At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic research team and shape the future of mental health research.
- Company: Join McPin Foundation, a leader in mental health research and involvement.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health through collaboration and lived experience expertise.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and a passion for impactful research.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Do you want to help McPin develop and thrive for another 10 years? Are you a leader that is passionate about lived experience expertise, teamwork and strengthening collaboration between the academic and voluntary sectors?
We are recruiting to a new Head of Research and Involvement to play an important role in leading our growing research and involvement team. The post holder will join the senior leadership team, help to shape the strategic direction of the charity and manage a team of researchers and involvement specialists. It is a role that will suit a leader who thrives on teamwork, and supporting colleagues to succeed and flourish.
They will work on existing projects and proactively build a portfolio of research and involvement studies and evaluation contracts through bid writing and additional income generation strategies. Developing peer research, patient and public involvement and McPin's coproduction methodologies is a key aspect of this role. They will manage relationships with funders, university partners and other sector leaders in the field of mental health research.
We are looking for someone:
- with a demonstrable commitment to excellence in research, and the positive impact research can have on the lives of people living with mental health issues
- with an interest in working across the spectrum of research, including the biomedical and psychosocial fields
- with the ability to place individual pieces of research into their wider context and to effectively disseminate research findings to a range of specialist and lay audiences
- who enjoys actively incorporating both their leadership skills and their research and involvement skills in a dynamic role
- who is excited by collaboration and the opportunity to develop your team of involvement specialists and researchers
Our team is committed to transforming mental health research through collaboration, inclusion and a belief in equity and anti-oppressive behaviour. We strongly encourage applications from Black people, People of Colour, people who are LGBTQIA+, those with a disability and those who identify themselves in marginalised groups, as well as people with lived experience of mental health issues.
We offer benefits including a competitive salary, hybrid/flexible working, a NEST Pension scheme with 6% employer contribution, wellbeing support and mentoring scheme, an individual training budget and access to an Employee Assistance Programme and healthcare cash plan with Hospital Saturday Fund.
The closing date for applications is Thursday 2nd July 2026, 9 am. To apply please visit our website to download the job description and application form. In line with our values, McPin does not use AI in its recruitment processes, all applications will be read by our team.
Head of Research and Involvement employer: The Training Brokers Ltd
The McPin Foundation is an exceptional employer that prioritises collaboration, inclusion, and the transformative power of mental health research. Located in the vibrant area of Bethnal Green, we offer a supportive work culture with flexible working arrangements, a commitment to employee wellbeing, and ample opportunities for professional growth through training and mentorship. Join us in making a meaningful impact while being part of a diverse team dedicated to equity and anti-oppressive practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Research and Involvement
✨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 The Training Brokers Ltd.
✨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 The Training Brokers Ltd.
✨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 The Training Brokers Ltd.
✨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 The Training Brokers Ltd. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Research and Involvement
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 The Training Brokers Ltd. 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 Head of Research and Involvement, 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 The Training Brokers Ltd
✨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 The Training Brokers Ltd. 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!
