Head of External Affairs

BABCP; Bury; Remote; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

BABCP is seeking a dynamic leader to enhance its External Affairs function. The role requires expertise in communications and the ability to influence key stakeholders, with a focus on improving mental health outcomes across the UK and Ireland. The candidate will manage a team while ensuring effective delivery of the organization's strategic objectives. This home-based position involves occasional travel and collaboration with various professionals.

Qualifications

• Experience in external affairs and communications strategies.
• Ability to influence government and health systems.
• Comfortable leading and managing a team.

Responsibilities

• Deliver effective external affairs function for the organization.
• Lead communication strategies and work with policy influencers.
• Monitor reporting measures and present to CEO and board.

Skills

Influencing

Communication

Team Management

Networking

Job description

We are looking for a dynamic and skilled professional to take on this new senior leadership role at BABCP. We are a growing organisation, driven by social purpose. We aim improve the mental health of people across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, through furthering research and good practice in CBT and related professions.

The British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) is the lead organisation for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in the UK and Ireland.

We have more than 24,000 members across the UK, Ireland and overseas, and with a growing staff team who work remotely. As we have grown, so has our need to communicate more effectively and to wider stakeholder groups. Ideally we need someone who is comfortable delivering a range of different communications functions, such as leading strategy; working with politicians and policy influencers; understanding the needs of our members; and communicating directly with the wider public about issues that matter to them.

We are looking for someone who shares our passion for mental health and wellbeing, to take responsibility for the delivery of an effective and efficient External Affairs function, which meets the needs of our growing business.

The successful candidate will have the ability to influence government and health systems; manage a team to deliver planned and responsive communications; network with other professionals including journalists; and be comfortable in setting, monitoring and reporting performance measures, including reporting to CEO and board.

The role will be home-based, with occasional requirements to travel to our Head Office in Greater Manchester and to meetings in London, as well as less frequent meetings across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

To find out more, please access the job description attached.

How to apply

Send an up to date CV and covering letter of no more than two pages no later than 21^st July 2025(interviews will be held 1^st August 2025).

The covering letter should set out how you would meet each of the criteria from the person specification that are marked “Application”.