Female CEO Excellence 2017 Awards

12 CEO MONTHLY / FEMALE CEO EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2017 , Launched on St David’s Day 2001, Wales Air Ambulance (WAA) is the official air ambulance service forWales. We spoke to Angela Hughes to find out a bit more about her success and that of the company. Medical Charity CEO of the Year & Best Emergency Healthcare NPO - Wales WAA operates three HEMS (helicopter emergency medical service) helicopters, responding to critical 999 missions; and one transfer air ambulance dedicated to inter- hospital transfers, such as moving babies to specialist centres. Uniquely, WAA is the only air ambulance charity based in and dedicated to Wales, and relies entirely on donations to raise £6.5mn each year to keep its four aircraft flying. Discussing her leadership style, Angela is keen to point out how well the charity works as a team, with staff all working towards the same mission, looking to achieve the same goals. Having been at the company right from the start, Angela has overseen it grow to the organisation it is today, as she is keen to highlight. “Personally, my ethos has always been one of teamwork, emphasising that this charity belongs to everyone and their feedback and ideas are vital to the running of WAA. I developed WAA at a grassroots level, building the charity in the community and organising local collection tins, so I have a strong knowledge and awareness of how important everyone’s role is at the charity, and how to take it forward at a strategic level. “Developing the charity from just myself with an initial fundraising target of £1 million, to having 99 staff, 650 volunteers and raised £70 million, I am incredibly proud of everything I have achieved over the years. I like to see people develop to their potential and if staff show the determination and commitment then I support them to be the best they can in their field. Many of our staff have been with WAA for a long time, and several have received recognition and reward for five and ten years’ service with the charity. We have staff who have flourished in their experience and skills, moving on to become managers. Currently, we are working towards being Investors in People, as we see the benefits of the journey for our staff.” Outlining her previous roles, Angela explains what it is like to be a woman working in a variety of industries and what challenges she has encountered and had to overcome in order to have the success she has currently. Being confident in her own ability is something that Angela mentions, which helped her not to be fazed by working in a male-dominated industry. “Previously, I was Finance Director and then European HR and Quality Manager in the construction and technology industry, before embarking on a new career in regional and national fundraising more than 20 years ago. Having worked in mainly male-dominated industries over the years I have found the need to overachieve in everything I do. I recall in 1992 being the only female presenting in America amidst male leaders from all over the world. It didn’t concern me as I knew my subject and how to focus on that. However, I do believe the climate is changing for women now and it is becoming more of an even playing field.” Operating in the innovative and creative charity, Angela informs us of how her organisation is continuing to focus on developing the ambulance operation. She has been helping other companies and organisations to develop new programmes which will be of great benefit to others in the future, showcasing her extensive knowledge and expertise in the industry, “As always, we are continuously developing the air ambulance operation and find cutting-edge ways to help patients even further. I helped to develop a brand-new programme of healthcare in Wales, called the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS), or the Welsh Flying Medics. Working in partnership with Welsh Government ministers, Wales’ health boards, the Welsh Ambulance Service, the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee and a pool of passionate doctors, the charity now has a dedicated team of senior consultants and critical care practitioners (CCPs) on board.” The charity is obviously making a difference in the industry. This is important as it helps to attract the best clients, and this is mostly thanks to the hard work that Angela and her team put in, in order to distinguish themselves from other charities. FCE17012