About us
Community Save a Life Scheme was formed in 2010, with the aim of raising the awareness of the need for more life-savers.
The ‘Famous Five’ – as they have become known – are Dr Cheryle Berry MBE, Dr Jill Bethell MBE, John Hutchinson, Cllr Deborah Watson and Cllr Jim Clifton, who have been the driving force behind CSALS.
Initially partnering with British Heart Foundation, St John Ambulance & East Midlands Ambulance Service, the organisation provided free first aid lessons.
CSALS received widespread media coverage in 2016 when 1,795 people participated in a first aid lesson at the home of Chesterfield FC, setting a new Guinness World Record.
The event received widespread coverage via regional TV/ local radio/newspapers/magazines/social media.
As part of the organisation’s efforts to actively promote the need for more people to learn life-saving skills, CSALS partnered with Virtual College in 2018 to offer a free online first aid course, which was officially launched at Westminster.
Thousands of people have now completed the course, providing them with first aid skills which could result in lives being saved!
Why Choose CSALS?
Flexible Delivery
Sessions can be arranged around your availability, including staggered delivery to ensure minimal disruption to your operations.
Accessible for All
If you don’t have access to sufficient laptops or PCs, we can provide equipment to support your session.
Practical & Lifelong Skills
Participants gain essential first aid knowledge that can be applied in real-life situations—valuable for both workplace safety and everyday life.
Our Trustees
Cheryle Berry – Founder/Trustee
Cheryle is a former Headteacher and Director of Education with more than 40 years of experience working within education.
She continues to support young people, families, and communities through voluntary work at local, national, and international levels. Cheryle is passionate about equipping as many people as possible with life-saving skills and empowering communities through education and training.
John Hutchinson – Trustee/Lead Trainer
John is a founder member of CSALS, alongside Cheryle Berry and Jane Palmer, and has played a key role in the charity’s development from the beginning.
He served in the military for 25 years, working across the world in a variety of operational environments and conflict zones. Throughout his military career, John delivered first aid training to numerous regiments and personnel. Following his military service, John worked with St John Ambulance, where he trained first aiders, ambulance crews, and Community First Responders. He remains deeply passionate about community education, first aid, and equipping people with the confidence and skills to save lives.
Alan Barnett – Trustee/Treasurer
Alan is a retired Management Accountant with extensive experience across a range of senior financial and leadership roles, including several directorships. Throughout his career, he specialised in the design and implementation of accounting systems and financial management processes.
As Treasurer for CSALS, Alan is responsible for overseeing the charity’s finances, ensuring effective financial governance, and managing reporting requirements for the Charity Commission.
Shaun Ireland – Trustee/Trainer
Shaun worked in the construction industry for 30 years, primarily within new housing, before moving into the teaching and learning sector, where he worked in schools supporting and coaching young people.
For the past 15 years, Shaun has worked within the Health and Safety industry, delivering training courses to businesses and charities. Through this work, he developed a passion for teaching first aid and helping people gain the skills and confidence to support others in crisis situations. Shaun became involved with CSALS in 2018 and was inspired by the team’s commitment to helping others. As the charity expanded, he was proud to become a Trustee and continue supporting its work within the community.
Jane Palmer – Trustee/Trainer
Jane began her career as a Registered Nurse specialising in Coronary Care before becoming an NHS Trust Resuscitation Officer. She later developed her career in Community Resuscitation with the British Heart Foundation.
Throughout her career, Jane has worked with a wide range of organisations and volunteers to develop CPR training programmes within communities and schools. She has also contributed to the development of training resources and collaborated with regional ambulance services on Public Access Defibrillation initiatives.
Jane is passionate about empowering communities with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in emergency situations.
Scott Hutchinson – Trustee/Trainer
Scott is a dedicated Trustee and Trainer for CSALS, supporting the charity’s mission to make life-saving skills and first aid training accessible within the community. With nearly 14 years of experience as a Care Assistant, Scott brings valuable frontline knowledge and a strong understanding of the importance of practical emergency response skills in everyday situations. Joining CSALS to help make a positive difference, Scott is passionate about building confidence within communities so more people feel prepared to respond in an emergency.
Lesley Ord – Data Analyst
Lesley worked in the online learning industry for many years and was one of the original committee members involved in developing the CSALS online learning platform when it was first created in 2018.
Her role within the charity includes reporting on learner statistics from the learning management system, analysing participant feedback, and providing updates and insights to Trustees at monthly meetings.
Lesley is inspired by the impact CSALS has within the community and the positive feedback received from learners. She values the opportunity to help make life-saving skills more accessible to everyone.