The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is the leading professional body for the education, training, accreditation and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Our register of over 7,800 individual therapists is accredited by the government’s Professional Standards Authority.
As part of our commitment to work for public benefit, we strive to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against therapists on our register.
Title Head of Communications
Salary £42,100 plus benefits
Hours Full time, 35 hours per week
Duration Permanent
Reporting to Chief Executive
Direct
Reports
Communications Manager
Events & Sponsorship Manager
Service & Membership Development Manager
(vacant)
Public Affairs Manager
External contractors and service providers
Location 2 Edward House, 2 Wakley Street, EC1V 7LT
The core purpose of this role is to develop an integrated communications function that contributes to the delivery of UKCP’s overarching objectives. This includes delivery of a communications strategy encompassing brand development, publications, digital communications, policy and public affairs, events and membership engagement. The post holder will ensure that UKCP develops and protects its reputation as a high quality regulator, professional membership body and charity.
As head of department the role is responsible for building and developing a strong communications team and for engaging volunteers in UKCP’s communications activity.
The Role

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Advising the Chief Executive on, and implementing, an agreed integrated marketing and communications strategy to build brand awareness, promote membership and achieve policy change.
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Line-manage direct reports in a way that enables them to achieve their full potential and to feel valued by UKCP.
 Ensure that performance is managed in line with UKCP’s performance, appraisal and management system and that all departmental staff have clearly defined objectives.
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To evaluate all communications activity and demonstrate the contribution it makes to
UKCP’s overarching strategic objectives.
 To be responsible, with the Chief Executive, for UKCP’s identity (brand) development and positioning.
 To develop UKCP’s on-line presence in a way that encompasses both our own website and the wider digital environment.
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Leading on developing relations with media and approving all media communications.
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To develop publications and events work within an overall framework of a clear communications strategy with identified targets and performance indicators.
 To be responsible for developing UKCP’s membership services and for increasing membership numbers.
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To ensure UKCP develops its policy and external affairs work in a way that increases our political profile and influence, with a focus on developing partnership and coalition working
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To work with the appropriate committees and advisory groups to further develop
UKCP’s work on diversity and equality and to help embed this work across UKCP.
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To take responsibility with the senior management team for the delivery of high quality, professional work that has impact and is in line with UKCP’s strategic objectives.
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Relationship management with UKCP volunteers, trustees and committees so that we utilise their expertise, commitment and energy.
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To be responsible for ensuring external contractors and service providers related to the department are managed in a professional manner.
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To represent UKCP externally and to deputise for the Chief Executive as required.
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To promote and engage with soon-to-be introduced quality management systems and processes.
This is not an exhaustive list and you are required to be flexible in your approach to carrying out your duties which may change from time to time to reflect changes in the com pany’s approach to a culture of continuous improvement.

Essential Experience
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Significant senior experience in a relevant communications role
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Strong staff management and coaching experience with a proven ability to develop staff to their full potential
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Experience of developing and delivering communications strategies and plans
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Experience of evaluating communication activity and demonstrating impact.
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Understanding of the full range of communications and marketing activities including press, publications, digital, and public affairs; with in depth experience in at least one of these areas.
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Experience of brand development and implementation.
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Experience of working with digital media and social networking.
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Experience of managing relationships and contracts with external suppliers and consultants.
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Understanding of the priorities, challenges and approaches required of a membership organisation including working with volunteers.
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Experience of managing new projects and understanding of the challenges of working in a small organisation.
Desirable Experience
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Experience of working in the mental health field
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Be a chartered member of a professional marketing or public relations body.
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Hold a relevant business or marketing qualification.
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Experience of working with volunteers.
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Experience of developing on line marketing or communications strategies.
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Experience of working directly at Board level.
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Experience of managing managers within a performance management framework; and setting, monitoring and controlling budgets.
Essential Skills and Abilities
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Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to use these to engage a wide range of audiences including colleagues.
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Proven ability to manage a large and varied workload, prioritise effectively and ensure that deadlines are met.
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Ability to manage the creativity and tension of working in an organisation with paid staff and volunteer professionals.
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Excellent team skills with the ability to: engage others in the development of plans; to contribute to the overall leadership of UKCP at a senior manager level in a positive and productive way; and to keep others informed and aware of developments.
 Ability to provide a coaching approach to supporting line reports’ development.

.
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Ability to work in a flexible manner and experience of working effectively as a member of a small team and as part of many different teams.
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Excellent interpersonal skills in particular relationship building and influencing skills.
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Proven ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders.
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Proven commitment to diversity and equalities and ability to put this into practice.