on the 14 November. Keynote speaker Stephen Balmer-Walters delivered the plenary session and spoke about some of the key elements of being an effective leader, including: 

Inspiring people – make people feel good at, and about, their work so they come to work because they want to, not because they have to. Nurturing people – offering unique support to every individual to develop in their role and as a person. 

Vulnerability – the more people get to know about you, the more opportunity for connection there is, and the more people will understand why you do what you do, why you work as you work. 

Influence – using your emotional intelligence to influence the business at every level. 

Time – an authentic leader gives time. Reassess your schedule and learn to delegate, so you can focus your time in the right place. Environment – create a safer place for people to be able to be genuine and share with each other. 

Culture – what does the organisation stand for? Can everyone be authentic within the organisation? If not, how you can you make it so they can? 

Stephen then invited questions from the audience, which included an opportunity to reflect on the very limited diversity in some aspects of the community and how it was time to take some positive steps to address this. 

A series of outstanding speakers then took over in breakout rooms, delivering presentations to large, enthusiastic and engaged audiences. Presentations included AAW Partnership’s Tobin Aldrich and Imogen Ward, who took a fascinating look at fundraising trends as a whole and within our sector, drawing out some key figures and insights that should help charities as they target their efforts in months and years to come. 

Another individual looking at making changes that will benefit the sector long into the future is Dr Phil Hyde, who spoke about the Pre-Hospital Research and Audit Network (PRANA) project, which aims to improve the collection and use of data in pre-hospital care. A huge project with a long list of collaborators, it has the potential to be a genuinely ground-breaking and lifesaving development. 

There were 13 further sessions across a wide range of topics, along with meetings for Fundraising Directors, Finance Directors, and Chairs. The afternoon keynote came from Gemma Howlett from the University of Cumbria, who spoke about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). She made an excellent presentation full of evidence and ideas and made a very convincing case for air ambulance charities to take EDI seriously. 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Simmy Akhtar<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Alex Gregg 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Imogen Ward<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Tobin Aldrich 

Dr Phil Hyde 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Tim Bunting<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>



**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Heather Benjamin<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>



**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Ian Mew<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Gemma Howlett 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Gill Jolly<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


13 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

## STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS Being a Collective Voice 


## AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 

Over 250 guests enjoyed an excellent dinner at Edgbaston Stadium on the 14th November and showed their support for each and every award winner. Lenny Brown, from main sponsor Airbus, introduced the evening before Sky Sports’ Hayley McQueen and former Olympic athlete Derek Redmond took the reins. They introduced guests to the nominees for the awards before award sponsors opened the gold envelope to reveal the winner. 

The first award was for Young Person of the Year, which set the tone for the evening as the crowd showed their vocal appreciation for all five nominated young people, including the beaming winner, Ellie Smyth. The final two awards of the evening saw Patrick Peal receiving the Chair’s Award and Nigel Hare receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. 

## HERE ARE THE AWARD WINNERS IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER: 



Breaking Barriers: Great Western Air Campaign of the Year: Ambulance Charity, Vicki Brown Devon Air Ambulance 




**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Doctor of the Year:  Ian Mew,<br>Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Innovation of the Year: Essex & Herts Air Ambulance 



Lifetime Achievement Award: Nigel Hare, Devon Air Ambulance 

Chair’s Award: Patrick Peal 



Charity Staff Member of the Year: Sarita Taneja, Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex 

Charity Team of the Year: Devon Air Ambulance 



Operations Support Staff of the Year: Wayne Busby, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance 

Pilot of the Year: Matthew Wood, Midlands Air Ambulance 



Charity Volunteer of the Year: Pino Gianniti, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity 


Special Incident of the Year: Cornwall Air Ambulance 


Critical Care Practitioner of the Year: Lee Hilton, Devon Air Ambulance 


Young Person of the Year: Ellie Smyth, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland 

Simmy Akhtar, Air Ambulances UK CEO said “Congratulations to our 2022 Awards of Excellence winners. It has been wonderful to read and hear about all of the nominees and their fantastic contributions. All the nominees in all categories, those shortlisted, and the winners are all part of one community which works together to be there for their local communities at their time of need. A huge thank you to all staff, volunteers and supporters in our innovative lifesaving community.” 

14 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS Being a Collective Voice 


## EVENT ATTENDANCE 

## PLATINUM JUBILEE MEDALS 

Air Ambulances UK  led a coordinated response with air ambulance charities and MPs to request the inclusion of air ambulance crew in the award of the Platinum Jubilee Medal by writing to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid MP. 

The Platinum Jubilee Medal is a special commemorative medal that was awarded to serving frontline members of the police, fire, emergency services, prison services and the Armed Forces to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The medals traditionally act as a token of the nation’s thanks. 

Air ambulance teams were originally excluded if they did not hold an NHS contract of employment despite them being emergency first responders who worked alongside the NHS with the frontline Covid-19 response. 

AAUK were delighted to have successfully lobbied the government for inclusion of air ambulance emergency first responders in the allocation of Platinum Jubilee Medals by changing the eligibility criteria to include air ambulance emergency first responders including pilots. 

_Simmy Akhtar, Air Ambulances UK CEO said “We would like to thank all MPs and colleagues who have supported us in securing an amendment to the criteria which in effect means that an NHS employment contract for healthcare emergency first responders is not a necessity to receive a Platinum Jubilee Medal. We are absolutely delighted for our colleagues across the UK”._ 





## Helitech 

## 7 & 8 September 

Helitech supported Air Ambulances UK as a Headline Partner with AAUK CEO Simmy Akhtar officially opening the event. Taking place over Air Ambulance Week, Helitech the leading business event dedicated to the rotorcraft industry gave AAUK the opportunity to champion the air ambulance community at a key national event for the industry and engage with key stakeholders and members to champion the lifesaving work of air ambulances. 

## Emergency Services Show 

## 19 & 20 September 

Air Ambulances UK attended the Emergency Services Show which is the largest gathering of emergency service organisations with over 450 exhibitors, The event allowed AAUK the opportunity to champion the lifesaving work of the UK’s air ambulance charities at the Emergency Services Show, alongside many peer organisations. 

## Emergency Services Mental Health Symposium 23 & 24 November 

The event, which followed on from the hugely successful inaugural symposium hosted last year by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, showcased the progress that has been made one year on from when the Chief Officers of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, National Fire Chiefs Councils, Association of Ambulance Chief Executives and HM Coastguard all signed the Mental Health at Work Commitment for the Emergency Services and made a public pledge to address the mental health and wellbeing of their respective workforces. 

Kerry Penn-Ashman, Critical Care Paramedic at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity presented Trauma Risk Management and how this fits within the organisation. 

To view a video highlight of the event copy the link below: https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClYTRCujhJW/ 




15 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS Maximising Sector Impact 


## THE JUDE MORRIS INNOVATION AND DEVELOPMENT FUND 

17 year old Jude Morris was a talented youth motocross rider who lost his life whilst competing in the British Youth Championship in Duns, Scotland in 2021. Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance were called, but unfortunately Jude could not be saved. Jude, who raced as #101, was described by the Auto Cycle Union (ACU) as “one of the leading youth riders within the UK” and was viewed as a rising star by the motocross community. He was also well known in the paddock for his eagerness to help others and was an inspiration to many. Following Jude's death the motocross community came together to fundraise in celebration of Jude's life. 

In February 2022 the Morris family established the Jude Morris Racing Foundation to continue to celebrate Jude's legacy. The Foundation was launched by Michelin Chefs Tom Kerridge and Paul Ainsworth at the Michelin MX Nationals with an £84,000 donation to Air Ambulances UK. Working together with Air Ambulances UK, the Jude Morris Innovation and Development Fund has been established to create a lasting legacy for Jude. The fund is committed to saving even more lives, improving patient outcomes and improving service provision through innovative clinical and operational developments through grants to local air ambulance charity members, helping air ambulance charities save lives now and in the future. 

“Losing Jude was an absolutely tragedy for us as family, we also now know how much of an impact he had on the MX community, the work we are doing with the foundation and our continued support with Air Ambulances UK is the best legacy we can create for him. We are really proud of the money we have raised and know it will go to the amazing work the crews and air ambulance teams provide to the community.” Mark Morris, Jude's Father. 

We are incredibly grateful to the Morris Family and we would like to thank them and the motocross community for their continued support. 



"We are extremely proud to launch the Jude Morris Innovation and Development Fund to celebrate and honour the life of Jude Morris, creating a lasting legacy in his memory. This fund will allow air ambulance charities to develop and innovate, helping to save even more lives across the UK and we look forward to welcoming applications from our air ambulance charity members. Our thanks go to the Jude Morris Racing Foundation, for their ongoing commitment and support for the air ambulance sector, we are incredibly grateful to the Morris Family for choosing to support us to celebrate Jude’s life". 


Simmy Akhtar  CEO, Air Ambulances UK 

16 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS Maximising Sector Impact 


## DISTRIBUTION 

We distribute funds to the UK's 21 air ambulance charities.  Further details can be found on page 28 

## DELIVERY OF FORUMS 

Delivery of air ambulance charity member forums which provide a safe space for sharing of information, networking, inviting external speakers and collaboration opportunities. Membership forums include: 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
National<br> Governance,  Environmental Strategic<br>National  Fundraising  Fundraising Legacy  In Memory  Community  Corporate   Lottery   Communications Risk and  Sustainability Innovation<br>CEO Forum   Directors Forum   Forum Forum Forum Fundraising Forum Fundraising Forum Forum Forum Compliance Forum Committee Committee<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


We appreciate the amount of work that AAUK do to achieve such grants and funding. 

Lots of interesting points to be Really enjoy seeing the faces of my raised and great for someone like colleagues at the forums, the me who is pretty new to legacies. breakout sessions work well. 

Found the forums excellent and very useful. They really help to build relationships. 

Excellent teamworking opportunities to share ideas and work collaboratively on projects. 

17 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

## STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS Achieving Organisational Excellence 


## CEO 

We aim to achieve the highest standards of governance and compliance ensuring financial sustainability and to nurture our team and demonstrate our impact. We have been very lucky to ensure we have had no further changes in our Board at this key time which has enabled the Board to work closely together on delivering our service in 2022 (while Covid 19 was still part of the impact and the cost of living crisis was emerging) and building on the visionary and transformative strategic work which has been co-produced with our members. 

The Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (operating as Air Ambulances UK) is a Company Limited by Guarantee and is registered at the Charity Commission of England Wales and at the Scottish Charity Regulator. It is governed by its Articles of Association. 

The Charitable Company was incorporated on 15 January 2015 and registered at the Charities Commission on 1 April 2015. 

The maximum number of Directors is nine and the minimum number of Directors is four, of whom four are appointed by the air ambulance members and up to five are appointed by the Board. Each of the five Directors appointed by the Board, including the Chair, shall be Independent Directors. Independent Directors are recruited following a skills audit and all Directors undergo Induction and are required to comply with the Trustee Handbook and Trustee Code of Conduct. 

Ms S. Akhtar (Appointed 01 March 2021) Overall control of the Charitable Company is with Trustees. 

Related party transactions are disclosed in note 20 to the accounts. 

## Trustee Induction and Training 

The recruitment of Trustees is led by an audit of the skills held by the members of the Board. 

In 2022 all Trustees remained with the organisation for the duration of the year. 

Any new appointees would be appointed by an open recruitment process using both search and advertisement as appropriate, against an agreed person profile and job specification and a skills audit review. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by a People, Rewards and Human Resources Committee selected by the Board who make a recommendation to the Board. The Annual General Meeting of the charity confirms all new appointments. 

New Trustees undergo a induction process covering, governance, risk management, financial systems and agreed procedures. 

## Disclosure of information to the auditor 

The Board meet quarterly, and extraordinary meetings are scheduled as required.  During 2022 these meetings were both virtual and in person. Scrutiny of finances and the risk register is undertaken, and the Delegation of Authority policy allows for delegation of agreed areas to the staff team. The Risk and Audit Committee exists to assist the Board in its duty to supervise the direction and performance of the Charity’s financial affairs and oversee the annual financial audit and corporate risk management process. It operates collectively and reports to the Board. 

## In so far as each of the trustees is aware: 

• There is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company’s auditor is unaware; and 

- Each trustee has taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information. 

The People, Rewards and Human Resources Committee has been established by the Board to have delegated authority to make decisions related to AAUK staff, their rewards package, staff motivation, retention, training, wellbeing, and any Human Resource. 

As of 31 December 2022, the staff team consisted of the Chief Executive Officer, Head of Fundraising and Sustainability, Communications and Marketing Manager, Senior Corporate Fundraising Officer, Data and Digital Officer, Membership and Events Officer and a Fundraising Officer. 

## Directors and Trustees 

The Directors of the charitable company (the charity) are its Trustees for the purpose of charity law. 

The Trustees and CEO are considered to be the key management of the charity. The Trustees and officers serving during the year and since year end were as follows: 

## Trustees 

Mr J M Christensen (Appointed 3 December 2019) Ms A L Perry (Appointed 31 December 2019) Mr D Brown MBE DL (Appointed 31 December 2019) Mr T D Howard (Appointed 23 March 2020, resigned 24 March 2023) Mrs H Benjamin (Appointed 1 April 2020) Mrs A C McLean (Appointed 1 April 2020) Mr A D Welch (Appointed 1 April 2020) Ms C A Walters (Appointed 01 October 2020) Dr M Williams (Appointed 01 October 2020) Mr A Hicks (Appointed 16 May 2023) 


Mrs H Benhamin Independent Chair Date: 27/06/23 

18 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

## Financial Review 

The Charity’s income this year is £1,139,114, up from £724,715, in 2021.The pandemic continued to impact fundraising opportunities as many corporate opportunities were affected by the Covid-19 restrictions and is likely to continue to impact the charitable sector for some time to come as many corporates chose to extend existing partnerships. Furthermore, the impact of the cost-of-living crisis which emerged during 2022 continues to be monitored. 

The income in 2022 includes income from donations and legacies of £901,986 (2021: £578,043) and other charitable activities from the wholly owned subsidiary AAA Ltd for the third year as a combined entity of £237,128 (2021: £146,672). 

The Charity’s wholly owned subsidiary received a total of £101,100 (2021: £100,550) in Membership income. 

The total number of members was 27, including 18 air ambulance charities and 8 other air ambulance sector organisations, Associates members included: BMW, Gama Aviation, Specialist Aviation Services, LFS, Tower Lotteries, Airbus Helicopters UK, BHA, Leonardo and affiliate members – Bluestep Solutions, Match Bingo. 

Combined total donations and legacies as well as membership income was £1,003,086 (2021: £678,593) 


_*To note that £6,000,000 in 2020 was one-off central government funding to support the 21 air ambulance charities through the Covid-19 pandemic._ 

## Going Concern 

The charity has a strong reserve position and has sufficient available resources, as demonstrated by the level of general funds in this report. Trustees have overall responsibility for the timing and distribution of grants in accordance with our Distributions Policy. We have adequate financial resources and are well placed to manage the business risks. Our planning process, including financial projections, has taken into consideration the effects of the Covid-19 and the cost-of-living environments. Our cash deposits can be drawn down should working capital be required. The key risks to our income continue to be the impact of Covid-19 combined with the cost of living crisis that is emerging in 2022. 

The trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future. The charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements. 

## Reserves Policy 

The charity has developed a free reserves policy as detailed below that identifies and plans for the maintenance of the primary activity, the support of the local air ambulance services, and reflects the risks associated with the charity’s business model, spending commitments, potential liabilities and financial forecasts. 

The free reserves of AAUK as an individual charity at 31 December 2022 are £703,279 (2021: £504,544). The free reserves of the group as a whole are £895,311 (2021: £649,268). 

## Funds 

The charity's total funds at 31 December 2022 were £710,268 (2021: £532,352). 

||2022|2021|2020|
|---|---|---|---|
|Funds raised - excl. AAA ltd membership activties and gift<br>arising on acquisition, but including unpaid voluntary services.|£901,986|£578,043|£6,297,730*|
|Total Distribution.|£573,367|£112,364|£6,045,633|



In 2022 a total of £169,905 (2021: £35,734) restricted income was distributed through grants to the 21 local air ambulance charity members as ordinary distributions. There were no extraordinary distributions. 

In accordance with our Distributions Policy a further distribution, inclusive of restricted and unrestricted income, representing our 2022 Quarter 4 income will be made once these accounts have been fully approved. 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Photo credit: Tim Wallace<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


19 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

## DISTRIBUTION POLICY 

This policy sets out how AAUK will distribute the funds it has raised to its beneficiaries (currently the UK’s 21 air ambulance charities). 

The receipt of income and the distribution of funds is within the control of the Board of Trustees. 

AAUK receives income as donations, as membership fees, and other fees. 

AAUK only makes distributions to its beneficiaries from the income it receives as donations. No monies from membership fees and other fees are included in its distribution policy. 

a. Donations are received from organisations including corporations and Government, and from individuals. They can be i.    Unrestricted i.e. Trustees are free to decided how they are utilised or distributed, including being used to fund the charity’s running costs (fundraising, governance, and support costs). Until utilised or distributed, unrestricted donations are accounted as Unrestricted reserves. 

ii.    Restricted i.e. the donor has placed restrictions on how the donation is utilised or distributed. The restriction may originate from the donor or may be at the invitation of the Trustees. Until utilised or distributed, restricted donations are accounted as Restricted reserves. 


Trustees may resolve to make extraordinary distributions outside of the ordinary distribution cycle. This may come from their own volition or at the behest of a potential donor. Extraordinary distributions may differ from ordinary distributions by 

a. Timing. Distributions might be made outside of the ordinary cycle as a matter of expediency e.g. in response to the COVID-19 emergency. 

b. Basis of distribution. Trustees may resolve to distribute funds other than in equal shares. This may be to meet particular needs and may be on the basis of applications from beneficiaries. 

When resolving to make extraordinary distributions Trustees must also consider whether funds are given to beneficiaries with restrictions or without. 

Trustees may decide to withhold distributions from beneficiaries if they are – 

## a. Under-investigation by an official regulator or, 

- b. Receipt of the distribution is judged likely to bring AAUK into disrepute 

c. Believed not to be adhering to the code of conduct 

Ordinarily AAUK will distribute funds to its beneficiaries twice per year. 

When distributions are withheld it is recommended that for – 

a. An interim distribution based upon Q1-Q3 (January-September) income will be resolved upon at the Q4 meeting of Trustees. 

b. A final distribution based upon the finalised accounts for the year (Q4) will be resolved upon at the Q2 meeting of Trustees. 

Ordinary distributions will be determined as follows – 

d. Ordinary distributions the amount that would have been paid is provided for in the accounts pending resolution e. Extraordinary distributions 

vi.    the amount that would have been paid is provided for in the accounts pending resolution, or vii.    the beneficiary is informed of their ineligibility and removed from the process. 

When deciding to withhold a distribution or exclude a beneficiary Trustees must have mind to the objective application of the criteria and must inform the beneficiary of their decision. 

## c. Restricted funds will be distributed as per the restrictions stipulated. 

d. Unrestricted funds will be distributed amongst all beneficiaries (currently 21). 

The amount to be distributed will be guided by a consideration of – 

iii.    Free reserves (i.e. Unrestricted funds less designated funds and fixed assets) 

iv.    Less a provision for six months running costs (fundraising, governance, and support costs). This six-month period may be extended at the full discretion of the Trustees in times that they judge to be difficult fundraising environments v.    Less any debtors not yet received at the time of the decision. 

20 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

## RISK MANAGEMENT 


## Risks reviewed at our Board evolve during the year and as at 31 December 2022 included: 

## Introduction 

- 1.The statement of recommended practice (SORP), issued by the Charity Commission, requires the inclusion of a statement in the Annual Report confirming the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, as identified by the Trustees, these must be regularly reviewed, and recorded measures are in place to mitigate those risks. 

- 2.Day to day risk management and awareness is discharged by the Board of Trustees to the CEO/Senior Management. 

- 3.The Risk Register and Board Assurance Framework are used in tandem to judge risk appetite of the board on specific projects and objectives and review progress. 

## Principal Risks 

The principal risks, which would fundamentally threaten the effective operation of AAUK or prevent it from meeting its charitable objectives, are shown in the Risk Register which is included below. The register gives an assessment of  the risk in terms of its perceived probability and its likely impact on AAUK. It also lists existing mitigation measures and those actions that should be taken to mitigated the risk further and the person responsible for such action. This register will be brought to Trustees quarterly or when a risk rated 16-25 is added to the register. 

Risks are rates from 1 to 25 and RAG rated yellow, amber, green and red. 

R1: Covid-19 Pandemic 

R1a: Current economic crisis R2a: Insufficient funds to meet strategic aims R2B: Insufficient funds to be a going concern 

R3: Failure to deliver strategic objectives R7: Management accounts R11: Loss of Trustees R4: Loss of key personnel R8: Data protection breach R12: Regulatory changes R5: Loss of members R9: Fraud R13: Loss of equipment R6: Reputational damage R10: Cyber security R14: Insourcing of financial management 

21 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

## STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES 


The Trustees, who are also the directors of Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

Company Law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the group and the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the group for that year. 

In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to: 

Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and 

Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the group and the charity will continue in operation. 

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the group and the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the group and the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

22 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

## CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES 


## CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 

|||Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||funds|funds||funds|funds||
|||2022|2022|2022|2021|2021|2021|
|Income from:<br>Donations and legacies|3|£751,861|£150,125|£901,986|£516,904|£61,139|£578,043|
|Charitable activities|4|£237,128|-|£237,128|£146,672|-|£146,672|
|Total income||£988,989|£150,125|£1,139,114|£663,576|£61,139|£724,715|
|Expenditure on:||||||||
|Raising funds|6|£150,703|-|£150,703|£154,420|-|£154,420|
|Charitable activities|5|£593,282|£169,905|£763,187|£178,574|£35,734|£214,308|
|Total expenditure||£743,985|£169,905|£913,890|£332,994|£35,734|£368,728|
|Net incoming (outgoing)||£245,004|(£19,780)|£225,224|£330,582|£25,405|£355,987|
|resources before transfers||||||||
|Net incoming (expenditure)<br>for the year/||£245,004|(£19,780)|£225,224|£330,582|£25,405|£355,987|
|Net movement in funds||||||||
|Fund balances at 1 January||£651,671|£25,405|£677,076|£321,089|-|£321,089|
|2022||||||||
|Fund balances at 31||£896,675|£5,625|£902,300|£651,671|£25,405|£677,076|
|December 2022||||||||



The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. 

|||2022||2021||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Fixed assets||||||
|Intangible assets|12||-||-|
|Tangible assets|13||£1,364||£2,403|
||||£1,364||£2,403|
|Current assets||||||
|Debtors|14|£256,794||£51,923||
|Cash at bank and in hand||£1,090,054||£716,473||
|||£1,346,848||£768,396||
|Creditors: amounts falling due within|15|(£445,912)||(£93,723)||
|one year||||||
|Net current assets|||£900,936||£674,673|
|Total assets less current liabilities|||£902,300||£677,076|
|Income funds||||||
|Restricted funds|17||£5,625||£25,405|
|Unrestricted funds||||||
|Designated funds|16|£79,895||£65,088||
|Parent charity||£624,748||£441,860||
|Subsidiary company||£192,032||£144,723||
|Total unrestricted funds|||£896,675||£651,671|
|Total funds|||£902,300||£677,076|



The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006. 

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 27/06/23 


Mrs H Benjamin Chair of Trustees 

Company Registration No: 09391251 

**23** 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

## CHARITY BALANCE SHEET 


## CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS 

|||2022||2021||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Fixed assets||||||
|Tangible assets|13||£1,364||£2,403|
|Current assets||||||
|Debtors|14|£296,179||£43,426||
|Cash at bank and in hand||£750,630||£556,231||
|||£1,046,809||£599,657||
|Creditors: amounts falling due within|15|(£337,905)||(£69,708)||
|one year||||||
|Net current assets|||£708,904||£529,949|
|Total assets less current liabilities||||||
||||£710,268||£532,352|
|Income funds||||||
|Restricted funds|17||£5,625||£25,405|
|Unrestricted funds||||||
|Designated funds|16|£79,895||£65,088||
|General unrestricted funds||£624,748||£441,859||
|Total unrestricted funds|||£704,643||£506,947|
|Total funds|||£710,268||£532,352|



|||2022||2021||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Cash flows from operating activities|22||£373,697||£372,599|
|Cash generated from operations||||||
|Investing activities||(£116)||(£3,110)||
|Purchase of tangible fixed assets||||||
|Net cash used in investing activities|||(£116)||(£3,110)|
|Net cash used in financing activities|||-||-|
|Net increase in cash and cash equivalents|||£373,581||£369,489|
|Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year|||£716,473||£346,984|
|Cash and cash equivalents at end of year|||£1,090,054||£716,473|



The Company uses the exemption contained in section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 in not preparing a separate Income and Expenditure account for the Charitable Company as a separate entity. The net income for the Charitable Company alone for the year to 31 December 2022 was £207,916 (2021: £311,259) 

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 27/06/2023 


Mrs H Benjamin Chair of Trustees 

Company Registration No: 09391251 

24 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 


## 1 Accounting policies 

## 1 Accounting policies 

## (Continued) 

## Charity information 

## 1.1 

## **1.2** 

Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is International House, 126 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 3AP. 

The Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd is a facilitator for all air ambulance charities that have contractual rights over a helicopter used for emergency medical missions. It is responsive to donors who wish to donate to multiple air ambulance charities. 

## Accounting convention 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charity's governing document,  the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended), FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. 

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. 

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below. 

## Going concern 

The Charity's policy is to maintain a strong reserve position and a sufficient level of available resources. Trustees have overall responsibility for the timing and distribution of grants in accordance with the charity's distributions policy. The Charity has adequate financial resources and is well placed to manage the business risks. The planning process of the trustees, including financial projections, takes into consideration the impact of Covid-19 and the cost-of-living environments. Cash deposits can be drawn down should working capital be required. 

The trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future. The charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements. 

## **1.4** Charitable funds 

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives. 

Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the Trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements. 

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements. 

## 1.5 Income 

Income is recognised when the Charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received. 

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the Charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. 

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the Charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset. 

Donated services and assets are recognised at the value of the gift to the Charity which is the amount the Charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market. They are included in the SOFA and balance sheet as appropriate. 

Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met and the grants will be received. 

A grant that specifies performance conditions is recognised in income when the performance conditions are met. Where a grant does not specify performance conditions it is recognised in income when the proceeds are received or receivable. A grant received before the recognition criteria are satisfied is recognised as a liability. 

Membership subscriptions are invoiced annually in advance, and recognised in the period to which they relate, net of VAT. 

## 1.6 Expenditure 

## 1.3 Basics of consolidation 

The financial statements consolidate the results of the charity and its wholly owned subsidiary, Association of Air Ambulances Limited, on a line-by-line basis. Transactions and balances between the charity and its subsidiary have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements. Balances between the two companies are disclosed in the notes of the charity's balance sheet. A separate Statement of Financial Activities and Income and Expenditure Account for the charity has not been presented because the charity has taken advantage of the exemption afforded by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006. 

All expenditure is included on an accruals basis and is recognised when there is a legal or constructive obligation to pay for expenditure. The Charitable Company is not registered for VAT and accordingly charity expenditure is shown gross of irrecoverable VAT. The subsidiary is VAT registered, therefore trading expenditure is included net of recoverable VAT. 

Governance costs include costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity. 

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred in the delivery of its activities and services for the beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. 

Grants are accrued when confirmed and paid or are accrued for when a commitment has been agreed to be paid and communicated to a recipient. 

25 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 


## (Continued) 

- 1 Accounting policies 

## 1.7 Intangible fixed assets other than goodwill 

Intangible assets acquired separately from a business are recognised at cost and are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. 

Amortisation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases: 

## 2 

## Critical accounting estimates and judgments 

In the application of the Charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Accounting policies (Continued) 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. 

Website                                                                                                   2 years straight line 

The principal accounting estimates relate to the valuation of gifts in kind, which are included at the cost price the charity would have paid for the services; the value in the accounts is £2,839 (2021; £nil) 

## 1.8 Intangible fixed assets other than goodwill 

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses. 

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases: 

Computers                                                                                            3 years straight line 

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities. 

## 1.9 Impairment of fixed assets 

AAt each reporting end date, the Charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). 

## 1.10 Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks. 

## 1.11 Financial instruments 

The Charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments. The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. The financial instruments are recognised as the amount payable or receivable when the instrument is first recognised together with any subsequent transaction costs but modified in respect of trade debtors for an assessment of potential bad debt. 

## 3  Donations and legacies 

||Unrestricted<br>funds|Restricted<br>funds|Total|Unrestricted<br>funds|Restricted<br>funds|Total|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||2022|2022|2022|2021|2021|2021|
|Donations and gifts|£408,038|£148,125|£556,163|£232,130|£61,139|£293,269|
|Legacies receivable|343,823|£2,000|345,823|£284,774|-|£284,774|
||£751,861|£150,125|£901,986|£516,904|£61,139|£578,043|



There are a number of legacies due to be received by the Charity, but the timings and amounts are as yet uncertain. 

## 4  Charitable activities 

|4  Charitable activities|||
|---|---|---|
||2022|2021|
|Group membership of Fundraising Regulator|£32,920|£33,289|
|Membership subscriptions|£101,100|£100,550|
|Sundry income|-|£10,333|
|Conference income|£103,108|£2,500|
||£237,128|£146,672|



## 1.12 Retirement benefits 

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due. 

## 1.13 Leases 

## Charitable trading income 

All of the charitable income above relates to income received by the charity's trading subsidiary, Association of Air Ambulances Limited. These funds are primarily used to fund the annual conference and other expenditure of the trading subsidiary. 

Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged as an expense on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease. 

26 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 


## 5  Charitable activities 

|5  Charitable activities|||
|---|---|---|
||Charitable|Charitable|
||activities 2022|activities 2021|
|Staff costs|£40,557|£39,474|
|Conference expenditure|£72,869|-|
||£113,426|£39,474|
|Grant funding of activities (see note 8)|£473,618|£35,734|
|Share of support costs (see note 7)|£142,279|£114,220|
|Share of governance costs (see note 7)|£33,864|£24,880|
||£763,187|£214,308|
|Analysis by fund|||
|Unrestricted funds|£593,282|£178,574|
|Restricted funds|£169,905|£35,734|
||£763,187|£214,308|



Of the charitable expenditure above, £189,819 (including £72,869 of conference expenditure, and £40,557 of staff costs) relates to the costs of the charity's trading subsidiary, Association of Air Ambulances Limited (2021: £101,945). These amounts are entirely paid out of the trading subsidiary's income from memberships, sponsorships and conference ticket income (see note 4 to these financial statements). Any trading profits made are retained for use in future events, or donated to AAUK directly for distribution to the 21 Air Ambulance Charities. 

## 6  Raising funds 

||Unrestricted<br>funds|Restricted funds|Total|Unrestricted<br>funds|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Fundraising and publicity|2022|2022|2022|2021|
|Staff costs|£116,375|-|£116,375|£138,442|
|Depreciation and impairment|£1,155|-|£1,155|£1,143|
|Support costs|£33,173|-|£33,173|£14,835|
|Fundraising and publicity|£150,703|-|£150,703|£154,420|
||£150,703|-|£150,703|£154,420|



## 7  Support costs 

|7  Support costs|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||Support costs|Governance<br>costs|2022|Support costs|Governance<br>costs|2021|
|Staff costs|£46,473|-|£46,473|£18,580|-|£18,580|
|Travel and subsistence|£14,168|-|£14,168|£4,773|-|£4,773|
|Bank charges|£539|-|£539|£592|-|£592|
|Advertising and marketing|£36,785|-|£36,785|£21,123|-|£21,123|
|Printing, stationery and<br>telephone|£6,806|-|£6,806|£9,008|-|£9,008|
|Legal and professional<br>fees|£44,819|-|£44,819|£45,964|-|£45,964|
|IT, film and website costs|£17,845|-|£17,845|£7,945|-|£7,945|
|Insurance|£3,013|-|£3,013|£4,538|-|£4,538|
|Board and committee<br>meetings|-|-|-|£7,613|-|£7,613|
|Other staff costs|£1,030|-|£1,030|£6,844|-|£6,844|
|General expenses|£3,974|-|£3,974|£2,075|-|£2,075|
|Audit fees|-|£9,420|£9,420|-|£11,070|£11,070|
|Legal and professional|-|£24,144|£24,144|-|£13,810|£13,810|
|General governance Costs|-|£300|£300|-|-|-|
||£175,452|£33,864|£209,316|£129,055|£24,880|£153,935|
|Analysed between<br>Fundraising|£33,173|-|£33,173|£14,835|-|£14,835|
|Charitable activities|£142,279|£33,864|£176,143|£114,220|£24,880|£139,100|
||£175,452|£33,864|£209,316|£129,055|£24,880|£153,935|



Governance costs payable to the auditors include £9,420 (2021: £11,070) for the audit fees of the group and other related fees. 

27 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 


## 8  Grants payable 

||Total|Total|
|---|---|---|
||2022|2021|
|Grants to institutions:|||
|Air Ambulance Northern Ireland|£21,731|£1,882|
|Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust|£21,731|£1,031|
|Devon Air Ambulance Trust|£21,731|£1,030|
|The Dorset and Somerset Ambulance Charity|£22,865|£1,031|
|East Anglian Air Ambulance|£21,731|£1,030|
|Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust|£21,731|£1,031|
|Great North Air Ambulance Service|£21,886|£1,030|
|Great Western Air Ambulance Charity|£22,866|£1,884|
|Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance|£22,862|£1,030|
|Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex|£29,431|£9,781|
|Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance Charitable Trust|£21,731|£1,030|
|London's Air Ambulance Charity|£22,864|£1,884|
|Magpas Air Ambulance|£21,731|£1,030|
|Midlands Air Ambulance Charity|£21,734|£1,531|
|North West Air Ambulance Charity|£22,859|£2,462|
|Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance|£21,731|£1,031|
|The Air Ambulance Service|£21,929|£1,884|
|Thames Valley Air Ambulance|£25,090|£1,030|
|Wales Air Ambulance|£21,731|£1,030|
|Wiltshire Air Ambulance Charitable Trust|£21,731|£1,031|
|Yorkshire Air Ambulance Limited|£21,922|£1,031|
||£473,618|£35,734|



Included within the distributions above is £311,671 (2021: £35,734) in grants to the associations listed in relation to the distribution of donations received in 2022 and payable in January 2023, approved by the board of trustees in December 2022. 

## 9 Trustees 

None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Charity during the year. 

During the year six trustees were reimbursed travel, stationery and printing costs totalling £2,025 (2021: £1,793). 

## Grants to connected charities 

During the year the Charity made grants to a number of Air Ambulance charities where Trustees are either Trustees of that charity or key management personnel. 

Daryl Brown MBE DL who is also CEO of Magpas Air Ambulance which received £21,731 during the year (2021: £1,030). 

Amanda Mclean who is also CEO of Thames Valley Air Ambulance which received £25,090 during the year (2021: £1,030). 

Anna Perry who is also CEO of Great Western Air Ambulance Charity which received £22,866 during the year (2021: £1,884). 

David Welch who is also CEO of Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex which received £29,431 during the year (2021: £9,781). 

## 10  Employees 

The average monthly number of employees during the year was: 

|The average monthly number of employees during the year was:|||
|---|---|---|
||2022|2021|
||Number|Number|
|Fundraising staff|3|3|
|Administrative staff|2|1|
|Total|5|4|
|Employment costs|2022|2021|
|Wages and salaries|£181,579|£174,694|
|Social security costs|£14,441|£15,108|
|Other pension costs|£7,385|£6,694|
||£203,405|£196,496|



The number of employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000 is as follows: 

|||2022|2021|
|---|---|---|---|
|||Number|Number|
|£60,000|- £69,999|1|-|



28 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 


## 14  Debtors 

## 11  Taxation 

The charity is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes. The charity's trading subsidiary has a tax charge for the year of £nil (2021: £nil) 

## 12  Intangible fixed assets 

## Group 

|Group||
|---|---|
||Website|
|Cost<br>At 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022|£22,018|
|Amortisation and impairment<br>At 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022|£22,018|
|Carrying amount|-|
|At 31 December 2022||
|At 31 December 2021|-|



The intangible fixed assets included above relate to the website costs of the subsidiary, shown within these group accounts. 

## Charity 

The charity has no intangible fixed assets (2021: £nil) 

## 13  Tangible fixed assets 

## Group & charity 

|Group & charity||
|---|---|
||Computers|
|Cost<br>At 1 January 2022<br>Additions|£6,046<br>£116|
|At 31 December 2022|£6,162|
|Depreciation and impairment||
|At 1 January 2022|£3,643|
|Depreciation charged in the year|£1,155|
|At 31 December 2022|£4,798|
|Carrying amount<br>At 31 December 2022|£1,364|
|At 31 December 2021|£2,403|



|Group|2022|2021|
|---|---|---|
|Amounts falling due within one year:|||
|Funds awaiting collection|£153,576|£507|
|Trade debtors|£71,224|£10,940|
|Prepayments and accrued income|£31,994|£40,476|
|Charity|£256,794|£51,923|
|Amounts falling due within one year:|2022|2021|
|Funds awaiting collection|£153,576|£507|
|Trade debtors|£1,149|-|
|Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings|£140,405|£41,699|
|Prepayments|£1,049|£1,220|
||£296,179|£43,426|
|15  Creditors: amounts falling due within one year|||
|Group|2022|2021|
|Other taxation and social security|£17,226|£4,437|
|Trade creditors|£9,317|£12,555|
|Amounts committed for distribution|£311,671|£35,734|
|Accruals and deferred income|£107,698|£40,997|
||£445,912|£93,723|
|Charity|2022|2021|
|Other taxation and social security|£4,422|£5,144|
|Trade creditors|£5,565|£11,619|
|Amounts committed for distribution|£311,671|£35,734|
|Accruals|£16,247|£17,211|
||£337,905|£69,708|



29 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 


## 16  Designated funds 

The income funds of the charity and group include the following designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes: 

|||||Movement in funds|Movement in funds||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||Movement in funds||||||
||Incoming<br>resources|Resources<br>expended|Balance at<br>1 January 2022|Incoming<br>resources|Resources<br>expended|Balance at<br>31 December<br>2022|
|Jude Morris Innovation<br>and Development Fund|£76,895|(£11,807)|£65,088|£16,826|(£2,019)|£79,895|
||£76,895|(£11,807)|£65,088|£16,826|(£2,019)|£79,895|



The Jude Morris Innovation and Development Fund is part of the charity's strategy ‘Saving More Lives Together’ 20212025. This fund is accessible to the air ambulance charity members. The purpose of each fund is decided by the board of trustees. The fund is open to applications focussed on emerging technology for PHEM, research which demonstrates an aim to improve patient care, training to develop, support and enable new PHEM interventions for air ambulance crews. 

## 17  Restricted funds 

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes: 

||Movement in funds|||Movement in funds|Movement in funds||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||Incoming resources|Net<br>distributions|Balance at<br>1 January 2022|Incoming<br>resources|Net<br>distributions|Balance at<br>31 December<br>2022|
|Road Haulage<br>Association|£5,250|(£5,250)|-|£3,696|(£3,696)|-|
|Bunzl|£5,260|(£5,250)|-|-|-|-|
|Savills|£25,000|-|£25,000|£2,813|(£27,813)|-|
|One off donations|£50|-|£50|-|(£50)|-|
|Major donation|£12,500|(£12,500)|-|£11,000|(£11,000)|-|
|In memorium|£435|(£80)|£355|£221|(£576)|-|
|BMW Airhead<br>fellowship|£944|(£944)|-|-|-|-|
|UKATTS|£11,700|(£11,700)|-|-|-|-|
|Ageas|-|-|-|£127,462|(£121,867)|£5,595|
|Legacies|-|-|-|£2,000|(£2,000)|-|
|Bedford Car Club|-|-|-|£1,364|(£1,364)|-|
|Metrics|-|-|-|£875|(£875)|-|
|Challenge Events|-|-|-|£135|(£105)|£30|
|Other restricted<br>income|-|-|-|£559|(£559)|-|
||£61,139|(£35,734)|£25,405|£150,125|(£169,905)|£5,625|



During the year, the charity received restricted income from several supporters. Of the donations received in the year, £126,681 was specified to be distributed equally among the 21 Air Ambulance charities, most of which related to donations received from Ageas, Road Haulage Association and a major donor. All other restricted funds received during the year, totalling £23,444, were restricted to specific Air Ambulance charities. 

30 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 


## 18 Analysis of net assets between funds 

|18 Analysis of net assets between funds||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Group<br>Fund balances at 31 December 2022 are|Unrestricted Funds<br>2022|Designated<br>Funds 2022||Restricted<br>Funds 2022|Total 2022|
|represented by:||||||
|Tangible assets|£1,364||-|-|£1,364|
|Current assets/(liabilities)|815,416||£79,895|£5,625|900,936|
||816,780||£79,895|£5,625|902,300|
|Fund balances at 31 December 2022 are|Unrestricted Funds<br>2021||Designated<br>Funds 2021|Restricted<br>Funds 2021|Total 2021|
|represented by:||||||
|Tangible assets|£2,403||-|-|£2,403|
|Current assets/(liabilities)|£584,180||£65,088|£25,405|£674,673|
||£586,583||£65,088|£25,405|£677,076|
|Charity<br>Fund balances at 31 December 2022 are|Unrestricted Funds<br>2022||Designated<br>Funds 2022|Restricted<br>Funds 2022|Total 2022|
|represented by:||||||
|Tangible assets|£1,364||-|-|£1,364|
|Current assets/(liabilities)|623,384||£79,895|£5,625|708,904|
||624,748||£79,895|£5,625|710,268|
|Fund balances at 31 December 2022 are|Unrestricted Funds<br>2021||Designated<br>Funds 2021|Restricted<br>Funds 2021|Total 2021|
|represented by:||||||
|Tangible assets|£2,403||-|-|£2,403|
|Current assets/(liabilities)|£439,456||£65,088|£25,405|£529,949|
||£441,859||£65,088|£25,405|£532,352|



## 19   Legal status of the charity 

The charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The liability of each member in the event of winding up is restricted to a sum not exceeding £10. 

## 20   Related party transactions 

## Remuneration of key management personnel 

The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows. 

|2022|2021|
|---|---|
|£64,428|£52,234|



## Aggregate compensation 

All transactions with trustees and other charities of which they are also trustees have been included on note 9 of these financial statements. 

## 21 Subsidiaries 

The charitable company is the sole member of Association of Air Ambulances Limited, a company registered in England and Wales, company number 08341197. All activities have been consolidated on a line by line basis in the statement of financial activities. A summary of the results of the subsidiary for the year ended 31 December 2022 is shown below: 

Turnover:                           £237,127 (2021: £146,674) Profit/(Loss):                      £47,308   (2021: £44,727) 

The aggregate of assets, liabilities and funds was: Assets:                                 £440,444  (2021: £211,145) Liabilities:                            £248,413  (2021: £66,422) Funds:                                  £192,031  (2021: £144,723) 

## 22 Cash generated from operations 

||||
|---|---|---|
|Cash generated from operations|2022|2021|
|Surplus for the year|225,224|£355,987|
|Adjustments for:<br>Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets|£1,155|£1,143|
|Movements in working capital:|||
|(Increase) in debtors|(204,871)|(£24,129)|
|Increase in creditors|£352,189|£39,598|
|Cash generated from operations|£373,697|£372,599|



## 23 Analysis of changes in net funds 

Neither the group or charity had any debt during the year. 

31 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

## INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 


## Other information 

## Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members and 

## Trustees of the Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (operating as Air Ambulances UK) Opinion 

We have audited the financial statements of the Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (the ‘parent charitable company’) and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31st December 2022 which comprise the consolidated statement of financial activities, the consolidated balance sheet, the charity balance sheet, the consolidated statement of cashflows  and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

## In our opinion the financial statements: 

The other information comprises the information included in the trustees annual report , other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 

## Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: 

- Give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and parent charitable company’s affairs as at 31st December 2022, and of the group’s incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended; 

- have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and 

- Have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and regulations 6 and 8 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. 

## Basis for opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group and parent charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

## Conclusions relating to going concern 

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group and parent charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. 

- •The information given in the trustees' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and 

- The directors’ report included within the trustees’ report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. 

## Matters on which we are required to report by exception 

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and parent charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the trustees’ report. 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: 

- Adequate and sufficient accounting records have not been kept by the parent charitable company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or 

- The parent charitable company’s financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 

- Certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or 

- We have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.; or 

- The trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies’ regime and take advantage of the small companies’ exemptions in preparing the trustees’ report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report. 

## Responsibilities of trustees 

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 22, the trustees (who are also the directors of the parent charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the group and parent charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the group or parent charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

32 



Association of Air Ambulances (charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2022 

## INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 

## Auditor responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 

We have been appointed auditor under the Companies Act 2006 and section 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and report in accordance with / those Acts. 


A further description of our responsibilities is available on the FRC's website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditors/audit-assurance/auditor-s-responsibilities-for-the-audit-of-the-fi/descriptionof-the-auditor%E2%80%99s-responsibilities-for. This description forms part of our auditor’s report. 

## Use of our report 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below. 

This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and to the trustees, as a body, in accordance with regulation 10 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members and its trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company’s members and trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 


Mark McLean FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) For an on behalf of Thomas & Young Limited 

## Chartered Accountants 

We obtain and update our understanding of the entity, its activities, its control environment, and likely future developments, including in relation to the legal and regulatory framework applicable and how the entity is complying with that framework. Based on this understanding, we identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

Statutory Auditor 

Carleton House 266-268 Stratford Rd Shirley Solihull B90 3AD 

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, including fraud, we designed procedures which included the following. 

27th June 2023 Date: 

- Enquiry of management and those charged with governance around actual and potential litigation and claims. 

Reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance. 

- Assessing the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations considered to have a material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the group through enquiry and inspection. 

- Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations. 

- Auditing the risk of management override of controls, including through testing journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, and evaluating the rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of activities, and reviewing accounting estimates for indicators of potential bias. 

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation. 

33 




www.airambulancesuk.org Follow us @airambulancesuk 

info@airambulancesuk.org             01564 339958 


Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd Operating as Air Ambulances UK International House | 126 Colmore Row | Birmingham | B3 3AP 

Incorporated and Registered in England and Wales: Registered Company Number 9391251 and Registered Charity Number 1161153. Registered in Scotland SC051021 

Association of Air Ambulances Ltd is a subsidiary of the Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd and is Incorporated and Registered in England and Wales: Registered Company Number 08341197