Job Description

Trustee: Digital leadership

Who we are and why we need your help

Established in 1969, WPF Therapy is an ambitious charity and social enterprise that is determined to make its psychotherapy services more accessible to clients and to encourage trainee psychotherapists from more diverse backgrounds.

“I have been Chair of  WPF since January 2016 and have seen it mature considerably as an organisation under our current CEO’s  leadership. We have a committed, expert Board, a clear agreed Strategy and a renewed Vision developed in collaboration with staff, clients and trainees. WPF is now approaching its 50th year and we have some exciting plans to increase our reach and develop our approach to therapy and training in research and the digital worls. Recent ventures have included provision of trauma support following last year’s London Bridge attacks and the launch of a low cost clinic to enable more people access to therapy. Come and join us for the next stage of our journey”  Carol Rue

Based near London Bridge in modern premises, the organisation is well placed to build on the strengthening work it has done over the past year. Investment in systems, refining processes and a customer service focus has improved the experience for trainees and clients. We are now ready to take the next steps in extending our services through digital technologies and using digital media to advocate for contemporary psychotherapy provision.

Working with an engaged and enthusiastic Executive Team, the Board of Trustees is seeking to recruit a Trustee that can help us to realise the benefits of digital technologies in how we connect with our customers both in the delivery of our services and in communicating about our services. This is an opportunity to be part of leading an established and respected charity into its next phase of development.

The role will form part of the Board of Trustees and will also join one of its sub-committees.

What skills and experience are we looking for?

• Demonstrable experience of working with digital channels within an organisation which deals directly with the public.  This could be within the public or private sector and could be in social media, e-commerce, as a CIO or CDO but will have experience in the use of digital for service delivery. Experience of the use of digital in the provision of healthcare services (again public or private) is likely to be particularly helpful.
• Experience of contributing to or, ideally, leading the development and implementation of digital strategy.
• Experience of working in a senior leadership role which has required influencing peers and those senior in the organisation.
• Project management skills, skills in agile project management practices, open source, cloud platforms and digital services.
• Strong verbal and written communication and influencing skills – the ability to explain digital concepts clearly, with non-technical jargon and in a way which engages and informs.
• Ability to work as part of a team and willing to take collective responsibility for the charity’s governance.
• Analytical skills to ensure appropriate risk assessment and opportunity identification and the ability to manage a balanced approach to both.
• Able to demonstrate empathy as well as cognitive appreciation of WPF’s mission, values and its equality and diversity aims.

What will your main accountabilities be?

These will fall into two main areas:- providing guidance in digital leadership to the Board of Trustees and also to the WPF management team.

Providing guidance to the Board

• To champion the use of data and digital services in Board discussions, demonstrating how its use can drive the delivery and improvement of WPF’s services, marketing, and communications.
• To translate the risks and opportunities of digital for other Trustees, enabling the Board to engage in discussions and decisions in this area in an informed way.
• To ensure you have a detailed understanding of the statutory duties of a Trustee and to fulfil those duties with regard to the fulfilment of the charity’s defined purpose and charitable aims, governance and statutory processes and requirements, financial stability and the provision of strategic direction.
• To participate fully in Board and Sub-Committee meetings, Board paper reviews, development and strategic discussions and meetings.

Providing guidance to the WPF Management Team

• To provide a strategic and, if necessary, a more ‘hands-on’ supporting role in the design and implementation of digitally-related projects.
• To ensure the wider WPF organisation understands the required resources for effective digital use and is supported to recruit and/or develop the necessary capabilities.
• To provide thought leadership on the role of digital within WPF – working with the Chief Executive to support the development of a clear digital strategy and implementation plan which enables WPF to exploit relevant digital channels in support of its charitable aims and operational plans, in the following 3 broad areas:

1. External – Exploiting digital to improve customer engagement and experience, visibility and external communications of the organisation.

2. Internal – Continuing the customer experience within WPF’s operations, and the internal communications of the organisation.

3. Holistic– Engage the entire organisation in the benefits of digital, inclusive of all operational areas and our supporting functions.

What will your time commitment be?

Our full Board meets at least 4 times a year, once each quarter and you will be expected to review Board papers in advance of these meetings.

Sub-committee meetings are also quarterly and for this element of the role you may be leading discussions with associated presentations as well as reviewing papers.

In addition, we have 2 ‘off site’ days per year for strategic reviews, Board development etc.

We provide reasonable expenses but the role is pro-bono.

Selection process

If you are interested in joining us then we would welcome an application from you – a CV and covering support letter.

If you would like an initial conversation regarding the role then please also email the same address and we will arrange this for you.

Closing date: 29th October 2018

Interviews will be with the Chair of Trustees, Chief Executive Officer and another Trustee

and are expected to take place weeks commencing 20th/26th November 2018