At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Child Wellbeing Practitioner programme and ensure high-quality student experiences.
- Company: Join Anna Freud, a leading mental health charity for children and families.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and wellbeing perks like free counselling.
- Other info: Part-time role with excellent career growth opportunities in a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's mental health while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: PhD or professional doctorate in child mental health and experience in higher education required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Location: London / Remote
Application Deadline: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Deadline Time: 12:00 PM
Positions Available: 1
Vacancy Type: Permanent/Part Time
Working Hours: Part-time: 14 hours over 2 days - the postholder will need to work on Fridays and either Tuesday or Thursday. Fridays are in person at Anna Freud, London, during term time. Usual working hours are Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00. Flexible working is possible.
Salary: £64,100 FTE per annum, plus 6% contributory pension scheme
Job Summary:
Anna Freud is seeking a permanent, part-time Programme Director – Child Wellbeing Practitioner (CWP) to join our world-leading mental health charity for children, young people and their families. Our mission is to close the gap in wellbeing and mental health by advancing, translating, delivering, and sharing the best science and practice with everyone who impacts the lives of children, young people and their families.
Our EDI commitment:
We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and being an equal opportunities employer, whereby equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are core to our recruitment practices. All candidates who meet the job criteria will be considered for employment, regardless of ethnic origin, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, socioeconomic background, caring responsibilities and care experience.
What we offer:
- A range of staff benefits, including an all-in-one rewards and recognition platform called Perkbox and wellbeing offers such as finishing early on Fridays and free counselling through our Employee Assistance Programme.
- Staff-led Diversity Networks offering unique opportunities for learning, connection and impact.
What you’ll do:
- Lead the delivery and continued development of the Child Wellbeing Practitioner programme, ensuring it provides an inclusive, high-quality student experience and meets UCL, BPS and national curriculum standards.
- Lead, review and develop the programme curriculum, teaching and learning content.
- Manage and support the programme team to ensure the course is delivered smoothly and effectively.
- Oversee assessment, marking, quality assurance and compliance with UCL and BPS requirements.
- Monitor trainee progress and experience, ensuring students receive appropriate academic and pastoral support.
- Manage key programme operations, including stakeholder relationships, student recruitment, staffing and the programme budget.
What you’ll bring:
- An experienced child mental health and higher education professional with the leadership skills to manage an accredited postgraduate programme, support a multidisciplinary team and deliver an inclusive, high-quality learning experience.
- A PhD or professional doctorate in clinical psychology or child mental health, alongside a relevant professional qualification or substantial experience in children’s mental health.
- Experience of curriculum design, teaching, assessment and programme management within a higher education setting.
- Strong knowledge of children and young people’s psychological training programmes, CBT interventions and mental health practice in CAMHS or educational settings.
- Proven experience of leading, managing and supporting staff while balancing competing priorities and programme demands.
- Excellent communication, collaboration and organisational skills, including the ability to manage budgets and maintain the programme’s quality and financial viability.
Key details:
- Hours: Part-time: 14 hours over 2 days - the postholder will need to work on Fridays and either Tuesday or Thursday. Fridays are in person at Anna Freud, London, during termtime. Usual working hours are Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00. Flexible working is possible.
- Salary: £64,100 FTE per annum, plus 6% contributory pension scheme.
- Location: Hybrid (a mixture of home/onsite working): staff are working onsite for at least 20% of their working hours at Anna Freud, 4-8 Rodney Street, London N1 9JH. The postholder will also need to attend in person for any in-person teaching, team meetings as necessary.
- Contract type: Permanent.
Next steps:
Closing date for applications: midday (12pm), Wednesday, 12 August 2026. Please note that due to high application volumes, we may close this advert early. We encourage you to apply promptly and to keep an eye on our future vacancies for more opportunities.
Notification of interview: shortlisted applicants will be notified no later than Friday, 14 August 2026. During shortlisting, applicants are anonymously assessed using the criteria visible in the Job Profile. Please note: due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
Interviews: will be held week commencing 17 August 2026.
Questions? Please email with any job enquiries, or if you require assistance or experience difficulties when applying. Please note that successful candidate(s) will be asked to evidence their Right to Work in the UK post-job offer – we do not hold a sponsor license therefore we are unable to provide Visa sponsorship.
Programme Director in London employer: THE ANNA FREUD CENTRE
At Anna Freud, we pride ourselves on being a leading mental health charity that not only champions the wellbeing of children and young people but also fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our flexible working arrangements, comprehensive benefits including an early finish on Fridays and free counselling services, alongside our commitment to diversity and employee growth, make us an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the mental health sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Director in London
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives
Join local mental health organisations and initiatives to immerse yourself in the community. Volunteering at workshops or support groups can not only boost your experience but also help you make valuable connections that might lead to part-time roles. It’s all about getting your name out there!
✨Attend Networking Events and Workshops
Keep an eye on workshops and networking events specifically for therapy and counselling professionals. These gatherings are prime opportunities to meet potential employers, hear about job openings, and engage in meaningful conversations with industry peers. Who knows who you might bump into!
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a professional online presence highlighting your counselling approach and experiences. Consider starting a blog or sharing insights on social media about therapy methods. This can attract attention from local companies like THE ANNA FREUD CENTRE who are looking for someone like you for their part-time needs.
✨Directly Approach Local Clinics
Don't be shy about reaching out directly to clinics or counselling practices in your area. Many part-time roles are filled without ever being advertised. A friendly email introducing yourself and expressing interest in potential opportunities at THE ANNA FREUD CENTRE can sometimes lead to the job you’ve been dreaming of!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassionate Side:In the therapy and counselling professions, it's crucial to convey your empathy and understanding in your application. Your CV should highlight any relevant volunteer work or experience in helping roles. Let’s face it, potential employers want to see that you can connect with clients, so showcase those soft skills front and centre!
Include Your Credentials:For a part-time role in therapy or counselling, it’s essential to demonstrate your qualifications. Make sure to include any degrees, certifications, or workshops that are relevant to the position. If you’ve completed specific training in mental health or counselling techniques, don’t skip those; they can set you apart from others.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your interest in working part-time and highlight your passion for helping others. Talk about why you’re drawn to THE ANNA FREUD CENTRE and how the part-time role fits into your career path. We're looking for a genuine connection, so let your personality shine through!
Availability Matters:Since this is a part-time role, clearly outline your availability in your application. Be honest about the hours you can commit, and consider mentioning if you have any flexibility. This helps THE ANNA FREUD CENTRE see how you can fit into their schedule and be a valuable addition to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE ANNA FREUD CENTRE
✨Know Your Theoretical Frameworks
It's crucial for us to brush up on the therapy techniques and theoretical frameworks relevant to this field. Be prepared to discuss how you apply them in practice—think about specific case studies from your training that highlight your approach. This not only shows your understanding but also helps you connect with your potential clients at THE ANNA FREUD CENTRE.
✨Practice Your Active Listening Skills
Since we're diving into therapy and counselling, active listening is our bread and butter. You might face role-play scenarios during the interview, so make sure to showcase your ability to listen and respond empathetically. Demonstrating this skill can make all the difference in how we're perceived as future therapists.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility With Clients
In a part-time role, we often deal with a diverse client base, so it’s important to showcase our adaptability. Be ready to discuss how you can tailor your therapeutic approach to fit different client needs. Sharing any past experiences—whether from internships or coursework—will provide great insights to THE ANNA FREUD CENTRE about your versatility.
✨Prepare Your Questions on Working with Diverse Populations
Part-time roles can sometimes mean working with a variety of clients from different backgrounds. Think of specific questions to ask about how THE ANNA FREUD CENTRE supports inclusivity and handles diverse cases. This not only highlights your interest but also shows that you’ve thought ahead about client dynamics and your role within them.
