_________________________________________________________________________________________ St John Ambulance
As St John Ambulance gets ready to celebrate its 150th anniversary, the organization blends tradition with new ideas. Most people know St John Ambulance for teaching first aid, supporting communities, and providing medical cover at events across England, but the charity’ s vital work goes much deeper. Alongside its passionate volunteer network, youth programs starting from the age of five, ambulance services, and training operations, St John runs a social enterprise that helps fund its broader mission.
The connection between commercial activity and charitable impact places procurement and commercial buying at the center of the organization. Decisions about sourcing, supplier relationships, inventory, and product development influence commercial performance while supporting volunteers, frontline responders, and the communities St John Ambulance serves.
▲ Nick Winstanley, Head of Commercial Buying & Procurement
Committed to community
For Nick Winstanley, Head of Commercial Buying and Procurement, that connection forges a direct link between commercial success and charitable impact.“ It gives me more of a sense of purpose than just saving the charity money,” Nick opens.“ It’ s not just about buying effectively; it’ s about creating value and reinvesting that back into the charity.”
His responsibilities span procurement strategy across both the charity and its commercial operations, while supporting the workplace training business, event medical services, and first aid supplies division. The procurement function matches the scale of the organization.“ I lead on setting the procurement and tendering
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