Presidential Lead for Physical Health
- Status : 3-year term (July 2023 – July 2026)
- Salary : Voluntary role
- Closing date : 10/05/2023
- Interview date : 18/05/2023
Overview of the role
With the life expectancy of a person with mental illness in the UK 15-20 years shorter than someone living without a mental illness, the College is looking to strengthen its efforts to challenge this lack of parity.
This role will directly support the President and other College Officers, working with staff across the College, to tackle the root causes of this premature mortality. It will play a lead role influencing stakeholders to commit to prioritising physical health for people with mental illness and closing the treatment gap.
Key responsibilities
The successful applicant will:
- advise the President and Officers on specific issues related to physical health for those with or at a high risk of mental illness
- work with the College Public Mental Health Information Centre (PMHIC) in securing and providing evidence-based advice to inform the College’s policy on issues relating to physical health
- represent the College view with external stakeholders on physical health, including the Equally Well initiative
- represent the College on physical health issues related to mental health patients in the media and with decision makers
- work with the College’s staff to amplify the importance of addressing the physical health needs of those with mental illness
- advise on outcomes, monitoring and accountability, and what data and feedback should be collected and how
- work with other Presidential Leads.
About the College
The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the professional membership body for psychiatrists and promotes excellent care for people with mental illness.
It has over 20,000 members and engages with government and the media as the leading voice of the UK’s mental health services. The College is a values-based organisation and this has been reflected in a number of awards including being named Charity of the Year in the European Diversity Awards in 2019 and a Gold Award by Stonewall in 2023 for creating an LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace.
The College values a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, reflecting the population it serves.
How to apply
If you would like to be considered for this post, please submit a CV and a covering letter demonstrating experience (one A4 side) to george.roycroft@rcpsych.ac.uk.
For any queries, please do not hesitate to contact George Roycroft, Head of Policy and Campaigns.
Please see enclosed full JD for this role.
Closing date: 10 May 2023
Interview date: 18 May 2023 via Microsoft Teams/Zoom
Interviews are likely to be around 30 minutes and it is unlikely that we would be able to offer an alternative date. (you can include this statement if necessary)