At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Lived Experience workstream and inspire change in mental health support.
- Company: Join Pathfinder West Sussex, a people-led organisation dedicated to improving wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, a pension scheme, and access to learning opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by using your lived experience to enhance services.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of mental health issues and skills in client representation.
The predicted salary is between 36729 - 36729 € per year.
Location: West Sussex
Salary: £36,729 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 25th May 2026
Interview Date: W/C 1st June 2026
About
As a Lived Experience Manager, you will be working for a people-led organisation whose mission and values is to inspire change across Sussex.
About Pathfinder West Sussex
Pathfinder West Sussex is a partnership of mental health, homelessness and employment support organisations working together to improve people’s wellbeing across the county.
About the Role
This is a new and exciting role in which you will be developing and leading the Lived Experience workstream within the Pathfinder West Sussex Mental Health Support Service. We are passionate about coproduction at all levels within our service and this role will be key in ensuring we are supporting our staff and subcontractors and continuously improving our approach.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide expertise and leadership on coproduction within Pathfinder services.
- Provide lived experience representation on strategic groups and forums.
- Lead on the collection and analysis of client feedback and outcomes & link with SPFT lived experience groups.
- Assist the Senior Manager in achieving the strategic direction for the service and the implementation of service development and continuous improvement.
Person Specification
- Lived experience of mental ill health, alcohol/substance misuse, offending behaviour or homelessness and track record of using personal experience to support continuous service improvement.
- Experience of representing client views or experience as a group facilitator or Peer Mentor.
- Experience of establishing, developing and maintaining effective working relationships with voluntary and statutory partners.
- Knowledge of local agencies that provide services to people experiencing mental ill health.
- Knowledge of coproduction involvement and engagement best practice.
Benefits
- 5.5% stakeholder pension scheme and life assurance scheme.
- Medical cash plan with BHSF.
- Access to BHT Sussex’s Learning & Development platform.
- Free and confidential employee assistance helpline for both personal and work‑related concerns.
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
- Free new starter 28‑day Network Saver Brighton bus pass.
- Generous holiday allowance starting at 27 days per annum pro rata, rising 1 day for each year of service to a maximum of 32 days pro rata.
- The opportunity to participate in well‑being and fundraising activities throughout the year.
BHT Sussex is an equal opportunities employer using a fair and open recruitment process that fully complies with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. We are committed to encouraging equality, equity, inclusion, and diversity within the workplace. As an employer we are committed to promoting and supporting our people’s social, physical and psychological health at work. Please let us know if you require any special arrangements or reasonable adjustments if called for interview. BHT Sussex welcomes applications from individuals with lived experience. An Enhanced with Adults DBS Check (Disclosure and Barring Service) is required on all successful applicants as a condition of employment for this post.
Lived Experience Manager in Billingshurst employer: BHT Sussex
Pathfinder West Sussex is an exceptional employer dedicated to inspiring change and improving wellbeing across Sussex. With a strong commitment to coproduction, our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, offering generous benefits such as a stakeholder pension scheme, extensive holiday allowance, and access to professional development resources. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and employee wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lived Experience Manager in Billingshurst
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the mental health and support sectors, especially those connected to Pathfinder West Sussex. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by understanding the core values of the organisation. Show us how your lived experience aligns with their mission to inspire change across Sussex. Authenticity is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! We want to hear about your journey and how it shapes your approach to coproduction and service improvement. Make it personal and impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Lived Experience Manager in Billingshurst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When applying for the Lived Experience Manager role, let your true self shine through. Share your personal experiences and how they've shaped your understanding of mental health and support services. We want to see the real you!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in coproduction and client representation. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission at Pathfinder West Sussex, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your leadership and facilitation skills. We’re looking for someone who can inspire change and improve services, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past. It’s all about demonstrating your impact!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at BHT Sussex
✨Know Your Lived Experience
As a Lived Experience Manager, your personal journey is your greatest asset. Be ready to share specific examples of how your lived experience has shaped your understanding of mental health and how it can inform service improvements. This authenticity will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Coproduction
Since coproduction is a key aspect of this role, brush up on best practices and examples of successful coproduction initiatives. Prepare to discuss how you would implement these strategies within Pathfinder West Sussex, showcasing your leadership skills and vision for the workstream.
✨Build Relationships in Advance
Research the local agencies and partners involved in mental health support in West Sussex. Mentioning specific organisations during your interview can demonstrate your proactive approach and understanding of the landscape, which is crucial for establishing effective working relationships.
✨Prepare for Feedback Discussions
Since you'll be leading the collection and analysis of client feedback, think about how you would approach this task. Prepare to discuss methods for gathering insights and how you would use that data to drive continuous improvement, showing your commitment to enhancing service delivery.
