About this role
Job summary
Lead a transformative peer support service and help shape the future of mental health support in Sutton. At Sutton Mental Health Foundation, Intentional Peer Support is at the heart of what we do. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and develop a well-established service that empowers people to build hope, connection and resilience through shared understanding and meaningful relationships.
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for our Intentional Peer Support Service, overseeing a dedicated team of Peer Support Workers, Trainers and project staff. You will play a key role in ensuring high-quality, person-centered support, driving service development, strengthening partnerships and promoting a culture of learning, inclusion and co-production.
We are looking for an inspiring and compassionate leader with experience in mental health, wellbeing or community services, who is passionate about the power of peer support and recovery-focused practice. Whether you bring direct experience of Intentional Peer Support or a strong background in leading strengths-based services, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting difference to people's lives while helping to shape the future direction of our organisation.
Join us and be part of a team committed to empowering Sutton residents to live healthier, more connected and more fulfilling lives.
Main duties of the job
Lead and manage Sutton Mental Health Foundation's Intentional Peer Support Service, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, person-centred support for Sutton residents. You will oversee service operations, support and develop staff and volunteers, maintain quality and safeguarding standards, and help drive continuous improvement across the service.
Working closely with the CEO and key partners, you will contribute to the strategic development and sustainability of the service, identify opportunities for growth, and help strengthen the role of peer support within the local mental health system. The role also involves building effective partnerships, monitoring outcomes and performance, supporting workforce development, and ensuring the service remains responsive to the needs of the community.
This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated leader who is passionate about mental health, recovery and the power of human connection to make a meaningful impact within a values-driven organisation.
About us
Sutton Mental Health Foundation is a local charity dedicated to improving mental health and wellbeing across the London Borough of Sutton. We provide a range of community-based services that help people stay well, build resilience and access support when they need it most. Our work includes crisis support, wellbeing activities, peer support, training and community engagement, all designed to help people live healthier, more connected lives.
We are a values-driven organisation committed to inclusion, recovery, co-production and the power of lived experience. We believe that people are the experts in their own lives, and we work alongside individuals and communities to create services that are empowering, compassionate and responsive.
Our team is friendly, supportive and collaborative, with a strong commitment to learning and continuous improvement. We foster a culture where staff are encouraged to share ideas, embrace innovation and contribute to the development of our services. We recognise the importance of wellbeing at work and strive to create an environment where people feel valued, respected and able to thrive.
Joining Sutton Mental Health Foundation means becoming part of a passionate team that is committed to transforming mental health support within the local community.
Job description Job responsibilities
The Role
You will lead the operational delivery and development of SMHFs peer support services, oversee recruitment, training and quality assurance, act as Safeguarding Lead, and contribute to strategic growth and partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
Service Leadership and Operational Management
Lead and develop SMHFs Intentional Peer Support Service.
Oversee day-to-day operations, staffing, budgets, quality and performance.
Line manage the Transformation Project Manager, IPS Trainers and Peer Support Workers.
Ensure compliance with KPIs, GDPR, safeguarding and service standards.
Work with data analysis staff to ensure high quality record keeping and reporting
Monitor outcomes, manage risk and respond to feedback, complaints and incidents.
Service Delivery Oversee referrals, assessments and allocation processes.
Support staff to help people achieve meaningful goals.
Maintain positive relationships with service users and partners.
Recruitment, Training and Workforce Development Lead recruitment, induction and development of staff and volunteers.
Oversee IPS training, accreditation and shadowing opportunities.
Provide supervision, appraisal, coaching and reflective practice sessions to support staff delivering a safe quality service.
Maintain DBS, training and workforce records.
Safeguarding and Organisational Leadership Act as SMHF Safeguarding Lead.
Provide safeguarding advice and oversight.
Represent SMHF at relevant contract and partnership meetings and boards.
Sutton Mental Health Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk and expects all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. As the organisation's designated Safeguarding Lead, the postholder will be responsible for promoting a strong safeguarding culture, providing safeguarding advice and guidance, ensuring concerns are managed appropriately, and maintaining compliance with safeguarding policies, procedures and statutory requirements.
Strategic Development and Partnerships Identify new funding, contract and partnership opportunities.
Support research, evaluation, fundraising and service development.
General Responsibilities Champion SMHF values, equality, inclusion and co-production.
Maintain professional development and comply with health and safety requirements.
DBS Requirement
This role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check due to regular contact with vulnerable adults. Appointment will be conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment checks, including satisfactory references, proof of right to work in the UK and an Enhanced DBS disclosure. The successful candidate will also be expected to maintain DBS clearance and undertake safeguarding training appropriate to the role.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Sutton Mental Health Foundation is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who are underrepresented within the mental health and voluntary sector workforce. We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity and eliminating discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, socio-economic background or any other protected characteristic.
We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment to enable disabled applicants and employees to thrive. We encourage applicants to let us know if there is any support we can provide to ensure an accessible and inclusive recruitment experience.
Person Specification
Other Requirements Essential
Willingness to work flexibly, including occasional evenings or weekends where required. Enhanced DBS check. Ability to travel locally within Sutton as required.
Qualifications Essential
Relevant qualification in mental health, social care, community development, leadership or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience. Commitment to ongoing professional development.
Desirable
Intentional Peer Support (IPS) Core Training. Safeguarding Lead or Designated Safeguarding training. Management, coaching or supervision qualification.
Experience Essential
Experience of working within mental health, wellbeing, peer support, community or voluntary sector services. Experience of managing, supervising or coordinating staff, volunteers or peer workers. Experience of delivering person-centred, strengths-based support. Experience of safeguarding adults and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns. Experience of recruitment, induction, training or workforce development. Experience of working in partnership with statutory, voluntary and community organisations. Experience of monitoring performance, outcomes and quality standards.
Desirable
Experience of managing peer support services. Experience of Intentional Peer Support (IPS) training or practice. Experience of managing commissioned services or contracts. Experience of budget monitoring. Experience of contributing to funding applications, fundraising or service development initiatives.
Knowledge and Understanding Essential
Understanding of mental health, recovery and the value of lived experience. Understanding of the principles and practice of Intentional Peer Support. Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practice. Understanding of equality, diversity, inclusion and co-production. Knowledge of GDPR, confidentiality and information governance. Understanding of risk assessment and safe working practices.
Desirable
Knowledge of local mental health services and support pathways. Understanding of commissioning and funding within the voluntary and community sector.
Skills and Abilities Essential
Strong leadership and people management skills. Ability to motivate, develop and support staff and volunteers. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to build effective relationships with service users, partners and stakeholders. Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently. Ability to analyse information, monitor performance and produce reports. Ability to manage challenging situations, complaints and sensitive conversations appropriately. Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and data recording systems.
Desirable
Training delivery and facilitation skills. Experience of service evaluation and impact measurement. Experience of developing policies, procedures or operational guidance.
Personal Qualities and Values Essential
Commitment to the values and principles of Intentional Peer Support. Commitment to SMHF's values of inclusion, recovery, equality and co-production. Empathetic, approachable and non-judgemental. Resilient and able to maintain professional boundaries. Reflective, adaptable and solution-focused. Passionate about the role of peer support in improving mental health and wellbeing.
Desirable
Understanding of, or personal connection to, the value of lived experience approaches in mental health services.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Sutton Mental Health Foundation
Address 63 Downs Road
Sutton
Surrey
SM2 5NR
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://smhf.org.uk/work-with-us/ (Opens in a new tab)