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).
Working arrangements: Part-time (28 hours per week, equivalent to four days), fixed-term contract for two years.
Reporting to: Chair of the Council
Purpose:
The Chief Executive will provide strategic and operational leadership to BAAT during a critical period of transformation and organisational renewal. Appointed on a two-year fixed-term basis, the postholder will lead the organisation through a programme of stabilisation, change and improvement, ensuring BAAT is well-positioned for sustainable long-term success.
Working closely with the Council, members, staff and key stakeholders, the Chief Executive will assess and strengthen organisational effectiveness, enhance financial sustainability, and build the capability, structures and governance required to support BAAT's future ambitions. They will provide visible and inclusive leadership throughout this period of transition, creating confidence across the organisation and wider membership community.
The role will involve leading and supporting the executive team, embedding a high-performance culture, and driving the delivery of agreed transformation priorities. The Chief Executive will be responsible for aligning resources and operations to strategic objectives, improving organisational resilience, and ensuring BAAT continues to provide meaningful value to its 3,145 members and the wider profession.
As BAAT's senior executive and principal ambassador, the postholder will champion the profession externally while maintaining a strong focus on internal organisational development. They will oversee operational and financial performance, uphold the highest standards of governance and compliance, and establish the foundations, stability and momentum required for BAAT's next phase of development.
Key responsibilities
Transformation, Leadership and Culture
Lead BAAT through a period of organisational transformation, stabilisation and renewal, ensuring the Association is positioned for long-term sustainability and impact.
Provide visible and inclusive leadership, fostering a positive, high-performing culture that supports engagement, accountability and wellbeing.
Work closely with Council to deliver agreed transformation priorities while maintaining organisational stability and operational effectiveness.
Build confidence and alignment across staff, members and stakeholders through clear communication and collaborative change leadership.
Mission, Strategy and Planning
Work with Council, staff and members to shape and deliver BAAT's strategic priorities, ensuring alignment with its mission, values and objectives.
Develop and monitor organisational and business plans, including key milestones, performance measures and resource requirements.
Provide Council with clear reporting and insight on organisational performance, opportunities and risks.
Ensure appropriate policies, controls and frameworks support effective decision-making and delivery.
Management and Operations
Lead, develop and support staff, ensuring an effective structure, clear accountabilities and a culture of continuous improvement.
Oversee day-to-day operations, HR (External), technology and administrative functions, ensuring efficient and effective organisational performance.
Ensure resources are deployed effectively to deliver strategic and operational priorities.
Finance
Ensure BAAT's financial sustainability through effective planning, budgeting, risk management and resource allocation.
Identify opportunities to strengthen income, improve efficiency and support long-term organisational resilience.
Work with Council to set membership fees and support income generation‑ initiatives (e.g., CPD).
Membership, External Relations and Advocacy
Act as BAAT's principal ambassador and spokesperson, promoting the profession and strengthening the Association's influence.
Build productive relationships with members, regulators, policymakers and sector partners to advance BAAT's strategic objectives
Stay informed about internal and external developments affecting members and service users. Listen to members, volunteers and stakeholders to improve services and strengthen community engagement.
Governance
Partner with Council and the Chair to ensure effective governance, compliance and informed decision-making.
Oversee statutory obligations and company secretarial responsibilities.
Act as Company Secretary to maintain accurate Companies House records, including director appointments, removals and filing of accounts.
Person specification
Leadership, Transformation and Strategy
Proven senior leadership experience as a Chief Executive, Executive Director or equivalent.
Track record of leading organisational transformation, change, stabilisation or turnaround programmes.
Experience developing and implementing strategy, translating vision into clear priorities, measurable outcomes and sustainable improvements.
Ability to lead through complexity and uncertainty, balancing short-term operational demands with long-term organisational development.
Organisational Leadership and Governance
Experience working effectively with Boards, Councils or Trustees through periods of organisational change.
Strong financial and commercial acumen, including improving organisational resilience, sustainability and resource allocation.
Experience reviewing and strengthening organisational structures, systems, governance and operational effectiveness.
People, Culture and Engagement
Experience leading and developing teams through periods of change, fostering engagement, trust and high performance.
Ability to create positive workplace cultures that promote collaboration, accountability, wellbeing and inclusion.
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build confidence and alignment among staff, volunteers and stakeholders.
Experience embedding organisational values and driving cultural change.
Stakeholder Engagement and Influence
Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, with the ability to engage a diverse range of stakeholders.
Experience of acting as an organisational ambassador, advocate or spokesperson.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to build consensus and manage competing priorities.
Experience influencing external policy, partnerships or sector-wide initiatives.
Sector Knowledge and Understanding
Understanding of professional membership organisations and the challenges and opportunities they face.
Knowledge of issues affecting healthcare, allied health professions, education, social care or the wider not-for-profit sector.
Appreciation of the needs and perspectives of members, service users and carers.
Values and Personal Qualities
Collaborative, authentic and emotionally intelligent leadership style.
Resilient, adaptable and comfortable leading through change and ambiguity.
Strong personal integrity, credibility and accountability.
Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and BAAT's mission and values.
Desirable
Experience leading transformation within a membership body, professional association, charity or regulated environment.
Knowledge of policy and regulatory developments affecting art therapy, mental health or professional bodies.
Understanding of the current challenges and opportunities facing BAAT and its membership.
