Professor Owen Bowden-Jones
Consultant Psychiatrist, Central North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Summary
Professor Owen Bowden-Jones is a clinician, researcher, government adviser and public communicator. His roles include Consultant in Addiction Psychiatry, Honorary Professor, Chair of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs and President of a national academic society. Owen has spent his career championing co-produced, evidence-based mental health care.
My statement in full
This statement will soon be available in Welsh.
At a time when many mental health services are at breaking point, the Registrar, with responsibility for membership, policy and communications, has a key role in supporting psychiatrists and identifying solutions. I am applying to be your Registrar because myskills and expertise can help achieve these critical goals.
About me
Clinical
- An addiction psychiatrist for nearly 30 years, I understand the front-line challenges of delivering good care. I have spent my career championing co-produced, evidence-based services, demonstrating quality and value through award winning clinical innovation.
Policy
- As chair of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (2017-2025), I have exceptional experience in advocating for science-based policy at the very heart of government. Reporting directly to the Home Secretary, I have unique insights into influencing UK policy and working with senior politicians.
- I gained further leadership expertise as national clinical adviser (DHSC, 2015-22), developing impactful policy within tight deadlines in a highly political environment.
- International expertise includes advisory roles to the European Union and United Nations.
- I have been awarded a Policy Fellowship, University of Cambridge and Senior Fellowship, Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management.
Public engagement
- I am highly experienced at engaging print, radio and TV media appearing on the Today programme, Channel 4, ITV and Sky News.
- Parliamentary presentations include Select committees, All Party Parliamentary Groups and Lords committees.
- I have authored two public-facing books and was adviser to ‘FRANK’, the UK drugs public information website.
- Recipient of the RCPsych Communicator of the Year award.
Education and research
- I have developed national e-learning and mobile phone based resources, taught nationally and internationally, and delivering training for the European Union and United Nations.
- As a clinical researcher, I am an Honorary Professor and President of the Society for the Study of Addiction.
Understanding the College
- I know how to achieve results through previous College roles including Faculty Chair and Associate Registrar for Policy and I currently chair the College report on Co-occurring Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders, reporting March 2025.
What I will achieve
Preparing for this role I spoke to many psychiatrists from all grades, regions and nations. Many described being overstretched, burdened with bureaucracy, losing influence over service quality and neglecting their psychotherapeutic and research skills. Responding to this feedback I commit to the following.
- Undertake a detailed UK-wide snapshot of psychiatrists’ working conditions and use this to influence change.
- Appoint an Associate Registrar for Technology to ensure every psychiatrist develops the skills to use rapidly emerging AI and other digital tools to reduce bureaucracy and improve care.
- Improve digital communication, so members can interact more easily with the College.
- Visit every division and devolved nation at least once a year to carefully listen.
- Work tirelessly to represent your experiences and concerns to decision makers.
As a clinician, researcher, communicator, educator and adviser, I have the skills, commitment and experience to be a highly effective Registrar and will work on behalf of all College members to enhance patient care and improve psychiatrists’ working lives.