PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL
Candidate Brief
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Head of Membership Operations
H0904
October 2015
Managing Director
Sarah Thewlis
sat@thewlisgraham.com
RCPsych – Head of Membership Operations
Contents
1. Welcome letter from Vanessa Cameron
2. About the Royal College of Psychiatrists
3. Job Description, Person Specification and Organisation Charts
4. Salary and Benefits
5. Timeline, Application Process and How to apply
RCPsych – Head of Membership Operations
Welcome from the Chief Executive, Vanessa Cameron
The Royal College of Psychiatrists
Dear Candidate
I am delighted that you have expressed an interest in applying for the position of Head of Membership
Operations within The Royal College of Psychiatrists. I hope that you will find the following
information useful and please do visit www.rcpsych.ac.uk.
This is a good opportunity for someone with natural diplomacy who understands the dynamics of
Membership organisations. With recent changes and formation of a new unit, the Head of Membership
Operations has direct reports of the Senior Committee Manager, Membership Data Manager and
Membership Operations Manager. Your first few months will be spent identifying priorities and
consolidating the team.
A key element of the role is managing the patient and carer involvement in the College. You will also
be responsible for organising the Annual General Meeting, Membership Inauguration Ceremonies, the
process for Honorary Fellowships and Fellowships and the College’s presentation ceremony.
If you believe you have what it takes to fill this role, we would very much like to hear from you.
Thewlis Graham Associates, who are working with us, will be happy to discuss the role and answer
any questions you may have.
Yours sincerely
Vanessa Cameron
Chief Executive
RCPsych – Head of Membership Operations
2.
About the Royal College of Psychiatrists
The origins of The Royal College of Psychiatrists date back to 1841 when its initial existence was in
the form of the "Association of Medical Officers of Asylums and Hospitals for the Insane" (later
changed to the Medico Psychological Association). Receiving its Royal Charter in 1926 it became the
"Royal Medico Psychological Association”, and finally, in 1971 receiving a Supplemental Charter it
became the "Royal College of Psychiatrists"; the professional and educational body for psychiatrists in
the United Kingdom.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists is committed to improving the understanding of psychiatry and
mental health and aims to set standards and promote excellence in psychiatry and mental healthcare.
Working to improve understanding of the interaction between mental and physical health and the
social and cultural context in which people live. They are at the forefront in setting and achieving the
highest standards through education, training and research. The College are leading the way in
developing excellence and promoting best practice in mental health services. They encourage research
and publish results in world-class psychiatric journals.
The College actively promotes psychiatry as a career. College structures are robust, providing
dedicated support to our members and associates. Nationally and internationally, the College has a
vital role in representing the expertise of the psychiatric profession to governments and other
agencies. This is key to promoting best practice in mental health.
The College collaborate with key players in the mental health field and are champions for
improvements in the quality of mental healthcare throughout all sectors of society. Public education
is at the heart of their activities and is an essential component of their website.
The College runs its membership examination (MRCPsych) and in addition organises scientific and
clinical conferences and lectures and continuing professional development activities. It publishes
books, reports and educational material for professionals and the general public. Alongside this it also
publishes the following journals: British Journal of Psychiatry, The Psychiatrist, Advances in Psychiatric
Treatment and International Psychiatry, all of which are now available on-line.
The College today is seen as a leading authority in mental health. Further information can be found
in the College reports on the College's website. Click here for RCPsych Annual Review 2014.
An overview of the College structure
The College is governed by a small Board of Trustees. All clinical and professional matters are dealt
with by its Council and both are chaired by the President, Sir Simon Wessely. The Board and Council
both meet four times per year and between them co-ordinate the work of all parts of the College.
The Chief Executive of the College works with the honorary officers of the College. The CEO has 8
directors that report to her.
RCPsych – Head of Membership Operations
The Membership Operations Unit
The Membership Operations Unit is a new Unit and is part of the Department of Finance and
Operations along with the Facilities, IT and E-Technology Units. It consists of ten staff as follows:
Membership Operations Manager
Membership Data Manager
Membership Data Administrator
Senior Committee Manager
three Committee Managers
three PAs - to the President, the Chief Executive and Treasurer/Director of Finance
The Membership Unit is responsible for administering the annual membership subscriptions of
17,000 members and provides value added member services including member events and special
interests (Faculties) and other secretariat services plus the support of patient and carer activities.
This unit is a key member-facing part of the College and contributes significantly to member
engagement.
RCPsych – Head of Membership Operations
3
ROYAL COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRISTS
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:
Head of Membership Operations
DEPARTMENT:
Finance and Operations
PAY BAND:
5
RESPONSIBLE TO:
Director of Finance and Operations
RESPONSIBLE FOR:
Membership Operations Manager
Membership Data Manager
Senior Committee Manager
Personal Assistants x 3
JOB PURPOSE
1.
To be responsible for Faculty administration; Council, Board of Trustees, Finance Management
Committee and constitutional matters; manage the PA support to the President, other
Honorary Officers and the Chief Executive; all award processes including ceremonies
2.
To support the Service Users (patients) and Carers involved in College activities
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Head of Membership Operations will be assisted by the Membership Operations Manager and a
PA who between them will have the following responsibilities:
1.
Ensure the smooth running of the Membership Operations Unit
2.
Manage the budget and monthly review of management accounts for the Membership Unit
3.
Develop and build on good working relationships with Faculty Chairs
4.
Support the staff in the Membership Operations Unit carrying out annual appraisals and ensuring
that any developmental or training needs are met
5.
Maintain a central register of Officer and Appointments records
6.
Develop charts, statistical analyses and other management information to support the College’s
Equality and Diversity Policy
7.
Maintain and support the Services User’s Forum and supervise the support for the Carer’s
Forum and related working groups encouraging joint work where appropriate
8.
Recruit and maintain a network of service users and carers, including those working with
Divisions and Faculties to advise the College on policy issues. Seeking advice when necessary
and respond to all correspondence from service users and carers and the general public
RCPsych – Head of Membership Operations
9.
Manage the Annual Meeting of all service users and carers involved in the work of the College
10.
Manage the process for Membership Inauguration Ceremonies
11.
Manage the process for Honorary Fellowships, Fellowships and the College’s presentation
ceremony
12.
Maintain and support the work of the Associate Registrars, Medical Management in all work
relating to management and Leadership, including support for the Management and Leadership
Committee
13.
Act as Complaints Manager supporting the Disciplinary and Complaint Committee under the
direction of the Chief Executive
14.
Direct the work relating to the membership data functions ensuring the data is accurate and
current
15.
Supervise election procedures
GENERAL
1.
Undertake any other duties related to the job purpose which may be necessary in the College’s
work
2.
To carry out all duties in a safe and proper manner in accordance with the College’s Health and
Safety Policy
3.
To undertake all duties in line with the College’s values, policies, procedures and regulations
ensuring that the work is undertaken in accordance with equality and diversity
This job description is not exhaustive and is subject to change in accordance with the business need
of the College.
RCPsych – Head of Membership Operations
THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRISTS
PERSON SPECIFICATION
HEAD OF MEMBERSHIP OPERATIONS
ESSENTIAL

Graduate calibre or equivalent qualifications

Excellent organisation, management and leadership skills

Proven track record of successfully running a membership operation environment

Knowledge of the issues associated with a large national membership organisation, and the
ability to implement policies and procedures to manage these and any associated risks

Proven record of delivering a high standard of customer service skills

Experience of successfully managing a team, preferably in a membership operation environment

Track record in achieving substantial growth in numbers of members and income generation

Ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders across the College Divisions

Proven track records of constructing and monitoring budgets

Ability to respond quickly and effectively to resolve complex operational issues

Track record in managing data to improve performance and quality

Excellent negotiating and diplomacy skills

A willingness to travel and stay away overnight
DESIRABLE

Experience of leading a membership operations team

Experience of using digital platforms to support membership and of managing and developing an
online community knowledge and use of project management methodologies; PRINCE2
certified or equivalent
Please click on icon below for Organisation Charts.
Organisation Chart
Membership Operations Unit Sept 2015.docx
RCPsych Org
Chart.docx
RCPsych – Head of Membership Operations
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this role is between £52,965 - £59,635 per annum. This is a full time permanent role
– 35 hours per week.
Additional Benefits include;
Pension: (10% / 5% employer Contribution if a member)
Life Assurance: (if member of pension scheme)
Interest free season ticket loan
Holidays: 20, 22.5 or 25 days paid per annum, dependent on service with 10 paid bank holidays
(including 8 public holidays plus 2 discretionary College days).
Timeline, Application Process and How to Apply
Timeline
Dates
Activity
Monday 16 November 2015
Applications close.
WB 23 November 2015
Thewlis Graham consultant interviewing of interested candidates.
WB 30 November 2015
Thewlis Graham Associates submits longlist of potential candidates
WB 7 December 2015
Review meeting with RCPsych to agree shortlist.
WB 7 December 2015
RCPsych interviews
RCPsych – Head of Membership Operations
Application Process
Thewlis Graham Associates will acknowledge all applications. These will be assessed against the
criteria in the Job Description and Person Specification and the people who best meet these will be
invited for interview with Thewlis Graham Associates in their offices in Victoria.
Those candidates not invited to interview will be advised by email by early December.
Longlisted candidates will be advised by email. After a consultation between RCPsych and Thewlis
Graham Associates, a Shortlist will be drawn up and shortlisted candidates invited for interview in
week beginning 7 December 2015.
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please email in Word format to applications@thewlisgraham.com the
following documents quoting reference H0904:1. A comprehensive CV
2. A covering letter containing:
o
o
o
a personal statement which fully addresses the criterial listed in the Job Description
and Person Specification
your current remunerations details and notice period
the name, job title, organisation, email address and mobile number of two professional
referees (Please note: referees will not be approached without your prior
permission.)
This position offers an interesting opportunity to use your leadership experience and management
skills to shape a new role.
For a confidential conversation please contact me at Thewlis Graham Associates on 0207 850 4781.
Sarah Thewlis
Managing Director
Sarah Thewlis
Managing Director
sat@thewlisgraham.com