At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop our Talking Therapies Programme for LGBTQ+ mental health support.
- Company: Join the LGBT Foundation, a leading charity promoting equality and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and personal development support.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and a supportive, passionate team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals through inclusive mental health care.
- Qualifications: Experience in mental health service delivery and team management required.
The predicted salary is between 38068 - 38068 £ per year.
Manchester (Hybrid working with at least a weekly presence within our centre in Manchester)
Who Are We? Nationally significant and focused on a fair and equal society, we are the LGBT Foundation, a charity supporting the needs of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans. Serving over 40,000 people each year, we provide information to a further 200,000 individuals online, making us one of the most significant charities of our kind in the UK. We help all LGBT people achieve their full potential and aim to be here if you need us, living by our hashtag #EqualityWins.
Our Talking Therapies service has been available to the LGBT communities of the North West for over a decade. This counselling service offers access to LGBT affirmative therapy, counselling with an LGBT specialist therapist and free sessions for individuals and couples.
We are now looking for a Talking Therapies Programme Manager to join us on a full-time basis, working 35 hours per week, on a six-month fixed-term maternity cover contract.
The Benefits:
- Salary of £38,068.16 per annum (pro rata for length of role)
- 26 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays
- Sector-leading 10% employers contributory pension
- Staff counselling scheme
- Cycle to Work / Technology Scheme
- Season Ticket Loan
- Free annual flu jab
- Free VDU eye care test
- Staff social budget
- Dedicated training budget for each member of staff and support with Personal Development Plans
- Relaxed dress code
This is an excellent opportunity for a talented and passionate mental health service professional or a leader from a support or therapeutic service background to join our leading LGBT charity. You'll have the chance to help ensure LGBTQ+ individuals can access high-quality, inclusive and affirmative mental health care that supports them and equips them with the tools they need to navigate an increasingly challenging world. With flexible hybrid working, a sector-leading pension contribution and other superb benefits, you'll have the chance to work with passionate people, advance equality and improve wellbeing, safe in the knowledge that we've taken care of everything else.
The Role: As a Talking Therapies Programme Manager, you will lead the delivery and ongoing development of our Talking Therapies Programme, ensuring LGBTQ+ communities can access high-quality, inclusive and effective mental health support. Specifically, you will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight and clinical governance of the programme. You will oversee service performance, referral pathways, contractual targets and budget management, whilst supporting a multidisciplinary team of practitioners, volunteers and students. Working closely with senior leaders, commissioners and external partners, you will help shape and expand our mental health offer, whilst ensuring effective safeguarding, quality assurance and continuous service improvement across the programme.
Additionally, you will:
- Support the development of innovative service models and partnerships
- Provide safeguarding leadership and specialist mental health expertise
- Contribute to organisational policy development and governance activity
- Support staff and volunteers to manage risk and complexity within client work
- Foster a culture of learning, excellence and reflective practice
About You: To be considered as a Talking Therapies Programme Manager, you will need:
- At least three years experience working in a mental health service delivery role or overseeing the delivery of a busy support or therapeutic service
- Experience of managing or supervising staff and/or volunteers in a service environment, including training or workforce development activities
- Experience in assessing and managing risk, including complex safeguarding cases
- Experience in leading or contributing to service planning, development, partnership working and improvement
- Experience of working with data, reporting systems, and quality frameworks to manage performance and meet contract requirements
- An understanding of LGBTQ+ communities and their mental health and wellbeing needs, including relevant therapeutic approaches (e.g. person-centred, trauma-informed, etc.), and service delivery models to support them
- An awareness of NHS Talking Therapies, datasets, performance standards, and operating frameworks
- Knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policies, best practice, and relevant governance, compliance, and quality standards
- An understanding of commissioning, contracts, and working towards performance expectations
- An awareness of current developments, policy context, and innovation in mental health service delivery
The closing date for applications is 6th July 2026.
Webrecruit and LGBT Foundation are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.
So, if you want to develop your career as a Talking Therapies Programme Manager, please apply via the button shown.
Talking Therapies Programme Manager (Maternity Cover) in Birmingham employer: LGBT foundation
At LGBT Foundation, we pride ourselves on being a leading charity dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community, offering a vibrant work culture that champions equality and inclusivity. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide generous benefits including a sector-leading pension, dedicated training budgets, and a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and innovation. Join us in Manchester, where you can make a meaningful impact while enjoying flexible hybrid working arrangements and a commitment to your wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Talking Therapies Programme Manager (Maternity Cover) in Birmingham
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at LGBT foundation. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like LGBT foundation.
We think you need these skills to ace Talking Therapies Programme Manager (Maternity Cover) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for LGBT foundation:Take some time to research LGBT foundation and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at LGBT foundation
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for LGBT foundation's values and approach.
