Job Description

Trustee: Practice and Research Leadership:

Role Description

Who we are and 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 worlds. 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 an individual who can help us attain a position of ‘best in class’ for research led practice ensuring this is both evidence based and fit for purpose for a 21st century digital world whilst, at the same time, respecting that some clients may still feel more comfortable with traditional forms of delivery.

The role will form part of the Board of Trustees and will also establish and chair a new Research Sub-Committee.

What skills and experience are we looking for?

• Qualified psychotherapist (UKCP or BPC) with a mixture of experience working within organisations and in private practice.  Lecturing or teaching experience would be extremely useful. 
• Strong track record in research and publishing, including recent published research.
• Strong verbal and written communication and influencing skills – the ability to explain research 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?

• To champion the use of research in Board discussions, demonstrating how its use can drive the delivery and improvement of WPF’s offer to trainees.
• To chair a new Sub-Committee for Research & Training, which will provide thought leadership on the role of research within WPF and how that research can be translated into WPF’s psychotherapy training.
• To work with the Chief Executive to support the development of a clear strategy and implementation plan to ensure WPF’s training operation is providing leading edge, research-based and contemporary development for its trainees.
• 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.
• To provide a strategic and, if necessary, a more ‘hands-on’ supporting role in the design and implementation of research projects.
• To ensure the wider WPF organisation understands the required resources to support research and to deliver its training and is supported to recruit and/or develop the necessary capabilities.

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 and 26th November 2018.