Charity watchdogs have told London Air Ambulance to tighten up procedures following an investigation by former Kent Air Ambulance boss David Philpott into allegations by trustees and staff.

Mr Philpott, from Ashford, was fired just three months into his job as LAA chief executive after more than six years in Kent.

During his brief time with the Virgin Group-sponsored service, he raised a number of concerns expressed to him by some of the LAA trustees and staff. These involved alleged conflicts of interest and alleged misappropriations of charity funds and resources.

Mr Philpott later appealed against the decision to fire him.

Following widespread publicity about Mr Philpott’s abrupt dismissal, the Charity Commission was asked to examine LAA practices.

It has responded by recommending changes but stopped short of censure. A Commission spokeswoman said: "Having considered the concerns raised, we have given advice and guidance to the charity on a number of issues.

"Provided the trustees implement our recommendations, there is no further role for us in this matter. We also received complaints about an employment matter at the charity. The Commission can not generally become involved in employment issues in charities, as these are a matter for the charity trustees to decide. We therefore did not consider the employment issues raised with us during our case, and we advised the complainants of this."

Trustee board chairman Dr Gareth Davies said: "We are delighted that the Charity Commission has been so supportive and given the charity a clean bill of health. We look forward to the future and to continuing providing the people of London with the unique care the Air Ambulance Team offers."

Mr Philpott said: “I welcome the speed with which the Charity Commission has concluded this matter, although I am a little surprised that they have done so without speaking to me. It is encouraging to know that all the allegations I had been asked to investigate by some trustees and staff appear to have been without foundation.

"I am also pleased to note that the Charity Commission has given advice and guidance to London’s Air Ambulance so that in future, through more transparent governance, the widespread perception of conflicts of interest on the trustee board can be eradicated. It would have been a dereliction of my duty as CEO not to look into complaints and allegations, especially since some of these came from trustees.”.