Person Specification

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Essential
• Qualified consultant clinical/Counselling psychologist (minimum 5 years’ experience) or consultant clinical/counselling psychologist • Experience of NHS Mental Health market and contracting processes and bids • Strategic experience of leading adult mental health services and managing a multi-disciplinary team • Highly developed knowledge of, and commitment to, evidence-based practice, practice-based evidence and standardised care • Significant experience of having initiated and led change projects leading to improved clinical care • Strong experience of excellence and best practice in the shaping and delivery of trauma informed practice • Experience of planning, developing and conducting clinically relevant research, including service evaluation and audit. • Experience of managing and motivating teams in the face of significant organisational change • Experience of clinical stewardship and governance in organisations • Good experience of international, devolved and local government decision making structures and processes, together with those of relevant influencing bodies
Desirable
• Appreciation and understanding of the nature of service in the Armed Forces • Being a veteran • Experience of delivering, and ideally leading, mental health services for veterans • Management of a complex trauma service • Experience of leading initiatives to increase client involvement in services • Experience of clinical stewardship and governance in organisations like Combat Stress. • Experience of clinical research in a multi-site environment and/or in collaboration with other agencies at doctorial level (or equivalent)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Essential
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate strategic goals into effective operational plans • Highly developed research skills • Highly developed clinical governance leadership skills • Strong analytical and critical reasoning skills • Politically savvy, with strong persuading and influencing skills • Proven effective problem-solving skills • Excellent written & verbal communication skills. Confident in undertaking public presentations • Proven success in significant service innovation and development • Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrable emotional intelligence • Able to manage a high level of workload and successfully prioritise competing demands • Skilled at recognising the most important factor when faced with a multiplicity of issues • Able to command respect both internally and externally and to promote the reputation of Combat Stress at an international level
Desirable
• Training in quality improvement methodologies

LEADERSHIP STYLE AND ATTRIBUTES

Essential

• Understanding of the role of institutional steward in assuring the Board regarding safety of care

• Ability to assess risk and anticipate and successfully address difficulties

• Ability to challenge others whilst maintaining respect

• Ability to forge effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders both internally and externally

• Excellent collaborative working skills, with the ability to work independently and strategically

• Flexible leadership style whilst enthusing and motivating others

• Demonstrates commitment to and empathy with the organisation’s mission and ethos

• Not afraid to have difficult conversations and honest dialogue

• Confident to hold colleagues to account

• Spends time networking and influencing colleagues to drive change