Independent mental health advocate jobs in Coventry, west midlands

Full-time role (see operation of 28-hour week below). We are open to considering applications for a part-time role that would require job share.

Home Based Working in the UK (some access to a London office or co-working spaces across the UK available, flexible working policy).

Action for Global Health is a membership network of over 50 organisations working to improve global health. Its vision is a world where everyone can access quality healthcare without financial hardship, achieving true health equity.

AfGH’s strategy, extended to 2029, aims to ensure that stronger commitments from the UK Government help more people worldwide access affordable, high-quality healthcare suited to their needs. The network works by bringing together member organisations, civil society groups, and people with lived experience of health inequality - especially from low- and middle-income countries - to influence UK policy. It acts as a key link between global health civil society and government departments such as the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Department of Health and Social Care, guided by its 10 health-equity principles.

AfGH is an independent network hosted by STOPAIDS, which provides legal, financial, HR, and administrative support.

The Advocacy Manager role helps lead AfGH’s advocacy strategy, working with the Director to coordinate campaigns and policy engagement to advance global health equity. Please download the full job description for more details.

Benefits of working at Action for Global Health (hosted by STOPAIDS)

We offer a number of benefits, including:

• We operate a 28-hour (rather than 35-hour) working week policy with no salary reductions. Staff are able to work reduced hours over 5 days or a 4-day week. We offer flexible working, with non-standard working hours
• We operate a home-based working policy with some access to a London office or co-working spaces across the UK. We also provide a small home working grant and monthly working from home allowance
• A group stakeholder pension scheme with 6% employer contributions
• An individual learning and development budget allocated to staff members each year
• 20 days of annual leave per year (excluding bank holidays), plus 1 day for every year of service (up to 4 years)
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay for employees with 1 year's service or more

Closing date: 6th April 2026

Please note that should sufficient applications be received we reserve the right to close this advert early.

STOPAIDS is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive positive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, HIV status, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.

Evolve Counselling is a long‑established Cambridgeshire charity providing professional, affordable mental‑health support to individuals, organisations and communities. Each year, Evolve delivers thousands of counselling sessions through a team of trained, accredited counsellors working across the East of England region.

Our mission is to deliver counselling services to adults at the lowest possible cost, wherever possible seeking to subsidise sessions for those on low incomes. We do this through a mixed model of commissioned services, private counselling, and grant‑supported provision. By working to grow and foster a membership body of professional counsellors, Evolve strives to improve access to quality counselling and psychotherapy for all, and to create a positive working environment for those in the profession.

The CEO role provides strategic and operational leadership to drive Evolve’s growth, sustainability and impact. The position delivers effective organisational management, high‑quality service delivery, robust governance, regulatory compliance, and a positive staff culture.  Working in conjunction with the board, this is an exciting opportunity to shape the organisation’s future, ensuring that Evolve remains a trusted, quality and sustainable source of mental health support for years to come. 

Following several years of successful internal stabilisation—strengthening governance, staffing, and operational systems—the charity is ready to enter a critical period of transformation and growth. Our current CEO plans to retire in September 2026, having laid strong foundations for what must come next.

Our new CEO will lead Evolve into this next phase—strengthening partnerships, expanding referral pathways, stabilising revenue streams, and championing accessible counselling across our communities.

Chief Executive Officer

Our client has been providing independent advocacy for vulnerable people in Solihull for over 25 years.

They are now looking for a new Chief Executive Officer to join the team in this pivotal position.

If you are a collaborative, hands-on leader who can balance strategic vision with operational impact… then apply today!

Position: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Solihull, Hybrid

Hours: 37 hours per week (flexible working options considered)

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £45,000 FTE

Closing date: 15th April 2026

The organisation supports adults and young people with a learning disability or autism, who also may be experiencing poor mental health or complex life circumstance. It supports people to have their say, understand their rights and be fully involved in decisions about their lives and ensures their voices are heard and their choices are respected.

Rooted in the local community, its small and dedicated teams are known for their person-centred approach, strong values and commitment to social justice. Enabling people to live healthier, happier and independent lives is central to their work.

The organisation is entering an exciting period of development, with opportunities to strengthen partnerships, diversify income and deepen its impact.

About the Opportunity

We are recruiting for an inspiring and values-led CEO to lead SAtA into an exciting period of development, with opportunities to strengthen partnerships, diversify income and deepen our impact. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will guide the organisation’s strategy, people, partnerships and resources to maximise positive outcomes for local people. You will also act as the charity’s senior ambassador, strengthening and growing relationships with commissioners, funders and partners.

You will:

• Inspire and support people (staff and volunteers) to deliver their best for the people they serve.
• Lead the development and delivery of the strategic plan, translating vision into practical outcomes.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality advocacy services and community projects that champion the voice of lived experience and are underpinned by robust performance monitoring and strong operational systems.
• Build and strengthen influential partnerships and represent them locally, regionally and nationally.
• Develop deep insight into health and social care systems and champion the role of advocacy.
• Support the Board to meet its legal and regulatory duties, providing clear data on performance, finance and risk, to inform decision making.
• Ensure financial sustainability, including robust financial planning, budgeting, income generation and contract management.

About You

• You will bring a blend of strategic leadership, operational confidence and a genuine commitment to advocating for those the organisation serve.
• You will be comfortable leading a small organisation, where flexibility, pragmatism and a willingness to be hands on are key to success.
• With senior leadership experience you will have a record of building trusted relationships internally and with external partners.
• You will have developed cultures built on collaboration and respect that motivate and support.
• Your awareness of funding and/or managing contracts will be underpinned by strong financial management and budget oversight and you will be able to demonstrate how you can work closely with a Board, supporting good governance.

This is your opportunity to make a transformational impact in a vital charity and make a real difference for the people the organisation serve.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce.

We are open to flexible working arrangements and encourage candidates to discuss options that support their needs.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP

You may have experience in roles such as CEO, Chief Exec, Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director, Operations, Director.

As Director of External Affairs across the Bild Group of four small charities (with collective turnover of approx. £3m/yr), you will have a deep commitment to human rights and improving people’s lives.

You will provide strategic direction and leadership to the External Relations function across all four charities in the group, taking overall responsibility for and providing thought-leadership on our strategic approach to policy, influencing, public affairs, stakeholder engagement. 

You will play a lead role in planning, developing, and implementing the communication and external relations and wider engagement strategic plan to grow awareness and profile of Bild, Respond, Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and ACT.

By sharing the impact of our work and programmes in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and /or mental health conditions, you will support Bild in becoming the sector leading provider of organisational and workforce development (and RRN in becoming the leading charity in reducing restrictive practices globally – and Respond as leaders in trauma informed therapy).

You will champion Bild and RRN’s brand, vision, mission and values acting as an ambassador for the organisation both internally and externally to partners, stakeholders and media.

Key Responsibilities and Duties: 

Strategic Leadership:  

• Develop and implement an integrated communications and external relations strategy across the four charities in the group to raise our profile and to influence change which positively impacts on our beneficiaries, aligning media, campaigning, and public affairs with the charity’s mission and strategic priorities 

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team including Membership and Events Officer, Resources Coordinator and comms team as required 

Comms & Marketing:

• Plan, develop and implement strategic communications and marketing plans to maximise awareness of the Bild Group of charities across the broad spectrum of communications disciplines including media relations, stakeholder management, influencer engagement, ethical (impact focused) marketing, social and new media and the production of new materials and resources 

• Write, develop and produce materials such as infographics, press releases, briefing documents, media statements and online information suitable for stakeholders, including people with lived experience

• Ensure effective marketing across all four charities focusing on impact and including ensuring we attend a range of external events and that all four websites are best practice. 

Influencing & Public Affairs:  

• Working with the CEO, you will drive policy change by developing strategies to influence key decision makers through building relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, and sector stakeholders to ensure the charity's policy agenda is impactful 

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, calls and requests for information in order to capitalise on suitable opportunities for maximising the reach and impact of all four charities

• Build our credibility as a thought leader in the sector 

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:  

• Build and sustain strategic alliances with senior civil servants, civil society groups, and community partners to increase the organization's influence and impact 

• Develop effective stakeholder relationship management processes that ensure partnerships of all levels are provided with a rich, immersive engagement experience with the organisation and the work that we do 

• Identify, liaise with and ensure positive relationships with key stakeholders – internal and external including media, government departments, partners, charities, providers, customers, other relevant parties to secure maximum impact for all four charities and their beneficiaries

Reputation, Brand Management & Marketing:  

• Champion the Bild group brands, promoting the mission, values and impact of the organisation and ensuring consistent, engaging narratives and high-quality storytelling across all external channels

• Shaping the charity's profile and protecting its reputation through media relations, digital engagement, and consistent key messaging and building our credibility as thought leaders in sector. 

Membership, Events & Communities:  

• By ensuring appropriate, effective and engaging communications to all relevant audiences and stakeholders, your role will support the growth and development of our membership, Communities of Practice and the event programme (including webinars and conferences).

• Effectively plan, manage and lead a range of events for the Bild group of charities and associated marketing and communications

• Develop framework for Communities of Practice and strategy for engagement and growth 

• Supporting Bild and RRN spokespeople with PR and media outreach

• Keep abreast of communications and engagement activity within the sector and demonstrate an awareness of the impact these may have on existing and future communications activity

General Responsibilities 

• Contribute to evaluation and assessment of results against KPIs and tracking activity

• Allocate, manage and evaluate budget spend

• Identify resource requirements for activity across Bild group

• Develop and maintain systems, databases and procedures to support Bild group communication activities

• Plan, monitor, appraise and report progress of activity regularly with an innate understanding of how this supports activity across the Bild group

• Plan, manage and oversee budgetary spend related to outsourcing specialist activities such as video editing and design

• Ensure communications and marketing work complies with data protection and other legal, professional and agency requirements, standards and policies

• Support the senior leadership team on any activity as required. 

Personal Development  

• Be part of a culture of quality in all areas of communications, PR and marketing

• Participate and contribute to individual performance appraisal and supervision sessions

• Keep abreast of relevant initiatives and developments within the adult health and social care, education & disability sector and the wider communications / engagement profession

• Undertake relevant training, as necessary including accessing new systems and software as required to support the role.

Organisational Responsibilities: 

• Access and work within Bild’s policies and procedures.  

• Attend internal cycle of team meetings relevant to this role.  

• Engage with line management, supervision (where appropriate) and appraisal process.  

• Comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients, employees, volunteers and other stakeholders remains confidential.  

• Take responsibility for personal learning and development with support from line manager.  

• Work in a manner that facilitates equal opportunities and inclusion for all.  

• Remain professional and respectful at all times, promoting positive relations with all those we encounter in our work.  

• Maintain health and safety and risk awareness for self and others across the organisation.  

• Undertake any other duties that Bild may require within the remit of this role.  

This job description does not form part of the contract of employment. It is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review with the postholder at their annual appraisal.  

Person Specification  

Job Title 

Director of External Relations 

• Exceptional copy writing and verbal communication skills

• Good presenting, negotiating and influencing skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build mutually beneficial relationships

• The ability to work effectively within a small team

• Ability to work under pressure, and plan, manage, and adapt own workload

• A flexible, proactive and problem-solving approach to work

• A motivated attitude and ability to work on own initiative 

• A commitment to human rights and modelling accessibility and inclusion throughout activity

• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as demanded by the post

• Fit to undertake the duties of the post. 

Experience/Skills/Competencies 

Essential 

• Significant experience working in communications, policy and PR with demonstrable success

• PR and media management experience, including both online and traditional PR

• Experience of managing and implementing social media plans, including post development, scheduling, evaluation and monitoring feedback

• Experience of overseeing the design and production of print and electronic publications, including website management and development

• Experience of managing CRM systems and ensuring effective data capture and utilising data to inform decision making

• Ability to analyse data and shape results into reports that inform decision making

• Ability to build effective relationships and networks and establish credibility for Bild, RRN, Respond and Bild ACT 

• Ability to work collaboratively and develop positive relationships with colleagues, members and wider stakeholders

• Demonstrated digital comms / social media skills and understanding of emerging digital marketing tools and platforms

• Ability to use a variety of IT packages/databases including CRM systems.

• Experience managing budgets and associated reporting

• Ability to work remotely and regularly travel to in person events

• Time management skills and ability to prioritise workload under pressure as part of a small but vibrant team

• Strong awareness and interest in news/current affairs/politics and the broader third sector, social care and education sector. 

Desirable 

• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector, preferably in another disability and/or membership charity

• Strong understanding of education, health, social care, disability and not for profit environment

• Strong media contacts within relevant trade sector publications

• Ability to use externally managed media databases (such as Agility etc.)

• Experience with conferences, webinars and hybrid events. 

• Experience supporting and manging a remote team

Education and Qualifications: 

Other Requirements: 

• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities and able to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.  

• Regular travel to attend meetings and events. 

• Occasional evening meetings.  

Legal requirements: 

• Enhanced DBS check. 

Who we are:

Kairos Women Working Together is a specialist, women-only organisation based in Coventry. For over 27 years, we have walked alongside women facing multiple and intersecting disadvantages, including sexual exploitation, violence, poverty, homelessness, and criminalisation. 

We are a feminist organisation rooted in the belief that women’s lives are shaped by inequality, and that lasting change happens through safety, relationships, and long-term support. From street outreach to our Women’s Hub in the heart of the city, we provide trauma-informed, holistic support that meets women where they are and walks with them for as long as it takes. 

Over the next five years, we are strengthening our Women’s Hub as a safe, accessible, trauma-informed women’s centre, expanding our services, strengthening partnerships, and influencing systems so that no woman is left behind. 

What we need

We are now looking for a Finance Lead to join our Senior Leadership Team in Coventry. 

Blending both the strategic and the hands-on practical, the Finance Lead is responsible for ensuring the overall financial health and sustainability of the charity. Alongside overseeing day-to-day financial management, with administrative support for some transactional tasks, you will bring a strong financial perspective to organisational planning, funding development, Board reporting, and decision-making. 

This role goes beyond producing financial information. You will be expected to: 

• interpret financial data 

• identify risks and opportunities 

• communicate complex financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues 

• provide meaningful analysis and recommendations 

• contribute to strong financial planning, funding development, and sustainability 

Working closely with the CEO, Treasurer and Fundraising & Development Lead, you will play a key role in strengthening how Kairos understands and communicates the cost, value, and sustainability of its work. 

Who we need

We’re looking for someone who can bring strong financial analysis, sound judgement, and a collaborative, values-led approach. 

The voices of women with lived experience are centred in everything that we do. We encourage lived experience across the whole organisation, including volunteers, staff, senior leadership, and our Board of Trustees. 

We want Kairos to reflect the diversity of the women we support. We actively encourage applications from Black, minoritised and migrant women; women with disabilities; lesbian and bisexual women; and working-class women. You will be welcomed, supported, and respected in a culture that values authenticity, honesty, and sisterhood. 

Please note: 

• This role is restricted to female applicants under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010 

• An enhanced DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) disclosure will be required for this role 

• Applicants will need an unrestricted right to work in the UK

We’ll be reviewing applications as they come in and may invite candidates to interview before the closing date, so early applications are encouraged. 

Working at Kairos 

Kairos is a values-led, relational organisation. The way we work internally reflects the way we work alongside women — with compassion, honesty, accountability, and care. We recognise that this is emotionally and professionally demanding work, and we are committed to creating a supportive, reflective, and sustainable working environment for our team. 

We offer: 

• A strong, values-driven culture rooted in feminist principles and collective support 

• A commitment to staff wellbeing, including: 

• 1 paid wellbeing hour per week (pro rata) 

• Wellbeing shutdown between Christmas and New Year 

• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) 

• A generous annual leave allowance 

• The ability to apply for a Blue Light discount card 

• A supportive and reflective team culture, including regular opportunities for learning and development 

• Space for reflection, discussion, and shared problem-solving 

• Team connection and celebration, recognising the importance of community within our work 

We are a learning organisation. We are open, reflective, and committed to continually improving how we work — for women, and for each other.