Head Of Governance

The Head of Counselling has overall responsibility for the smooth running of the clinical services, the recruitment of suitable counsellors, supervisors, and Strides HCC team to ensure the maintenance of high standards of service delivery. 

The role is an integral part of Strides, working with the CEO and other Heads of services to support the continuous development and delivery of services in line with Strides’ strategy. 

The main purpose of the role is to provide effective management and leadership of Strides HCC. The role focuses on the strategic development of the project, the financial management and financial sustainability of its operations, and the overseeing of all aspects of the clinical service delivery and clinical governance. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

•        To be accountable for all aspects of clinical governance in the service, reporting back to the CEO as required.

•        Organise and chair the steering group meetings, review minutes and report back on actions and progress.

•        Responsible for ensuring service(s) meet contractual, funding and legal obligations as applicable.

•        Conduct regular management / quality audits and provide management reports on performance.

•        Contribute to organisational policy and procedure development.

•        Produce and revise service-specific policies, and oversee their implementation across the HCC service.

•        Accountable for ensuring robust information management is in place; supporting the continuous Strides' information management systems and utilising management information reporting to assist management oversight of performance and to inform service developments.

•        Alongside facilities management and service manager to proactively ensure that all key elements of effective health    

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT

•        Develop and embed deliverable annual plans for each service. Work with and support the other Heads of services      and safety management are in place for all services, including delegating specific duties as appropriate in each service and the SLT in promoting the work of Strides.

•        To sustain existing and develop new business for HCC by raising the profile of HCC and by identifying, engaging,      and  building relationships with new clients and other mental health services.

•        Develop professional networks and partnerships with a range of key stakeholders to aid service development.

•        Anticipate and develop strategies to resolve service challenges or risks involving appropriate colleagues.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

•        To set an annual operational budget for each service in conjunction with service managers, finance team and senior  management.

•        Act as budget holder for designated area, responsible for monitoring and controlling assigned budget, taking              corrective action where appropriate, and reporting as required.

•        Work with service managers to ensure all financial and administrative processes are delivered to a high standard      within policies and procedures.

•        To identify possible sources of income, working with fundraising colleagues on sourcing funding for service                development.

SAFEGUARDING

•        Be responsible and accountable for ensuring HCC fully embeds excellent safeguarding practice and are fully aware  of organisational safeguarding policies and procedures.

•        Act as key source of support, advice, and expertise for safeguarding for the service.

•        Together with the Clinical Manager act as points of contact for counsellors and supervisors in case of urgent clinical  questions/issues. 

PEOPLE LEADERSHIP

•        Create clear vision and objectives for service(s) under your leadership; empowering, motivating people to be fully      engaged and participate in the work and provide high standard clinical service.

•        Through line management responsibilities, develop accountable service managers with clear expectations and          objectives, ensuring learning needs are assessed and met.

•        To have regular, clear communication with direct reports and facilitate a ‘feedback loop’ to ensure your teams are fully  informed of organisational decision making and updates and team members are provided mechanisms to feed into organisational developments. 

•        To ensure that staff operate at the level of competency specified for their posts; to coach, support and develop staff to enhance their levels of competency and to take effective steps to address underperformance.

•        To work with service managers and HR team to ensure the best possible management of team members, ensuring    all matters are managed in line with Strides policies and procedures.

•        Line manage the Service Manager and the Clinical Manager, and the Clinical Supervisors.

•        Monitor and support the work of Supervisors & organise and chair quarterly supervisors’ meetings.

•        Together with the Clinical Manager, organise an annual seminar program for HCC Counsellors and Assessors.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

•        To contribute to Strides’ overall strategy and business plan.

•        To work collaboratively and contribute to positive working relationships with team colleagues, wider Strides                colleagues and volunteers and to participate in reflective practice.

•        To fully engage with and represent the area of responsibility as required in the system of organisational management and Board of Trustee meetings and Strides events.

•        To keep abreast of current legislation and other developments relevant for the specific area of work.

•        To maintain probity and transparency in all dealings and declare any interests that might affect the role.

•        To adhere to Strides Diversity and Inclusion and Health and Safety Policy in all aspects of the work.

Interview Date: 5th July 2024