Application Guide

How to Apply for Chief Executive Officer

at Association For Cognitive Analytic Therapy

🏢 About Association For Cognitive Analytic Therapy

ACAT is a unique charity dedicated exclusively to advancing Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) through training, accreditation, and professional development for therapists. Unlike broader mental health organizations, ACAT focuses specifically on promoting CAT as a valued talking therapy through research and governance. Someone might want to work here to contribute directly to shaping the future of a specialized therapeutic approach alongside dedicated professionals.

About This Role

As CEO, you'll lead a small administrative team while supporting the Board of Trustees to implement ACAT's strategic vision for growth. This role involves hands-on management of day-to-day operations, translating strategy into practice to deliver real value to members. Your impact will directly influence the development of CAT training and governance for therapists across the UK.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve virtual meetings with your administrative team to coordinate operations, followed by strategic planning sessions to advance CAT training initiatives. You could spend time reviewing budget reports, preparing materials for the Board of Trustees, and responding to member inquiries - all while balancing remote work with occasional in-person collaboration in Dorchester or at UK events.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Association For Cognitive Analytic Therapy Is Looking For

  • Experienced leader with specific knowledge of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) principles and practice
  • Strategic thinker capable of managing budgets and reporting financial performance for a charity
  • Excellent communicator with proven experience implementing organizational change in small teams
  • Flexible professional comfortable with remote work, monthly office hours in Dorchester, and occasional UK-wide travel

📝 Tips for Applying to Association For Cognitive Analytic Therapy

1

Explicitly demonstrate your understanding of CAT in your application - mention specific aspects of the therapy or ACAT's training programs

2

Highlight experience with charity governance and working with Boards of Trustees, as this is specifically mentioned in the job description

3

Provide concrete examples of implementing strategic change in small organizations (not just large corporations)

4

Address how you would manage a part-time, flexible 14-hour week while maintaining leadership presence

5

Show familiarity with remote team management, as this role involves both home working and monthly in-person team hours

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific knowledge of Cognitive Analytic Therapy and how it informs leadership approach', 'Experience translating strategic vision into operational practice in small organizations', 'Track record of implementing change while managing budgets and reporting', 'Ability to balance remote leadership with in-person collaboration in Dorchester and across the UK']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → ACAT's current training programs and accreditation processes for CAT therapists
  • → Recent research or publications about Cognitive Analytic Therapy (check ACAT's website and academic journals)
  • → The charity's governance structure and current Board of Trustees (if publicly available)
  • → Current challenges facing talking therapies in the UK healthcare system

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop and implement a growth strategy for ACAT while maintaining its charitable mission?
2 Describe your experience working with Boards of Trustees in the charity sector
3 How would you manage a small remote team with only 14 hours per week?
4 What specific ideas do you have for promoting CAT as a 'valuable and valued talking therapy'?
5 How would you approach budget management and reporting for a part-time CEO role in a charity?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with generic leadership experience without demonstrating specific knowledge of CAT or mental health charities
  • Focusing only on full-time executive experience without addressing part-time flexibility requirements
  • Neglecting to mention experience with charity governance, budgets, or working with Boards

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Association For Cognitive Analytic Therapy!

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