INTERIM CHIEF
EXECUTIVE
JOB DESCRIPTION
The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) is seeking to recruit an interim Chief Executive Officer for a maximum period of 6 months. The successful applicant will be an inspirational leader and have a proven track record in membership organisations, engaging members and other stakeholders, providing strategic leadership, managing staff teams through developmental change, projects and networking. Awareness of the work of BAAT and of art therapy professional issues and issues within the psychological professions is desirable. Excellent communication skills and the ability to grasp complex issues are essential requirements of the post, as is the ability to represent the views of BAAT in strategic meetings and to a wide range of audiences.
Hours 21 hours to be worked flexibly, occasional evening and Saturday work.
Salary (FTE: £80,000) BAAT operates a NEST pension scheme.
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)
Starting date: 20th April 2026 (negotiable)
Performance review dates: two months and again after 4 months after taking up post
Key relationships: BAAT Chair, BAAT Council, BAAT officers & employees, BAAT members, International Journal of Art Therapy Board, Higher Education Institutes, Allied Health Professions Federation, Health and Care Professions Council, Health Education England, Arts Therapies Professional Bodies, Arts in Health.
Job Purpose:
The role is to provide interim leadership and clear strategic direction for the development and management of BAAT, establishing a secure foundation that enables the professional body to serve as a beacon of dynamism and innovation for art therapy across the UK. It involves leading and maintaining a high-performing executive team that delivers services and support to BAAT members, while fostering a collaborative working environment with the nonexecutive directors on the Council. The position also supports BAAT members in upholding high standards of professionalism and contributes to strengthening the engagement of art therapy service users and their carers within the organisation. Additionally, it carries responsibility for BAAT’s administration and financial management, working closely with the Council to develop and oversee the implementation of the longterm strategy, budget, and business plan, and ensuring full compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Role Responsibilities
Mission, Policy and Planning
• Work with BAAT Council and members to develop and regularly review BAAT’s values, mission, vision and goals.
• Develop organisational strategy and a flexible business plan outlining key goal, milestones, KPIs and budget requirements.
• Support Council in monitoring organisational relevance, effectiveness and performance using KPIs and metrics.
• 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.
• Ensure BAAT remains responsive to social change and national initiatives affecting art therapists, particularly regarding equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Ensure service user- and carer perspectives are represented wherever possible.
Leadership
• Provide creative, proactive leadership on strategic issues BAAT faces.
• Model transparency, ethical decision-making- and integrity.
• Manage continuity and change effectively, setting clear goals and realistic deadlines.
• 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.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Update Council on relevant legal and policy changes.
• Oversee statutory compliance, including Council minutes, AGM documentation, annual report, accounts, and member notices.
• Maintain accurate Companies House records, including director appointments, removals and filing of accounts.
Management and Administration
• Work with external HR partners to ensure employer compliance and maintain upto-date staff policies and contracts.
• Maintain an effective and coste-fficient- staffing and volunteer structure, ensuring skills are well utilised.
• Oversee office protocols, administrative systems, IT structures and internal planning.
• Manage and supervise staff, including performance reviews, recruitment, contracts and salary structure.
• Oversee payroll, pensions and day to- d-ay operational management to ensure effective organisational functioning.
• Support staff and volunteer development, motivation and performance.
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.
• Facilitate productive discussion by framing complex issues clearly for Council.
• Recommend suitable volunteers for Council and committee roles.
• Advise Council on policy updates or new policy requirements.
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.
• Present financial reports to Council as required.
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.
• Identify and nurture strategic relationships essential to BAAT’s work.
• Act as BAAT’s spokesperson and advocate across public, private and voluntary sectors.
• Listen to members, volunteers and stakeholders to improve services and strengthen community engagement.
• Engage with legislators, regulators and partners to support policies aligned with BAAT’s aims and values.
• Respond to media enquiries and oversee BAAT’s professional presence on social media (e.g., LinkedIn).
Personal Specification
Essential Requirement
Track record of senior role in a membership organisation
Track record of providing leadership in complex contexts
Previous experience of being a CEO
Experience in networking
Ability to think strategically in complex situations
Ability to motivate others and provide inspiring leadership
Ability to understand finances and oversee budgets
Knowledge of current issues in art therapy, or areas within healthcare, health, care or education sectors
Awareness of service users’ and carers’ needs
Track record in proactively addressing issues of diversity and equalities with professionals and service users
Experience at strategic levels (Board, Management Committee)
Proven track record in managing a staff team (paid or volunteers)
Excellent communication skills
Ability to analyse issues and write concise reports
How Tested
Application form and Interview
Application form and Interview
Application form and Interview
Application form and Interview
Application form and Interview
Application form and Interview
Application form and Interview
Application form and Interview
Application form and Interview
Application form and Interview
Application form and Interview
Application form and Interview
Interview
Application form and Interview
Ability to work across various agencies and grasp complex institutional issues
Ability to work within a team and to consult
Ability to organise own workload
Desirable Criteria
Desirable Requirement
Knowledge of current political and policy issues impacting on Art Therapy and BAAT members
Awareness of art therapy / psychological professions’ professional issues
Good working knowledge of IT
Application form and Interview
Application form and Interview
Application form and Interview
How Tested
Application form and Interview
Application form and Interview
Application form and Interview
How to Apply
Application Process:
To apply for this role, please send your CV only to https://prospectus.co.uk/jobs/194436
Closing date: 10th April
Please note, Prospectus and BAAT will be reviewing application on a rolling basis, so to ensure you don’t miss out, do apply early.
Interview dates:
Interviews will be held via Teams the week commencing 13th April
BAAT is committed to equality of opportunity. If you wish to apply using an alternative format, please contact Prospectus on 020 7691 1920 or email executive.admin@prospect-us.co.uk