This role is a maternity cover and is fixed term until September 2026.

Every year, 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem. However, too many of us are not getting the help we desperately need. Growing numbers in England are on the waiting list for mental health services, whilst the number of young people struggling with their mental health has nearly doubled.

Mind has an ambitious strategy to ensure everyone experience a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve, with a particular focus on groups with some of the worst experiences. 

The legal team oversees our work to use the law to achieve positive outcomes for people with a mental health problem, including through strategic litigation and supporting our wider policy and influencing activity. We also provide legal expertise and knowledge to shape the development of specialist information and support for people with a mental health problem.

The Head of Legal will lead the work of the legal team, providing strong leadership to guide and support members of the team with their work. They will also provide exceptional legal expertise and knowledge to equip Mind in its work to improve outcomes for people with a mental health problem. 

- To oversee the delivery of strategic litigation work in line with Mind's strategy and influencing priorities

- To oversee the provision of legal knowledge to support our work to influence policy and legislation to secure change for people with a mental health problem

- To oversee the delivery of Mind's legal line, including quality assurance, training, evaluation, safeguarding and responding to complaints

- To oversee the development of Mind's legal information, working with the Information Content team to identify areas to cover, develop and update resources

- To embed a focus on equity in the provision of legal advice and guidance provided to other teams across Mind

- To establish an inclusive and high-performing legal team, that enables people to thrive and deliver impactful work, including effective line management of two direct reports

- To maintain a current practising certificate and keep abreast of developments in law relevant to Mind's work

- To oversee and manage the legal team budget

- To act as an ambassador and representative of Mind at external events and, as required

Mind is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff, and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Please refer to the Job Description while completing your application as candidates will be shortlisted based on how closely they match the criteria in the personal specification.