PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL
Candidate Brief
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Head of Divisions
H1002
November 2015
Managing Director
Sarah Thewlis
sat@thewlisgraham.com
RCPsych – Head of Divisons
Contents
1. Welcome letter from Vanessa Cameron
2. About the Royal College of Psychiatrists
3. The role of Head of Divisions - Job Description, Person
Specification and Organisation Charts
4. Salary and Benefits
5. Timeline, Application Process and How to Apply
RCPsych – Head of Divisons
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 Divisions at
The Royal College of Psychiatrists. I hope that you will find the following information useful and please
do visit www.rcpsych.ac.uk.
Divisions represent the College locally and provide professional advice where required. College
members may opt to be members of the Division in which they either live or work but they can only
belong to one Division. The Head of Divisions is a new role created in a recent re-structuring which
provides an excellent opportunity for someone with excellent negotiating and diplomatic skills to act
as the interface between the main College and the Divisions. You will direct the work of the
Committee and Division Managers ensuring that College guidelines for support are adhered to and
regularly reviewed. You will need to maintain knowledge of the political and legislative landscape in
Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and oversee initiatives related to College strategy for
recruitment into psychiatry, early consultant years and retention within the Divisions. This will
comprise 80% of the role with the remaining 20% being dedicated to supporting the Special Interest
groups, Speciality Doctors’ and Staff Grade doctors.
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 Divisons
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.
Professional Standards Department – Divisions Unit
The Divisions Unit will sit within the Professional Standards Department. The Professional Standards
Department is also made up of the Centre for Advanced Learning & Conferences, Examinations,
Training & Workforce Unit, Psychiatrists Support Unit and the International Office.
RCPsych – Head of Divisons
RCPsych Divisions
Divisions represent the College locally and provide professional advice where required. College
members may opt to be members of the Division in which they either live or work but they can only
belong to one Division.
Each Division has an elected Executive Committee, Chair, Vice-Chair and Financial Officer. The
Chair of each Division is an ex-officio member of Council with the exception of the Chairs of
International Divisions.
Please click here for more information on the Divisions:-
RCPsych – Head of Divisons
3 The role of Head of Divisions
This position offers an interesting opportunity to nurture the relationships between the Divisions and
the main College. Divisions are a tangible benefit for members and there is a need to disseminate
good practice throughout them. You will need to spend time in the Divisions, champion
entrepreneurial spirit, respond to their needs and represent and lobby of their behalf.
For a confidential conversation please contact me at Thewlis Graham Associates on 0207 850 4781.
Sarah Thewlis
Managing Director
Thewlis Graham Associates
*****
THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRISTS
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:
Head of Divisions
DEPARTMENT:
Professional Standards
PAY BAND:
5
RESPONSIBLE TO:
Director of Professional Standards
RESPONSIBLE FOR:
All Division Managers
JOB PURPOSE
1.
To line manage the work of the Division Managers
2.
To support the Director of Professional Standards to ensure that the work of the divisional
offices aligns with the College’s Strategic Plan
3.
Prepare and manage the Divisions’ budget in conjunction with the Director of Professional
Standards
4.
To support the Special Interest Groups
5.
To support the Specialty Doctors’ Committee and SAS doctors
RCPsych – Head of Divisons
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1.
The direct line management and appraisal of Divisions staff. Ensure that all staff are trained
appropriately and have overall responsibility for staff development
2.
Develop and build on good working relationships with the Division Chairs
3.
Direct the work of the Committee and Division Managers, ensuring that the College’s guidelines
for support are adhered to and regularly reviewed
4.
Ensure that Division Executive job descriptions are regularly updated
5.
To maintain knowledge of political and legislative landscape in Northern Ireland, Scotland and
Wales
6.
To support the Special Interest Groups and organise small conferences; work with College
Elections Administrator to manage elections for the Special Interest Groups
7.
Oversee initiatives related to College Strategy for recruitment into psychiatry, early consultant
years and retention within the Divisions in conjunction with the Head of Training & Workforce
Unit
8.
Work with the Head of Events Operations (CALC) to ensure a balanced spread of training
events between divisions and central College, avoiding training and conferences calendar clashes
across Divisions and central College
9.
In conjunction with the Head of Exams Operations, oversee written exam days and examiner
training events within regional centres
10.
Prepare and monitor a detailed operations budget and take corrective action, when required,
referring to the Director of Professional Standards where necessary and ensure that all
operational expenditure is cost efficient
11.
Establish and initiate efficient, streamlined and uniform administrative processes for all
operational activities ensuring full use of College electronic online platforms and facilities
12.
To support the Speciality Doctors’ Committee and related work for SAS doctors
13.
Acquire up to date knowledge of all relevant College policy, procedures and regulations, in
particular information related to Education, Training and Workforce activities, ensuring that
Unit staff are similarly knowledgeable relative to their status
14.
Establish and initiate efficient, streamlined and uniform administrative processes for all
operational activities ensuring full use of the College electronic online platforms and facilities
GENERAL
1.
Undertake any other duties related to the job purpose and 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
RCPsych – Head of Divisons
3.
To undertake all duties in line with the College’s values, policies, procedures and regulations
ensuring that the work undertaken actively promotes 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 Divisions
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL

Graduate calibre or equivalent qualifications

Excellent organisation, management and leadership skills

Proven track record of successfully running an operational environment

Proven track record of implementing streamlined administrative processes using up to date eplatforms

Proven track record of delivering a high standard of customer service skills

Experience of successfully managing a team

Ability to motivate and inspire a team

Experience of training staff and conducting staff appraisals

Proven track records of constructing and monitoring budgets

Ability to respond quickly and effectively to resolve complex operational issues

Experience of successful resource management

Experience of successfully delivering an efficient operational environment

Excellent negotiating skills

Excellent diplomacy skills

A willingness to travel and stay away overnight
DESIRABLE

Experience of working in a membership organisation or similar environment
RCPsych – Head of Divisons
Please click on icon below for Organisation Charts.
Divisions Oct
2015.docx
Finance and
Operations Oct 2015.docx
RCPsych Org
Chart.docx
Senior
Management Team Oct 2015.docx
RCPsych – Head of Divisons
Senior
Management Team Oct 2015.docx
4.
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
Friday 20 November 2015
Applications close.
WB 23 November 2015
Thewlis Graham consultant interviewing of interested candidates.
WB 7 December 2015
Thewlis Graham Associates submits longlist of potential candidates
WB 7 December 2015
Review meeting with RCPsych to agree shortlist.
WB 16 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 on
Wednesday 16 December 2015.
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please email in Word format to applications@thewlisgraham.com the
following documents quoting reference H1002:1. 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.)
3. A completed Diversity Monitoring Form (please click on icon below). Please note that these
are handled completely independently of the recruitment process.*
Diversity
Monitoring Form - RCPsych Head of Divisions.docx
Please ensure that you include your mobile phone number and email address in your application. Do not
hesitate to contact Judith Matthews or Claire Drummond on 020 7850 4781 if you have any queries.
* Diversity Monitoring
This is independent of the recruitment process but please do send a completed form with your
application as Thewlis Graham Associates is committed to monitoring and analysing diversity
information so that we can ensure that our processes are fair, transparent, promote equality of
opportunity for all, and do not have an adverse impact on any particular group.
Any information provided on this form will be treated as strictly confidential and will be used for
statistical purposes only. It will not be seen by anybody directly involved in the selection process. No
information will be published or used in any way which allows any individual to be identified.
Sarah Thewlis
Managing Director
sat@thewlisgraham.com