Chief Executive Officer (Part-time)

Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy

Hours
14 hours per week

About the Organisation

ACAT is the Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy. We are a registered charity, number 1141793.  ACAT is a national association of members for the development of Cognitive Analytic Therapy in the UK. We have a membership of around 1000 individual members.

Through our aims, we contribute to the development, maintenance and auditing of all CAT training courses in the UK, and we accredit CAT trainees at different levels of training.  ACAT functions as the guardian of standards within CAT, embodied in our Codes of Ethics and Practice and our Complaints Procedures.  We support research and the continuing professional development of all our members.  

ACAT is a member of the International Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy (ICATA).  Additionally, ACAT is a member of the Humanistic and Integrative College (HIPC) of the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). We welcome members of the public, health professionals, ACAT-accredited professionals, and anyone interested in finding out more about CAT. We hope that through this website and the membership opportunities we offer, we will inform and support new understanding, interest, learning, and training in Cognitive Analytic Therapy.

 For our members, we hope to support your ongoing CAT practice and your active involvement in the organisation. Cognitive Analytic Therapy is an active and collaborative method of therapy, supervision, and service development.  In this same spirit, every member of ACAT is welcomed and encouraged to become actively involved in any aspect of the organisation.

About the role

We are seeking a leader with a hands-on approach to lead our small team of administrative staff and support our Board of Trustees and members to help shape and implement our strategy for the future. You will manage the day-to-day operations of the organisation, translating the strategy into practice to help the organisation grow and deliver real value to our members.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will work closely with the Board of Trustees to shape the strategic direction of the organisation and lead on its implementation. Through strong leadership, productive relationships and sound financial management the CEO will oversee ACAT’s committees, trainings, policies, and procedures ensuring value for money for all ACAT members.

The CEO will oversee a small team of administrative staff working with them and with members to translate the strategic aims into day-to-day operations. Externally, the CEO will champion the advancement of Cognitive Analytic Therapy training, research, and practice across the UK and internationally. The CEO will develop a strong relationship with the UKCP and with NHS funding organisations as a key part of this.

Responsibilities

Leadership:

• With the Board of Trustees, develop, execute, and monitor the implementation of the
• strategic plans and agreed performance targets.
• Demonstrate delivery of practical hands-on operations success.

Financial Management

• Develop and implement financial plans in order to deliver agreed strategic aims. Set, monitor, and report on the annual budget to the Board, clearly highlighting any cost pressures and offering solutions to maintain a balanced budget.

Innovation and Development:

• Ensure the membership base is maintained, identifying and implementing new initiatives in line with the agreed strategy to increase membership satisfaction and numbers. Identify and implement changes to systems and procedures as required to align with ACAT’s mission and vision.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with all key stakeholders, both internal and external to the organisation.
• Represent ACAT at public events, conferences, and with the NHS and other professional and funding organisations, advocating for the organisation in a professional, credible, and effective way.
• Oversee the delivery of the ACAT annual conference, a full range of CPD events, and a regular members’ newsletter.
• Ensure the website is updated and maintained as required for internal use and to inform interested parties external to the organisation of the work of ACAT and about CAT Therapy.

People Management:

• Foster a culture of trust, flexibility, and respect across the organisation.
• Delegate tasks appropriately and equitably across the organisation.
• Support all staff, committee chairs, and contractors to ensure they are able to work effectively and efficiently.
• Ensure all HR policies and procedures are up to date and followed.

Governance:

• Ensure ACAT complies with all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
• Maintain and update all organisational policies and procedures.
• Ensure all annual reports, accreditation requirements, and appointments to committees are delivered as required following transparent processes in line with best practice in relation to equality and diversity.
• Ensure complaints and incidents are investigated adequately and reported where necessary to the
• Board of Trustees, members, and external organisations, including the HSE and UKCP.

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Essential:

• Proven experience in senior leadership roles within the NHS, Social Care, and charity sector, leading and managing professional staff from a range of disciplines, including psychological therapies
• Understanding of not-for-profit organisations
• Knowledge of and understanding of talking therapies in general and in CAT specifically
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Proven track record of building effective relationships with a range of stakeholders
• Financial acumen and experience in developing, managing, and reporting budgets, including strategic development
• Strategic planning and decision-making skills
• Ability to develop self and others through continuous learning and development
• Personal integrity and the ability to tell it how it is
• Ability to make strategic decisions
• Proven track record of delivering effective change within an organisation

Desirable:

• Experience in negotiating contracts and fundraising

Required Qualifications

• Educated to degree level, completed CAT training to Practitioner level

Compensation & Benefits

• 33 days of annual leave 
• Flexible working arrangements with both home working and some team-based hours each month.
• The opportunity to work with dedicated professionals to develop CAT training and the governance of CAT therapists.
• 6-month probationary period

Working locations

• Home-based
• Travel to work regularly (1 day per month minimum) from the admin team base in Dorchester.

How to apply

• Please send your CV, including contact details of two professional references and a covering letter outlining how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the selection criteria set out in the job description to [email protected] by 5 pm on Friday, 30th January 2026 

Policies

ACAT is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.

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