Head of Equity and Racial Justice

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United Kingdom.

📋 Description

• Provide strategic guidance for Rethink Mental Illness's initiatives in supporting the Department of Health and Social Care's review and implementation programme for the Mental Health Act Code of Practice.

• Facilitate engagement with Ethnic Minority and Racialised Communities.

• Cultivate relationships with government departments, NHS England, voluntary sector partners, community organisations, and individuals with lived experience.

• Ensure that lived experiences and community perspectives are integral to policy formation and execution.

• Contribute to the broader Equity and Racial Justice strategy.

• Influence policies, practices, and systems that serve communities facing mental health disparities.

• Provide line management and strategic guidance to the Equity and Racial Justice Manager.

• Supervise the Faith and Mental Health and Sanctuary Seeking and Mental Health workstreams.

• Establish and sustain impactful partnerships within the sector.

• Lead intricate programmes, manage budgets, oversee governance arrangements, and handle risk management.

• Identify and secure opportunities for income generation.

• Serve as a senior leader within the Policy and Practice Leadership Team.

⛳️ Requirements

• Extensive experience in leading complex programmes, influencing policy, and driving impactful change through collaborative partnerships.

• Strong knowledge and understanding of the mental health experiences and needs of racialised communities, including faith groups and individuals seeking sanctuary.

• Experience in directing national programmes, projects, or policy initiatives.

• Proven ability to build and manage relationships with government departments, statutory agencies, or national system partners.

• Experience in securing funding, establishing partnerships, and generating income from diverse sources.

• Demonstrated experience in line management, coaching, and staff development.

• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication, and influencing capabilities.

• Ability to collaborate across teams and organisations to achieve common goals.

• Confidence and credibility to drive change, challenge inequalities, and influence decision-makers.

• Familiarity with the Mental Health Act, Mental Health Act Reform Programme, and/or Mental Health Act Code of Practice is advantageous.

• Lived experience of racial injustice, exclusion, or mental health disparities is a valuable asset.

• A strong passion for equity and social justice.

🏝️ Benefits

• Home-based with flexible working arrangements.

• Occasional travel required for community engagement sessions.

• London allowance if applicable.

• Fixed-term maternity cover for a duration of 5 months.