Role description
Chief Executive
Salary: £80,000 FTE
Responsible to: Chair of the Council
Location:24 -27 White Lion Street, London N1 9PD. You will be required to mix office-based work more often with home-working, so will need to be able to travel to the BAAT office regularly. Travel to national and international meetings may be required (travel expenses will be reimbursed).
Hours: 28 hours per week
Purpose:
The Chief Executive will provide strategic leadership and direction for BAAT at an important time of the organisations development, ensuring the organisation continues to grow its influence, strengthen the profession, and deliver meaningful value for members, service users, and the wider art therapy community.
The role involves leading a high-performing executive team, fostering a positive and collaborative culture, and working in close partnership with the Council to deliver BAAT's strategic ambitions. The Chief Executive will play a key role in building organisational capability, enhancing member engagement, and increasing awareness of the value and impact of art therapy across the UK.
The postholder will champion high standards of professional practice, support the development of the profession, and ensure the voices of service users and carers are reflected in BAAT's work.
As the organisation's senior executive and principal ambassador, the Chief Executive will also oversee BAAT's operational and financial performance, working closely with the Council to develop and implement the long-term strategy, business plan and budget, while ensuring the highest standards of governance, compliance and organisational effectiveness.
Key responsibilities
Mission, Policy and Planning
Work with BAAT Council, staff and members to develop and regularly review BAAT’s values, mission, vision and goals.
Develop and monitor the progress of organisational strategy and a flexible business plan outlining key goals, milestones, KPIs and budget requirements.
Keep Council fully informed of BAAT’s condition and influencing factors through clear financial, management and performance reporting.
Ensure robust policies are in place across all areas of BAAT’s work, reflecting environmental, social and ethical responsibilities.
Leadership
Provide creative, proactive leadership on strategic issues BAAT faces.
Model transparency, ethical decision-making‑ and integrity.
Lead and support internal change and transformation initiatives, balancing business continuity with evolving organisational priorities.
Address demanding situations constructively and help maintain a positive workplace culture.
Professional Support to Members
Stay informed about internal and external developments affecting members and service users.
Identify appropriate responses, internally (e.g., new guidelines) or externally (e.g., policy engagement), in consultation with Council.
Ensure staff provide timely professional support to members, including during complaints or investigations when appropriate.
Listen to members, volunteers and stakeholders to improve services and strengthen community engagement.
Management and Administration
Work with external HR partners to ensure employer compliance and maintain up-to‑date staff policies and contracts.
Manage and supervise staff, including performance reviews, recruitment, contracts and salary structure.
Maintain effective and cost-efficient‑ staffing and volunteer structure, ensuring skills are well utilised.
Oversee payroll, pensions and day-to‑day operational management to ensure effective organisational functioning. Oversee office protocols, administrative systems, IT structures and internal planning.
Governance
Work with Council, officers and committees to support effective governance and clarify responsibilities. Partner with the Chair to ensure timely attention to core issues and well-informed decision‑making.
Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements and update Council on relevant legal and policy changes.
Oversee statutory compliance, including Council minutes, AGM documentation, annual report, accounts, and member notices.
Act as Company Secretary to maintain accurate Companies House records, including director appointments, removals and filing of accounts.
Finance
Ensure BAAT has the financial resources to meet strategic goals, working with the finance manager (and Treasurer when reinstated).
Oversee cost-effective delivery of BAAT activities while maintaining quality.
Work with Council to set membership fees and support income generation‑ initiatives (e.g., CPD).
Recommend actions in response to financial risk and implement them proactively.
Relationship Building
Maintain productive relationships with governmental and non‑governmental bodies, UK arts therapies associations and other key stakeholders.
Ensure BAAT contributes to relevant national consultations and sector discussions.
Act as BAAT’s spokesperson and advocate across public, private, voluntary sectors and media, ensuring there is a strategic communications strategy in place.
Engage with legislators, regulators and partners to support policies aligned with BAAT’s aims and values.
Person specification
Leadership & Strategy
Proven senior leadership experience, ideally as a Chief Executive, Executive Director or equivalent.
Experience developing and delivering organisational strategy within a complex and values-driven environment.
Ability to provide inspirational leadership and build high-performing, inclusive teams.
Demonstrated strong judgement and ability to lead through change and transformation, balancing evolving priorities while maintaining focus on outcomes.
Experience of membership growth, engagement or retention strategies.
Governance & Organisational Leadership
Experience working effectively with Boards, Councils or Trustees.
Strong financial and commercial acumen, including oversight of budgets, risk and long-term sustainability.
Ability to ensure effective operational performance, governance and regulatory compliance.
Stakeholder Engagement & Influence
Strong relationship-building and networking skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
Experience acting as an organisational ambassador, advocate or spokesperson.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus.
Experience influencing policy, advocacy or sector-wide initiatives.
Sector Knowledge & Understanding
Knowledge of issues affecting art therapy, allied health professions, healthcare, education or social care.
Understanding of the role and value of professional membership organisations.
Appreciation of the needs and perspectives of service users and carers.
Values & Personal Qualities
Commitment to BAAT's mission and the advancement of the art therapy profession.
Collaborative, inclusive and emotionally intelligent leadership style.
Strong personal integrity, professionalism and accountability.
Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Desirable
Knowledge of policy and regulatory developments affecting art therapy and professional bodies.
Knowledge of current political and policy issues impacting on Art Therapy and BAAT members.
