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 experiencing a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve, with a particular focus on groups with some of the worst experiences.

The policy, public affairs and campaigns team oversees work to achieve positive mental health outcomes at a national level. We focus on better understanding the experiences of people with a mental health problem - especially for those groups facing the most detriment - identifying the changes needed to policy and practice that would improve the lives of people with a mental health problem. We work to ensure any recommendations and solutions are implemented by the UK Government and other key stakeholders, including by mobilising our network of campaigners. 

The role of Head of Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns will be integral in helping to accomplish this. Leading a team of 16, you will oversee our influencing work with the UK Government to deliver transformative change to improve the lives of people with a mental health problem.

We are looking for a dynamic and ambitious leader who is able to establish a cohesive, collaborative and inclusive team. Ensuring a focus on equity will be integral in this role, both within the team as well as across Mind's influencing activity. You will also collaborate with the wider Mind federation to ensure our work is shaped by and delivered with local Minds in England.

- To lead an ambitious programme of activity to influence policy change at a national level in England that delivers positive outcomes for people with a mental health problem

- To maintain accountability for policy development work across a range of thematic areas, as well as engagement with key stakeholders – including civil servants, NHSE officials, think tanks and other charity partners – to help develop our thinking and influence policy change

- To maintain accountability for the Mind's political engagement strategy to position the organisation as an influential and credible organisation with Ministers, MPs, Peers, Special Advisers and other key stakeholders

- To maintain accountability for the development and delivery of campaigning activity that supports wider influencing strategies to secure change for people with a mental health problem

- To main accountability for Mind's work with employers to improve mental health in the workplace

- To ensure the participation and involvement of local Minds and people with lived experience in shaping and informing Mind's policy development, campaigning and influencing activity

- To embed a focus on equity across Mind's policy development, campaigning and influencing activity, with a particular focus on racialised communities, young people and people living in poverty

- To establish an inclusive and high-performing Policy, campaigning and influencing activity team that enables people to thrive and deliver impactful work, including the line management of four direct reports

- To engage and collaborate with teams and stakeholders across Mind to ensure our policy work, campaigning and influencing activity is aligned with and amplifies wider work across the organisation

- To work with the other members of the Policy and Influencing Leadership team to establish a cohesive and impactful department

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.