CEO - Association for Family and Systemic Psychotherapy (AFSP) in Warrington

Chief Executive Officer

Association for Family and Systemic Psychotherapy (AFSP)

Think systemically. Lead relationally. Help shape what comes next.

What becomes possible when people feel heard, relationships are strengthened and a community comes together around a shared purpose?

At the Association for Family and Systemic Psychotherapy (AFSP), we believe relationships can transform lives. We’re looking for a Chief Executive who shares that belief and is excited by the opportunity to help shape our future.

AFSP is the UK’s professional home for family and systemic psychotherapists and practitioners. Since 1975, we’ve championed our profession, supported professional development, promoted research and helped ensure that the value of systemic practice is recognised more widely. Our community of over 3,000 members is passionate about helping people, families and communities build healthier relationships and find new possibilities for change.

Now, we’re ready for our next chapter.

An opportunity to make a difference

This is an opportunity to lead a respected professional association with a proud history, a committed community and plenty of potential for the future.

Working in close partnership with our Chair and Board, you’ll help us turn our ambitions into action: developing a clear and shared direction, strengthening our organisation, deepening our relationships with members and partners, and amplifying the voice and influence of our profession.

You’ll bring strategic perspective alongside a willingness to roll up your sleeves. You’ll help us build a sustainable organisation, explore new opportunities for income and growth, and create the conditions for our staff, volunteers and members to thrive.

Just as importantly, you’ll nurture a culture where people feel valued, collaboration is key, communication is open, differences are welcomed and trust can flourish.

The kind of leader we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who understands that leadership is about more than plans, structures and targets. It’s about how we work together, how we navigate challenge and how we create the conditions for people to thrive.

You’ll bring senior leadership experience, sound financial and organisational judgement, and a track record of turning strategy into action. You’ll be confident working with a Board, supporting and developing people, building partnerships and finding creative ways to strengthen an organisation’s future.

You’ll also be a relational leader: curious, inclusive and collaborative, able to listen carefully, make difficult decisions and bring people with you through change. You won’t need to have all the answers, but you will need the confidence to ask good questions, invite challenge and help others find a way forward.

Why AFSP, why now?

We have a committed and skilled team, experienced and knowledgeable volunteers, an engaged Board and a professional community with deep expertise and a strong sense of purpose. There is important work already underway, with opportunities to build on this foundation, strengthen our ways of working and develop our ambition for the future.

For the right person, this is a chance to bring together purpose and practical leadership: to help a small, influential charity to grow, strengthen connections and extend impact.

Curious to find out more?

We know that choosing your next leadership role is about more than a job description. Our Candidate Information Pack tells you more about our community, our ambitions, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and the person we hope will help lead us into the future.

If our purpose resonates with you, we invite you to take a look. You might see possibilities here that we haven’t imagined yet.

What’s next – how do I apply for the CEO role?

Eastside People is supporting AFSP in the recruitment for this role. Please apply by submitting your CV and a supporting statement both in Word doc format.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

In the supporting statement, please tell us:

• Why are you interested in the Chief Executive Officer role at ASFP?
• Having read the information pack, and addressing the criteria outlined in Who we’re looking for, what relevant experience, skills and personal qualities would you bring to this role?

You are welcome to send your supporting statement in writing, or as a video or audio clip, alongside your CV. Any video or audio submissions should be emailed to lucinda@eastsidepeople.org.

If you would like a call to discuss the role in more detail, please email Lucinda Shaw to arrange a convenient time at lucinda@eastsidepeople.org. Having a call of this kind will not influence the success or otherwise of your application.

The closing date for applications is 2 November. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after and interviews with AFSP will take place on 20 and 30 November.

Eastside People is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and work with our clients to ensure that we recruit inclusively, seeking to address the under-representation of some groups of people on boards and in leadership teams.