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- Tasks: Lead external communications and engage with key stakeholders to improve mental health across the UK and Ireland.
- Company: Join BABCP, the leading organisation for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in the UK and Ireland, with over 24,000 members.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility and the chance to make a real social impact in mental health.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving change in mental health policy and practice while promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in public affairs, excellent communication skills, and a higher-level qualification in a related field.
- Other info: Home-based role with occasional travel; apply by 21st July 2025 for an interview on 1st August 2025.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) is the lead organisation for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in the UK and Ireland. We have more than 24,000 members across the UK, Ireland, and overseas, and with a growing staff team who work remotely. As we have grown, so has our need to communicate more effectively and to wider stakeholder groups. Ideally, we need someone who is comfortable delivering a range of different communications functions, such as leading strategy, working with politicians and policy influencers, understanding the needs of our members, and communicating directly with the wider public about issues that matter to them.
About the role
We are looking for a dynamic and skilled professional to take on this new senior leadership role at BABCP. We are a growing organisation, driven by social purpose. We aim to improve the mental health of people across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, through furthering research and good practice in CBT and related professions.
The successful candidate will have the ability to influence government and health systems; manage a team to deliver planned and responsive communications; network with other professionals, including journalists; and be comfortable in setting, monitoring, and reporting performance measures, including reporting to the CEO and board.
Responsibilities
Member of the Senior Leadership Team:
- To work collaboratively with other members of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to address issues affecting the External Affairs Department and the wider business
- To contribute to the development and implementation corporate strategy
- Contribute to establishing and promoting a culture of continuous business improvement, while championing the values of the Association
- To represent the External Affairs Department at Board, Subcommittees, and SLT meetings
- To ensure that the department has sufficient capacity to deliver its core functions to a high level of quality, within budget
- To manage the staff as posts are added to the department
- To ensure departmental compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
- Promoting equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion in every aspect of departmental delivery, including seeking the voice of lived experience
Head of External Affairs:
- Lead external engagement strategy across policy, public affairs, media, and stakeholder relations to advance the Association’s strategic aims
- Build and manage relationships with key external stakeholders, including government departments, NHS bodies, the regulator, people with lived experience, and other influencers
- Monitor and influence health policy developments in the UK government, its three devolved administrations, and in the government of the Republic of Ireland
- Lead media relations, managing reactive press activity, and proactively shaping the organisation’s media profile across print, broadcast, and digital platforms. Act as a spokesperson for BABCP, as required, including media enquiries, speaking engagements, panels, and meetings with senior policymakers and healthcare leaders
- Support the Chief Executive and Board, providing strategic advice on reputational risks and opportunities in the external environment
- Lead crisis communications and issues management, particularly in areas that are sensitive and likely to attract significant media attention
In liaison with the Senior Clinical Advisor:
- Oversee public affairs activity, including consultation responses, briefings, parliamentary engagement, and representation at policy roundtables or inquiries.
In liaison with the Head of Membership Services:
- Oversee strategic communications to members
In liaison with the Chief Accreditation Officer and Registrar:
- Ensure external messaging aligns with key messages relating to our standards of practice
Experience:
- Significant senior-level experience in external/public affairs and policy, for example, within the healthcare, public, and membership sectors
- Demonstrable experience of leading high-performing, multidisciplinary teams
- Experience of working closely with and advising senior executives and boards
- Application Strong understanding of UK and/or Irish health policy and political processes, including health service bodies and government departments relevant to health and care
- Excellent political judgement and strategic thinking, with the ability to navigate complex and sensitive issues
- Outstanding spoken and written communication skills, including the ability to write online content, press releases, and policy briefings
- Presentation: Highly effective relationship builder with excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills
- Skilled in designing measures to monitor the impact of External Affairs' works to drive performance
- Strong ability to manage reputational risk and lead crisis communication responses
- Able to work effectively in fast-paced environments, balancing reactive and proactive priorities
- Application Understanding the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the context of mental health inequalities
Personal Attributes:
- Demonstrable commitment to the values of BABCP
- Proven track record of influencing government, commissioners, and stakeholders to shape policy or public opinion
- Experience of working in, or closely with, membership organisations or professional bodies
- Experience in leading media relations across print, broadcast, and digital platforms
Required Qualifications
- Higher level qualification in a related field (journalism, communications, or public relations, etc)
Working locations
- Home-based
- Occasional requirements to travel to our Head Office in Greater Manchester and to meetings in London, and Frequent meetings across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
How to apply
- Send an up-to-date CV and covering letter of no more than two pages to recruitment@babcp.com no later than 21st July 2025 at 9 am
- Interviews will be held on 1st August 2025
The job vacancy information provided here is from third-parties and the AAE can not guarantee the accuracy of the information.
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Head of External Affairs (Greater Manchester) employer: Association of Association Executives
Contact Detail:
Association of Association Executives Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of External Affairs (Greater Manchester)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the mental health and public affairs sectors. Attend relevant conferences, seminars, or webinars to meet potential contacts who can provide insights into the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with current UK and Irish health policies and recent developments in mental health care. This knowledge will help you engage in informed discussions during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and managing external communications. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've influenced policy or public opinion in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research BABCP's mission and values thoroughly. Understanding their focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion will allow you to align your responses with their organisational culture during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of External Affairs (Greater Manchester)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in external affairs, public policy, and communications. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders and manage teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate your understanding of the role and how your skills align with BABCP's mission. Mention your commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as your experience in media relations.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, include examples of your written work, such as press releases or policy briefings, in your application. This will demonstrate your ability to convey complex information effectively.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Emphasise your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and working with senior executives. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed projects or initiatives that required collaboration across different departments.
How to prepare for a job interview at Association of Association Executives
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Head of External Affairs role. Familiarise yourself with BABCP's mission, values, and current initiatives. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Given the emphasis on building relationships with key stakeholders, be ready to discuss your past experiences in stakeholder engagement. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to influence policy and manage external communications effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role requires outstanding spoken and written communication skills, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might be asked to present a brief on a relevant topic, so consider preparing a short presentation to showcase your abilities.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
BABCP values equity, diversity, and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you have promoted these principles in your previous roles, particularly in relation to mental health. Highlight any initiatives you've led or been part of that align with these values.
