At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Mental Health Foundation in championing prevention and driving impactful change.
- Company: Join the UK's leading charity focused on mental health for over 75 years.
- Benefits: Be part of a respected organisation with strong finances and a committed team.
- Other info: This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of mental health in the UK.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health outcomes for millions across the UK.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for social change.
The predicted salary is between 32080 - 37694 £ per year.
Everyone deserves good mental health. The Mental Health Foundation is the UK's leading charity focused on the prevention of poor mental health. For more than 75 years, we have combined research, policy, campaigning and public engagement to challenge the causes of poor mental health and drive lasting change. Today, mental health outcomes across the UK are worsening, particularly for children and young people. While services remain focused on responding to crisis, we believe prevention must become the foundation of the UK's approach to mental health. Our new five-year strategy, ‘A Call to Act: Fighting for Prevention in Mental Health’ sets out an ambitious vision to achieve that change.
After eight successful years, our current Chief Executive will be stepping down, creating an exciting opportunity for a new leader to guide the Foundation through its next phase of growth and impact. The organisation enters this transition from a position of strength: a clear and ambitious strategy, a talented and committed team of around 70 staff across the UK, strong finances, a respected national profile, a supportive Board and committed Chair.
As Chief Executive, you will be the chief ambassador of the Foundation. You will lead the delivery of our new strategy, strengthen our influence with governments, policymakers and partners, and ensure we continue to grow our impact and income. Working closely with the Board, a highly capable Senior Leadership Team, supporters and partners, you will champion prevention as the solution to the UK's mental health crisis, helping to shape policy, public understanding and systemic change across our priority areas:
- Championing prevention: so that we can prevent mental health problems before they take root, tackling the causes instead of waiting to treat the symptoms.
- Online worlds: so that people are protected from harm and are more mentally healthy in their online activity.
- Bullying and discrimination: so that children and young people are protected from the life-long harms these can lead to.
- Working lives: so that young people can thrive in mentally-healthy workplaces that support their wellbeing.
This is an opportunity to lead one of the UK's most respected charities and improve the lives of millions of people.
We are seeking an inspiring, values-driven leader with the credibility, ambition and vision to take the Foundation forward. You will bring:
- Significant senior leadership experience as a CEO, Executive Director or similar SLT role
- A proven track record of leading organisational growth, impact and fundraising success
- Outstanding communication and strategic partnership-building skills
- Experience of engaging and influencing senior stakeholders, policymakers, funders and the media, to effect change
- Strong strategic, financial and organisational leadership capability
- A collaborative leadership style that empowers and develops others
- A commitment to equity, inclusion and the Foundation's values
- Knowledge of mental health, public health, prevention, related research, or campaigning would be highly advantageous, though we welcome applications from candidates with transferable leadership experience and relevant insights from closely adjacent or intersecting sectors.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally respected organisation at a pivotal moment for mental health in the UK. If you are passionate about creating long-term social change and have the leadership skills to inspire people, influence systems and deliver impact at scale, we would love to hear from you.
To read more about the organisation and role, please download the full appointment brief. Together, we can build a future where everyone can live with the good mental health they deserve.
Closing date: 16 August 2026
People Beyond Profit Conversations: 20-31 August 2026
Mental Health Foundation Interviews: First Stage: 7 September 2026 (in-Person) Second Stage: 14 September 2026 (In-Person)
Chief Executive Officer in London employer: Mental Health Foundation
The Mental Health Foundation is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation in the vital field of mental health. With a strong commitment to employee development and a supportive work environment, we empower our team to drive meaningful change across the UK. As we embark on an ambitious new strategy, joining us as Chief Executive offers a unique opportunity to lead a respected charity while making a profound impact on the lives of millions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Mental Health Foundation.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Mental Health Foundation.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Mental Health Foundation.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Mental Health Foundation. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Mental Health Foundation. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Chief Executive Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mental Health Foundation
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Mental Health Foundation. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
