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Chief Executive Officer

The ACP is seeking to appoint a Chief Executive Officer

£82,077 pro rata for 28 hours per week (£65,662 per annum)

The Association of Child Psychotherapists (ACP) is the professional body for Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists in the UK. It is an Accredited Register of the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) and is responsible for regulating the training and practice standards of child and adolescent psychoanalytic psychotherapy across the NHS, third and private sectors. It was established in 1949 and has over 1,100 members working in the UK and abroad.  

Under the leadership of the current CEO, the ACP has undergone a process of rapid professionalisation. In addition, in 2020 NHS England confirmed that CAPT continues to be a core profession in NHS mental health services for children and young people, and the continued growth of the profession is included in the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan.

Alongside these exciting developments the ACP is looking to review its strategic priorities and structures and so is seeking to appoint a CEO to work alongside the Chair, The Board and Senior Management Team, to lead this next phase of work. 

The CEO is responsible for the effective and efficient organisational leadership of the ACP, providing strategic guidance and is accountable for operational performance and for the delivery of agreed plans, strategic objectives and policies set by the Board.

The CEO also represents the ACP, forming strategic partnerships with other organisations, developing the ACP’s position in relation to public health policy and speaking for the ACP at conferences and to the media. A key task will be building on work to increase equality, diversity and inclusion in the profession and its representation across the UK and overseas and in all sectors. 

We are looking for someone with a strong track record in management and leadership at a senior level who has experience of managing organisational change. A capacity to develop strategic, financial and business plans and communicate these to a wide audience is essential. Experience in the regulatory or mental health fields is preferred.

A commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion is essential.  We are working to diversify our organisation and encourage applications from all who have an interest in the objectives of the ACP.

Salary: £82,077 pro rata (£65,662 per annum). Includes a 5% cost of living increase from 1 January 2024.  
Pension: 6% employer contribution 
Hours: Part- time (28 hours per week). The ACP works a 35 hour week.  
Contract: Permanent subject to 3 months’ probation 
Leave: 28 days a year pro-rata, plus bank and other statutory holiday 
Location: The ACP operates a hybrid model of working which allows staff to work from the office, located at 7-14 Great Dover Street London SE1 4YR, remotely from home or a shared working facility. The balance of time spent in the office or working remotely will be agreed in advance to meet the needs of employees and the Association.  
Employment is subject to satisfactory references and DBS check. A full Employee Handbook and full induction will be provided.   
How to apply: Please apply with a CV and covering letter describing how you would meet the requirements of the role. Applications should be sent to: 
recruitment@childpsychotherapy.org.uk 
Further information: If you would like to discuss the post please email Tessa Trabue, Executive Assistant  tessa.trabue@childpsychotherapy.org.uk  to arrange to speak to either Dr Lynne Taylor, ACP Chair or Dr Nick Waggett who is the current CEO.
Closing date: the closing date for applications is Tuesday 21st November 2023
Interviews: interviews will be held on Friday 8th December 2023

A full job description and person specification are available here: