Presidential Lead for Women and Mental Health

Overview of the role

Around one in five women experience a common mental disorder. Despite this, there are still thousands of women and girls who struggle alone. The College is looking to raise awareness of women’s mental health issues.

This role will directly support the President and other College Officers, working with staff across the College, to develop the College position on a range of women’s related issues, including linkages between mental health and the menopause and influence stakeholders on strategies for women’s health and health services.

Key responsibilities

The successful applicant will:

• advise the President and Officers on specific issues related to women and mental health
• work with the Chief Executive and other staff
• work with the Women’s Mental Health SIG and other bodies in the College as appropriate to develop the College position on a range of women’s related issues, including the proposed Position Statement on the linkages between mental health and the menopause (and other work agreed during this Presidential term)
• represent the College view at meetings and in discussions with external stakeholders on women’s mental health
• consider and advise on how best the College can influence the wider government strategy for women’s health in England and wider so that mental health services are appropriately prioritised in its implementation
• represent the College on women’s mental health issues in the media and with decision makers
• work with the College’s Departments to amplify women specific issues in relevant activity
• advise on outcomes, monitoring and accountability, and what data and feedback should be collected and how
• represent the RCPsych when appropriate
• work with other Presidential Leads, in particular with Equity and Equality Presidential Lead
• work with the Perinatal Faculty.

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 corinne.bishop@rcpsych.ac.uk.

For any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Corinne Bishop, Director of Strategic Communications

Please see the full job description (JD) for this role below.

Closing date: 11 May 2023

Interview date: 17 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.

The College values a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, reflecting the population it serves.