Meet Rhys, a Trustee at St John Ambulance Cymru...
Rhys Jenkins became a Trustee at St John Ambulance Cymru in 2023 after having a connection with the charity’s ceremonial team for many years.
31-year-old Rhys, who is based in Somerset, sits on the board of Trustees and has been invited to join the Priory for Wales, an independent Priory of the Order of St John (a working Order of Chivalry of the British Crown). Individuals get nominated anonymously to join the Priory for Wales for demonstrating values of devotion, togetherness, faithfulness, diversity and inclusiveness in their volunteer work.
Rhys will be invested into the Priory for Wales at the official Investiture ceremony, taking place on 15th June in Cardiff this year.
Rhys spent a number of years working at investiture ceremonies in the past as part of Llandaff Cathedral’s ceremonial team. During this time, he heard a lot about St John Ambulance Cymru. “I heard many stories of all the important, lifesaving, work that goes on” he recalls.
When he saw the Trustee role advertised, he jumped at the chance to contribute to the organisation. “The passion of the staff and volunteers, both for the work they do and the organisation as a whole is the key reason I stay involved. It is inspirational.”
As a Barrister with a wealth of experience in Family and Civil Law, Rhys brings a lot of knowledge to the charity’s Board and has specifically focused on developing a learning culture and embracing diversity within the organisation.
“I have only been directly involved with St John Ambulance Cymru for a short period of time, but in that time, I have developed my own skills in areas I was not as familiar with” he says.
“More importantly, I have developed an even deeper appreciation and admiration for the staff and volunteers who keep the organisation running as the leading first aid charity in Wales.”
Being invited into the Priory for Wales means a lot to Rhys as the Order of St John’s values closely align with his own.
“At the heart of the organisation up and down the country are hardworking, dedicated, and loyal volunteers with big hearts and a huge amount of professionalism. Our organisation saves lives, but it also has a profound life-long positive impact on the volunteers, staff and the youth who become involved in one way or another” he comments.
“I do my role to give back to the community and not for any outward recognition, however, it is always encouraging to be acknowledged for your hard work. I am very grateful to the Honours and Awards Committee for deeming me worthy of recognition and look forward to the investiture. “
Rhys is looking forward to being officially invested into the Priory for Wales and continuing to make a positive impact at the first aid charity for Wales.