Head of CAMHS | Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

CNWL NHS Foundation Trust; Greater London, Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS trust is seeking an experienced Head of CAMHS for positions based in London and Milton Keynes. The ideal candidate will have a Master's level education in health or social care and significant clinical and operational experience. This role involves managing services, collaborating with stakeholders, and fostering positive, inclusive environments. Candidates should possess strong leadership skills and a commitment to improving mental health services for young people. This is a permanent, full-time position with a salary aligned to Band 8C.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive leadership team

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• Master's level education or equivalent experience required.
• Significant experience in clinical and operational mental health services.
• Strong leadership and service development experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage operational aspects of CAMHS effectively.
• Collaborate with various stakeholders for service improvements.
• Implement innovative service development strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical management

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

Master’s level in health or social care

Job description

Band 8C Head of CAMHS x 2 posts 1 based in London CAMHS services and 1 based in Milton Keynes CAMHS (location to be confirmed following interview round)

Location: London and Milton Keynes (on-site/ in person)

Hours: 37.5 per week (some unsociable hours and on‑call manager duties)

Salary: Band 8C

Contract: Permanent

Are you an experienced operational or clinical leader with experience in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services with a passion for transforming services? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where your operational expertise and strategic vision can make a real difference for young people and their families?

If so, we want to hear from you.

Interview will be taking place on 15th December at 350 Euston Road, CNWL Trust HQ.

Central andNorth WestLondon NHS Foundation Trust isseekinga highly motivated and innovative Head ofCAMHS in Milton Keynes. This is a pivotal role, responsible for the effective operational management and strategic development of our CAMHS provision, ensuring high‑quality, safe, and responsive care for children, young people, and their families.

You will work closely with the Service Director, Clinical Director, and a wide range of internal and external stakeholders—including service users, parents, commissioners, local authorities, schools, and voluntary sector partners—to deliver service improvements, drive quality, and champion co‑production.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a forward‑thinking, supportive leadership team.
• Shape the future of CAMHS across CNWL services across London and Milton Keynes, making a tangible impact on young people’s lives.
• Access to ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Work in a collaborative environment that values innovation, co‑production, and continuous improvement.
• Provide day‑to‑day operational leadership for CAMHS, ensuring services meet performance, quality, workforce, and financial targets.
• Lead the clinical transformation agenda, implementing innovative service development strategies and quality improvement initiatives.
• Foster a positive, inclusive culture that prioritises staff wellbeing and models compassionate leadership.
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with stakeholders to ensure services meet the needs of the local community.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, supporting tender processes and the implementation of the CAMHS Long Term Plan.
• Ensure robust governance, compliance with statutory frameworks, and delivery within budget.
• Champion co‑production, establishing forums for parent/carer and service user involvement.

About You

• Educated to Master’s level in a health or social care discipline (or equivalent senior‑level experience), with a relevant professional qualification.
• Significant clinical, operational and management experience in mental health services, ideally within CAMHS or a similar setting.
• A registered healthcare professional (Desirable)
• Proven track record of successful leadership, service development, and change management.
• Strong understanding of the policy and regulatory landscape for mental health and social care.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and partnership‑building skills.
• Demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Analytical, resilient, and able to inspire and motivate multidisciplinary teams.

This advert closes on Thursday 4 Dec 2025