Opportunities

About Community Heartbeat

Community Heartbeat is a leading UK charity dedicated to improving survival rates from cardiac arrest. Our work focuses on delivering robust governance, equipment, and community empowerment to ensure defibrillators are accessible, maintained, and effectively utilised. Unlike other organisations, we provide comprehensive, ongoing support and education to ensure communities are truly equipped to save lives.

1. Introduction

Community Heartbeat brings 16 years of operational experience in community defibrillation, grounded in statistics, lived experience, and clinical guidance. Guided by the recommendations of the Resuscitation Council UK and dedicated to enhancing all aspects of the “Chain of Survival,” we emphasise early recognition, rapid access to defibrillation, and high-quality CPR. Since 2009, we have championed the view that defibrillators are part of a broader community response to cardiac arrest and that such projects must continue beyond the initial installation.

Over this time, we have continuously learned and adapted by addressing the challenges and ongoing issues associated with various types of defibrillator equipment. Since 2009, we have proactively designed and implemented governance systems to ensure community defibrillators remain operational and effective as part of a broader response to cardiac arrest. Our approach has not only set the standard for defibrillator management but has also highlighted the critical importance of long-term oversight.

In July 2025, UK legislation will formally require post-market surveillance (PMS) for such medical devices, finally aligning with the governance principles we have championed for over 16 years. This legislative development underscores the foresight of our approach and reaffirms the necessity of robust governance to maintain device readiness and save lives.

In preparation for this and other legislative change, and with regard to recently updated Charity Commission guidelines, the Trust is minded to update its governance structure and operation with a view to becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) during 2025.

2. Strengthening the Charity Board

Following a skills appraisal and diversity assessment of the current board members, we are looking to recruit trustees with diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives to strengthen our Board. Trustees will provide strategic direction, ensure robust governance, and act as ambassadors for the updated charity’s mission and values. This is an opportunity to contribute to a respected organisation at a pivotal moment in its journey, addressing key challenges in a rapidly developing field. We have several vacancies, one of these being the Treasurer role.

Achieving greater diversity in our board construct is now a priority for the organisation and this is also reflected in our objectives around trustee recruitment. We would like to receive expressions of interest from not only individuals who have a background in resuscitation or community health and wellbeing but also those from diverse and different backgrounds, whose experience and points of view would enhance the calibre and content of our governance discussions.

3. Trustee Key Responsibilities Include

• Providing strategic leadership advice and guidance to future strategy and activities
• Overseeing financial sustainability and ensure compliance with charitable obligations
• Acting as an ambassador, advocating for the Charity’s mission and values
• Working collaboratively with fellow trustees and the organisation’s staff team
• Contributing to the development of the Charity’s long-term plans and priorities

4. Skills and Experience Required

We are seeking a Treasurer candidate with senior finance experience and skills plus other candidates who can bring one or more of
the following:

• Professional Expertise: Medical, legal, managerial, business leadership, fund raising, human resource management, training and digital transformation

5. All candidates will require:

• Leadership Experience: Ability to contribute to boards and project committees, working with staff as required
• Commitment to Resuscitation and Defibrillation: A passion for what we do
• Charity Sector Knowledge: An understanding of charity governance and best practice (desirable but not essential)

6. Person Specification

• Enthusiastic and committed to the charity’s mission and values
• Strategic thinker with strong decision-making capabilities
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Collaborative and able to work effectively as part of a team

7. Time Commitment

The role of a Trustee requires attendance at quarterly board meetings (some via Zoom or Teams), participation in occasional committee
meetings and engagement in CHT events. The expected commitment is approximately 1 day per month.

8. Location

Candidates must be able to travel occasionally to Haverhill in Suffolk and other locations for meetings and events. Travel expenses
approved in advance will be paid.

9. Why Join CHT ?

• Play a pivotal role in the future development of a leading defibrillator and resuscitation charity
• Collaborate with a dynamic and passionate team of Trustees and staff
• Gain valuable experience in charity governance and strategic decision making

9. Recruitment Process

The Trustee recruitment panel is initially tasked with:

a) Identifying and engaging potential candidates from diverse backgrounds
b) Screening applicants to ensure alignment with CHT’s mission and requirements
c) Coordinating pre interviews, and submitting a suitable shortlist of candidates to the board for its consideration
d) Supporting the onboarding process for successful candidates

10. Deadline and Contact Information

We would like to begin the recruitment process in April 2025 with an aim of completing interviews and selecting candidates by the end of May 2025. To submit an initial expression of interest or ask any questions please contact:

Ron Simpson BEM – CHT Chair
Tel: 07710 328 469
E: [email protected] 

Vickie Joskow – CHT Office Manager
Tel: 0330 124 3067
E: [email protected]