The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) Is the Leading Professional Body for the Education

The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is the leading professional body for the education, training, accreditation and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Our register of over 7,800 individual therapists is accredited by the government’s Professional Standards Authority.

As part of our commitment to work for public benefit, we strive to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against therapists on our register.

The Research Lead will play a vital role in defining the future for research at UKCP. This role is a huge opportunity for an ambitious and talented researcher to play a strategic role in shaping that future. The core purpose of this role is to develop a successful research function within UKCP that contributes to the delivery of UKCP’s overarching objectives. This includes developing strategies and delivering on them, in relation to support for and dissemination of quality research; increasing the research skills and capacity of the membership; and facilitating the knowledge of both members and the public about the evidence and implications for therapeutic practice, in line with the charitable aims of UKCP.

The role of Research Lead will work to build and maintain a strong research team and engage volunteers with appropriate expertise to support UKCP’s research activity.

The Role

• Advising the Chief Executive on, and implementing an agreed vision and work programme for the role of research within UKCP to ensure that psychotherapy in the UK is recognised as a research-informed and evidence-based profession

• Expanding and strengthening a network of relationships within the academic research community and with other professional and funding bodies to ensure UKCP is well-placed in contemporary debates on psychotherapy research

• Working alongside the Head of Communication to ensure UKCP’s public policy and research agendas are mutually reinforcing

• Evaluating all research-related activity and demonstrating the contribution it makes to UKCP’s overarching strategic objectives.

• To take responsibility with the senior management team for the delivery of high quality, professional work that has impact and is in line with UKCP’s strategic objectives.

• To develop the research skills and knowledge of the relevant evidence base of the membership through initiatives such as training events, conferences and digital networks.

• Managing relationships between UKCP volunteers, trustees and relevant committees to ensure that research is best used within the organisation and that expertise is used appropriately, knowledge shared effectively and that members are valued for their contributions to supporting the use of research in line with the charitable aims of UKCP.

This is not an exhaustive list and you are required to be flexible in your approach to carrying out your duties which may change from time to time to reflect changes in the organisation’s approach to a culture of continuous improvement.

The Person

This post would require someone capable of independent and strategic thinking; with an ability to see psychotherapy research in its wider social and public policy context; an

excellent understanding of the landscape of academic psychotherapy research and current trends; passionate about the pivotal role research can play in securing the future of the psychotherapy profession; a team player able to work alongside a range of different people to achieve common goals, and a natural communicator: Equally able to debate the detail of academic research, to engage in debates on the implications for research on public policy and to communicate with non-specialist audiences about the value of research in psychotherapy.

Essential Experience

• At least two years’ experience in a relevant research role or postgraduate training (preferably at Doctoral level) in a relevant field.

• A good working knowledge of research design and analysis including both qualitative and quantitative research methods

• A track record of project management and having seen projects to successful completion

• Excellent written communication skills

Desirable Experience

• Training in research skills at doctoral level.
• Understanding of the priorities, challenges and approaches required of a membership organisation including working with volunteers. Experience of working with volunteers.
• Staff management experience with an ability to develop staff to their full potential.
• Experience of setting, monitoring and controlling budgets.
• Proven commitment to diversity and equalities and ability to put this into practice.
• Experience of evaluating service and committee activity and demonstrating impact.
• Experience of conducting research projects
• Experience of working in research related to psychotherapy and mental health.