At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead coproduction initiatives and engage with mental health services to amplify lived experiences.
- Company: Suffolk User Forum, a values-led charity focused on mental health advocacy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, supportive team, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to creating inclusive mental health spaces.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health services by championing lived experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in coproduction or community development, strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 22.96 - 22.96 £ per hour.
Help us make ‘nothing about us, without us’ a reality. We’re looking for a warm, values led leader to embed coproduction across Suffolk User Forum and help the wider Suffolk mental health system do the same.
As our Coproduction and Engagement Lead, you will manage a Lived Experience Coordinator and a Volunteer Coordinator, lead our quarterly Coproduction Steering Group and working groups, and represent Suffolk User Forum in coproduction and engagement programmes with the Integrated Care Board and Suffolk County Council.
You will also lead internal and external coproduction projects, keep lived experience central to service design and to how we work, and write clear reports for our Chief Executive Officer and Board.
Your responsibilities
- Provide visible, values-led leadership that brings SUF’s 2026 to 2029 strategy to life.
- Champion coproduction across the organisation, ensuring lived experience, including voices less often heard, shapes our work, our governance and the wider mental health system.
- Lead our Coproduction Steering Group, setting clear agendas, supporting accessible papers and ensuring actions are genuinely co produced.
- Keep our CEO, Board, and members informed through clear, timely updates that demonstrate impact and accountability.
- Represent SUF with the Integrated Care Board, Suffolk County Council, NHS partners and VCSE organisations, building trusted relationships and influence.
- Support people with lived experience to take part in recruitment, tenders, programme boards and service redesign, ensuring involvement is meaningful, fair and well supported.
- Lead coproduction projects from start to finish, shaping clear outcomes and supporting the CEO with project development for funding bids.
- Help deliver our strategic priorities, including Conversation Cafes, focus groups, Stepping Forward events and self-advocacy resources.
- Provide supportive line management to our Lived Experience Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator, helping them grow in confidence and capability.
- Strengthen volunteer pathways, create safe and welcoming spaces for members and carers, and remove barriers so more people can take part.
- Help us measure impact, keep accurate records, handle information safely and ensure our language, materials and activities reflect our vision, mission and people-centred approach.
- Help grow SUF’s membership and influence.
What you will need
- Relevant qualification or equivalent experience in coproduction, mental health, lived experience leadership or community development.
- GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent).
- Commitment to ongoing professional development.
- Experience leading coproduction or lived experience involvement.
- Writing clear, accessible reports.
- Working collaboratively with partners, staff and volunteers.
- Experience of providing supportive supervision, line management or reflective practice.
Skills
- Strong communication and facilitation skills.
- Able to build trusting relationships and manage priorities.
- Confident using Microsoft applications.
Values
- Committed to SUF’s values and people centred approach.
- Acts with integrity, champions equality and diversity, and is open to learning.
Other
- Able to travel across Suffolk.
- Flexible approach, including occasional evenings or weekends.
About us
Suffolk User Forum is an independent organisation led by lived experience. We make sure people’s real voices shape mental health services, guided by the principle ‘nothing about us, without us’. Our vision is for lived experience to be at the heart of mental health services. Our mission is to support people with lived experience, including people in primary care, secondary care and inpatient settings, to influence service design, delivery and decisions through inclusive, co created spaces.
Our 2026–2029 strategy focuses on building community and connection, embedding coproduction, strengthening self-advocacy, and growing membership, supported by accessible engagement and strong partnerships.
What we will offer you
We are a small, values-led charity with a big voice in Suffolk, trusted for our integrity and our commitment to lived experience. You will join a warm, supportive team where your judgement is respected, your ideas are welcomed, and your work leads to real change in mental health services. We offer flexibility, meaningful relationships and the chance to shape a more compassionate system for the people of Suffolk.
How to apply
To apply, please submit your completed Application Form (Word) and Equal Opportunities Form (Word) by email to hello@suffolkuserforum.co.uk. You do not need to complete the Equal Opportunities form, but you will help us by doing so. The information that you provide will stay confidential, will be stored securely (separately from your application form), and will only be accessed by SUF staff who need to do so.
Closing date: 12.00 pm, 1 October 2026. Interview date: 2 October 2026. Lived Experience Panel and Interview dates: Week commencing 12th October 2026. Applicants who have previously applied will not be considered on this occasion.
Coproduction and Engagement Lead in Ipswich employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
King Edward VI School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on students' lives. With opportunities for professional development and a comprehensive benefits package through Suffolk County Council, including a Local Government Pension Scheme, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to enhancing the educational experience. Located in the heart of Bury St Edmunds, the school provides convenient access to public transport and on-site parking, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about supporting young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Coproduction and Engagement Lead in Ipswich
✨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 Suffolk Jobs Direct.
✨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 Suffolk Jobs Direct.
✨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 Suffolk Jobs Direct.
✨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 Suffolk Jobs Direct. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Coproduction and Engagement Lead in Ipswich
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 Suffolk Jobs Direct. 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 Coproduction and Engagement Lead, 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 Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨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 Suffolk Jobs Direct. 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!
