Head of Public Policy and Relationships

Overview

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and operating as a member of the MHM Leadership Group, you will lead our public policy, influencing and strategic relationship activity, ensuring MHM plays a leading role in shaping the future of mental health support across the UK.

This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic thinking, external influence and thought leadership to improve mental health outcomes and ensure the voices and experiences of the people we support are reflected in policy and system change.

You will provide trusted advice to the Chief Executive, Executive Team and Board on political, policy and reputational issues, while building influential relationships across government, the NHS, local authorities, commissioners and wider system partners. The role will also contribute to MHM’s strategic objective to grow and expand mental health support services. As a visible external leader and spokesperson, you will strengthen MHM’s reputation and position as a leading voice within mental health and the wider health and social care sector.

You will bring:

• Significant experience in public policy, public affairs, external affairs or strategic relationship management at a senior level.
• A strong track record of influencing policy, decision‑making and system change across national, regional or local settings.
• Experience of building and maintaining high‑level relationships with politicians, government and departmental officers, commissioners, system leaders and partner organisations.
• Experience of advising Executive teams, Boards and senior leaders on strategic, political and reputational matters.
• A proven ability to develop and deliver policy and influencing strategies that have achieved measurable impact.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information, insight and emerging trends into clear recommendations and compelling messages.
• A strong understanding of the UK political and policy landscape, together with knowledge of health, social care and wider public service systems.
• Outstanding stakeholder management and partnership‑building skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across organisational boundaries.
• Strong strategic thinking, political awareness and the ability to operate effectively within a complex and changing environment.
• Experience and confidence as a senior spokesperson for the organisation.

You will be an experienced policy and external affairs professional, with a proven ability to influence decision‑makers, build trusted relationships and translate complex issues into clear, impactful action. Comfortable operating at a senior level, you will bring both political awareness and sound judgement, helping to position MHM as a leading voice within mental health and the wider health and social care sector.

• Competitive salaries, with an annual pay review process
• 25 days Annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus bank holidays
• Enhanced Occupational Sick pay
• Access to our workplace pension scheme
• Family friendly and flexible working arrangements to support a good work‑life balance
• Access to our Wellbeing Offer – including EAP, Virtual GP service and wellbeing resources
• Life Assurance and free will writing service
• Blue Light Card and Charity Workers discounts
• Access to Tickets for Good
• Employee recognition and celebration schemes
• A tailored induction programme, bespoke Personal Development and Career Pathways to support you in your role and your career aspirations

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We believe everyone should have access to fair and accessible opportunities, and we are committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are welcoming and inclusive for all.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Mental Health Matters

Waterside House, Sunderland Enterprise Park, St Catherine's Ct, Sunderland SR5 2TZ