Richard Cockbain, Alastair Gibson, David Goodacre and Melissa Hope have joined. 

Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) has strengthened its board with the appointment of four new trustees.

The charity – Scotland’s only charity-funded air ambulance service, with bases at Perth and Aberdeen – identified the need to increase the board’s wide-ranging expertise in anticipation of the retirement of three long-standing trustees.  

Following a skills assessment and after a thorough recruitment process, the board welcomed new Trustees Richard Cockbain, Alastair Gibson, David Goodacre and Melissa Hope.

Robbie Brown, chair of SCAA, said the four brought a diverse range of skills and experience.

“Their expertise comes from across the public and private sectors including medical, investment management, leadership, operational command, service delivery and strategic planning,” he said.

“Their wide range of experience and knowledge will help the key areas that the Board require as we continue to drive our purpose and ambition that no-one in Scotland should suffer or die because help can't get there in time.”

Dr Richard Cockbain holds a doctorate in police ethical leadership and decision-making and is a serving officer with Police Scotland.  

Richard brings significant leadership experience of emergency response in a variety of operational and strategic contexts.

Alastair Gibson is a retired trauma and orthopaedic surgeon who began his medical career nearly 50 years ago in London. 

Since then, he has worked across the UK and around the world including carrying out voluntary work as a visiting Consultant in Africa and the USA.  

Alastair also now runs a smallholding on the Isle of Arran.

David Goodacre's military service included responsibility for helicopter activities in the Army Air Corps and was awarded an OBE for leadership in strategic transformation.  

On leaving the Army he joined Barclays Bank in business improvement roles and now works as a consultant.  David has served as a Trustee for several services and veterans’ charities.

Melissa Hope is chief executive of the Nuclear Liabilities Fund with her role covering investment management, operations and governance.  

As a leader in a purpose-led organisation, Melissa drives strategic partnerships across the public and private sectors delivering value for stakeholders.   

A former solicitor, Melissa lives in Perthshire.

“These new appointments to the Board of Trustees see SCAA move forward with an enviable breadth and depth of understanding and proficiency to support all aspects of the charity’s life-saving work,” said Mr Brown, “and we’re delighted to welcome them to the Board.”

The new appointments coincide with the retiral from SCAA’s Board of long-serving Trustees Paul Bassett, Mike Beale and Joyce Leslie.

“SCAA has benefitted from many years of unwavering service and support from all three,” said Mr Brown.

“I would like to record the charity's thanks to them for their vision and energy in the key roles they have played in the creation and growth of SCAA. Their invaluable commitment and support have been quite remarkable, and we wish them well for the future.”