Watchdog: Charity Faked Operational Status

The Fundraising Regulator has determined that Stoke Air Ambulance breached the Fundraising Code of Practice by misleading the public about its operational status. The charity had no helicopter, operational base, or qualified clinicians, nor did it possess Care Quality Commission approval. Despite these deficiencies, it presented claims of being operational, including showing pictures of its chief executive and chairman by an aircraft.

The regulator also found that Stoke Air Ambulance encouraged potential donors to redirect funds from other established air ambulance charities. This practice is deemed non-compliant with fundraising standards. The Charity Commission initiated a compliance case in November 2025, which has since escalated into a statutory inquiry opened on January 6, 2026, to examine the charity's administration and governance.

Concerns raised with the Charity Commission include expenditure on fundraising and staff, the level of direct charitable delivery, potential conflicts of interest, and payments to a company linked to a trustee. The viability of its goal to operate an air ambulance service is also under scrutiny. Air Ambulances UK noted that the Midlands area is already well-covered, suggesting Stoke Air Ambulance represents a duplication and potential waste of donor funds.