Job Description
Job Title:
Head of Policy (Neurodevelopmental Mental Health)
Reports To:
Director of Policy
Location:
London-based
Salary:
£57,000, plus pension and private medical insurance
Purpose
The Head of Policy (Neurodevelopmental Mental Health) is a new senior role within the IHPN team, reporting to the Director of Policy. The postholder will develop a strategic and impactful programme of work to shape the policy environment for IHPN members delivering neurodevelopmental mental health services, such as those supporting individuals with autism, ADHD, and other developmental conditions. These services are increasingly vital in meeting rising demand across both NHS and private pathways.
This programme will aim to influence the external landscape and ensure members can maximise opportunities to deliver high-quality services. As IHPN members operate within a highly policy-driven environment, particularly around NHS service delivery, the role is critical to enabling success.
The Head of Policy will:
* Identify key priorities in collaboration with the Director of Policy
* Build strong senior-level relationships with members
* Engage regularly with stakeholders such as NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care, health think tanks, and others
* Work closely with the Director of Regulation to align policy and regulatory workstreams
* Contribute to IHPN’s broader policy offer in partnership with other policy leads
About Neurodevelopmental Mental Health
Neurodevelopmental mental health refers to services that support individuals with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, and other developmental differences. These services are essential to ensuring people receive early, accurate diagnosis and tailored, long-term support. IHPN’s members play a growing role in delivering high-quality neurodevelopmental services within both the NHS and private sectors.
Key Accountabilities
* Develop and deliver business plan objectives for the neurodevelopmental mental health sector.
* Monitor and communicate relevant policy developments to members.
* Work with the Head of Communications to design and deliver an influencing programme, targeting government, regulators, NHS bodies, and Parliament.
* Lead IHPN’s neurodevelopmental mental health sector group, including agenda planning and securing external speakers.
* Organise policy events and roundtables to engage members and shape external agendas.
* Collaborate with IHPN’s data adviser to gather insights and influence data frameworks relevant to the sector.
* Build senior-level relationships with all neurodevelopmental mental health members and support member growth.
* Act as an ambassador for IHPN with key external stakeholders.
* Commission and manage external contractors aligned with business plans and budgets.
* Contribute to commercial development and membership growth.
* Support the broader IHPN policy function as a senior team member.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
* Knowledge of neurodevelopmental mental health policy.
* Flexible and agile in a rapidly changing policy environment.
* Excellent influencing and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Outstanding policy research and analysis capabilities, with the ability to craft clear, impactful narratives.
* Skilled in interpreting and presenting data to generate insight.
* High attention to detail and consistent output of high-quality work.
* Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
* Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team.
* Effective use of digital collaboration and facilitation tools (online and face-to-face).
* Experience in public policy, healthcare, and/or a membership or trade body environment.
* Strong IT skills.
* Proven project delivery experience.
Desirable
* Educated to degree level.
* Experience in influencing or driving policy change within central government — particularly with NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care, and/or the Department for Education.
Who Should Apply
We’re looking for someone who:
* Enjoys building relationships with people and stakeholders
* Is a confident self-starter who delivers
* Works well in a team and can lead when needed
* Aligns with IHPN’s values: proactivity, integrity, and putting members first
Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they don’t meet all the above criteria, although experience of mental health policy work would obviously be a strong advantage.