Director of Practice

Director of Practice

Full-Time 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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The British Psychological Society

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of professional practice strategy and resources for the psychological workforce.
  • Company: Join the British Psychological Society, a leading body for psychology in the UK.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to influence national standards.
  • Why this job: Make a significant impact on the future of psychological practice across the UK.
  • Qualifications: Postgraduate degree in psychology and experience in leadership and organisational change.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture focused on equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.

The British Psychological Society (BPS) is the learned society and professional body for psychology and psychologists in the UK. By championing best practice, we raise the profile of the discipline and its contribution to society. We are now seeking an exceptional Director of Practice to provide visionary leadership and drive the development and delivery of our professional practice strategy. This is a pivotal senior leadership role for an inspirational, forward‑thinking psychological professional who can shape the future of practice across the UK’s psychological workforce. This is an exciting opportunity to make a national impact—strengthening professional standards, advancing the Society’s practice agenda, and ensuring our members’ expertise shapes policy, workforce planning and high‑quality professional development.

About the Role

As Director of Practice, you will lead the Practice Directorate and oversee the development of practice guidance, continuing professional development (CPD) products, workforce development programmes, and strategic partnerships that support the wider psychological workforce. You will be the Society’s authoritative voice on psychological practice, representing the BPS externally and working closely with members, Divisions, Member Networks, the Practice Board and strategic partners. Your leadership will ensure the delivery of high‑quality practice resources, intelligence, standards and evidence‑based outputs that elevate the psychological professions.

About You

  • A postgraduate degree in psychology (or equivalent knowledge) is essential; HCPC registration and Chartered status are desirable.
  • A highly experienced practitioner psychologist with deep knowledge of professional psychological practice and the contemporary issues facing the profession.
  • An inspirational leader with a track record of delivering organisational change and driving a high‑performance culture.
  • Skilled at building, developing and motivating multi‑disciplinary teams.
  • Strategic in your thinking, able to turn vision into actionable plans with measurable impact.
  • Commercially astute with experience developing and delivering high‑quality professional development and practice products.
  • A confident communicator able to influence, negotiate and represent the Society at the highest levels.
  • Experienced in stakeholder engagement, partnership development and working with volunteers, including experts with lived experience.
  • Proficient in managing complex projects, budgets and external suppliers.

Why Join Us?

At the BPS, we pride ourselves on being a collaborative, values‑led organisation committed to supporting and elevating the psychological professions. You’ll be joining an organisation with national influence and strategic reach—an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the future of psychological practice.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV and a supporting statement detailing how you meet the criteria. Please note that applications without a supporting statement will not be considered. The closing date for applications is midday on 20th March 2026. Interview date is 17th April 2026.

The British Psychological Society is committed to a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of your background or circumstances. We are only able to accept applications that can demonstrate a right to work in the UK as we are unable to sponsor people requiring a work visa.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, it is not possible to update you on the progress of the application until after the closing date. If you have not heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Director of Practice employer: The British Psychological Society

The British Psychological Society (BPS) is an exceptional employer that champions the psychological profession while fostering a collaborative and values-led work culture. With a commitment to professional development and a national influence, employees have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of psychological practice, all while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working in vibrant locations like London or Leicester.
The British Psychological Society

Contact Detail:

The British Psychological Society Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Practice

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the psychology field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the British Psychological Society and its current initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you’re genuinely passionate about shaping the future of psychological practice.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel when you’re in front of the interview panel.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our team at the BPS.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Practice

Leadership
Strategic Thinking
Organisational Change Management
Team Development
Stakeholder Engagement
Partnership Development
Project Management
Budget Management
Communication Skills
Influencing Skills
Negotiation Skills
Professional Development Design
Psychological Practice Knowledge
Commercial Acumen

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the Director of Practice role. Keep it clear, concise, and tailored to showcase how you can drive our professional practice strategy.

Nail the Supporting Statement: This is your chance to shine! Use your supporting statement to detail how you meet the criteria outlined in the job description. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the role—this is where we want to see your passion and vision!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a potential leader at BPS, we want to see your ability to inspire and motivate teams. Share examples of how you've successfully led projects or initiatives in the past, and how you plan to elevate the psychological professions through your leadership.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised—win-win!

How to prepare for a job interview at The British Psychological Society

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you have a solid understanding of the British Psychological Society's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their current initiatives and how they align with your vision for the role. This will show that you're not just interested in the position, but also genuinely invested in the organisation's goals.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Director of Practice, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or driven organisational change in the past. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented and the measurable impacts they've had.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Highlight your experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership development. Think of instances where you've collaborated with diverse groups, including volunteers and experts with lived experience. This will illustrate your ability to build relationships and influence at all levels.

✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the role and the organisation. Ask about their future plans for the Practice Directorate or how they measure success in this position. This shows your enthusiasm and strategic thinking.

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