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- Tasks: Lead external engagement strategy and manage communications for a growing mental health organisation.
- Company: Join the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies, a leader in CBT across the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility and the chance to influence mental health policy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on mental health while working with diverse stakeholders and a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in public affairs and a higher qualification in journalism or communications required.
- Other info: Home-based role with occasional travel; apply by 21st July 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 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the healthcare and public affairs sectors. Attend relevant conferences or events where you can meet key stakeholders, including government officials and health policy influencers. Building these connections can give you insights into the role and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current health policies and issues affecting mental health in the UK and Ireland. Understanding the latest developments will not only prepare you for interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the field and the mission of BABCP.
✨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 successfully navigated complex issues or crises in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the Head of External Affairs position.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with BABCP's values and mission. Tailor your conversations and any networking interactions to reflect how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding equity, diversity, and inclusion in mental health.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of External Affairs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Covering Letter: Make sure to customise your covering letter for the Head of External Affairs position. Highlight your relevant experience in external affairs, public policy, and communications, and explain how it aligns with BABCP's mission to improve mental health.
Showcase Leadership Experience: In your CV, emphasise your senior-level experience in leading multidisciplinary teams. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and influenced stakeholders in previous roles.
Demonstrate Understanding of Health Policy: Clearly articulate your understanding of UK and Irish health policy in both your CV and covering letter. Mention any relevant experience you have working with government departments or health service bodies.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since the role requires outstanding spoken and written communication skills, include examples of your experience in writing press releases, policy briefings, and online content. This will showcase your ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.
How to prepare for a job interview at Association of Association Executives
✨Research the Organisation
Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly research the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Given the nature of the Head of External Affairs role, be ready to answer scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle complex situations. Think about past experiences where you've influenced policy or managed crisis communications, and be prepared to discuss these in detail.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a spokesperson for BABCP, strong communication skills are essential. During the interview, focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might also want to prepare a brief example of a successful communication strategy you've implemented in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Experience
Highlight your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and managing relationships with stakeholders. Be specific about how you've fostered collaboration and driven performance in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the position.
