The Royal College of Psychiatrists is seeking a Project Officer to join its College Centre for Quality Improvement (CCQI) in London, with flexible hybrid working available. Earning £28,304 – £30,886 per year plus excellent benefits, the Project Officer will play a vital role in supporting national quality networks that work to improve mental health services across the UK.
The role involves collecting and analysing data, organising and attending virtual and in-person service review visits nationwide, coordinating training events and conferences, writing reports, maintaining accurate project records, and liaising with healthcare professionals, patients, carers, and other stakeholders.
Ideal candidates will be organised, proactive, detail-oriented, and excellent communicators with an interest in mental health and quality improvement; prior experience in healthcare, quality improvement, or data analysis is helpful but not essential as full training is provided.
Job Details:
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Salary: £28,304 – £30,886 per annum plus excellent benefits
Location: Aldgate, London (with flexible hybrid working)
Royal College of Psychiatrists:
The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the professional membership body for psychiatrists in the UK and a leading voice in mental health. We promote excellent care for people affected by mental illness and support over 19,000 members worldwide. As a values-based organisation, we’re committed to diversity, inclusion, and driving positive change in mental health services. In 2019, we were proud to be named Charity of the Year at the European Diversity Awards.
College Centre for Quality Improvement (CCQI):
The College Centre for Quality Improvement (CCQI) partners with mental health services across the UK to assess and improve the quality of care. Working with over 90% of NHS mental health providers, we focus on:
- Quality networks – peer networks of services sharing best practice
- Accreditation programmes – assessing services against evidence-based standards
- National clinical audits – large-scale data collection to improve outcomes
- Research and evaluation – evidence to inform service development
Responsibilities:
We’re offering an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to join our dynamic CCQI team as a Project Officer. This role is perfect for someone interested in mental health service development or quality improvement.
As a Project Officer, you will:
- Coordinate data collection from mental health services for benchmarking against quality standards
- Organise and attend service review visits across the UK (in-person and/or virtual)
- Assist in preparing for and delivering training events, conferences, and workshops
- Maintain accurate records, databases, and administrative systems
- Draft reports summarising findings from service reviews and audits
- Communicate effectively with clinicians, service managers, patients, carers, and other stakeholders
- Contribute to the development and improvement of quality standards and processes
- Help produce resources and materials to support mental health services
- Support logistics for meetings, events, and network activities
- Participate actively as part of a collaborative team environment
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in handling sensitive information
A typical day might involve scheduling a virtual service review, collaborating with colleagues to prepare training materials, analysing service data, or drafting a report for publication.
Networks Recruiting:
We’re currently recruiting Project Officers across several networks, including:
- QNFMHS – Quality Network for Forensic Mental Health Services
- Works with secure mental health services to improve patient care and safety.
- QNPMHS – Quality Network for Prison Mental Health Services
- Focuses on mental health care quality within the prison system.
- QNPICU – Quality Network for Psychiatric Intensive Care Units
- Improves standards in high-dependency mental health units.
- PLAN – Psychiatric Liaison Accreditation Network
- Enhances mental health support in general hospitals.
- QN-CRHTT – Quality Network for Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Teams
- Supports services helping people in mental health crises.
- PQN – Perinatal Quality Network
- Focuses on mental health services for women during pregnancy and the postnatal period.
- ECTAS – Electroconvulsive Therapy Accreditation Service
- Works to improve quality and safety in ECT services.
If you have a preference for working in specific networks, please state this in your application. Otherwise, all applicants will be considered for all networks.
Requirements:
We’d love to hear from you if you:
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects or tasks simultaneously
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
- Good attention to detail and accuracy in data and written work
- Confidence in liaising with a range of stakeholders, including professionals and service users
- Competence in using standard IT tools (e.g. Microsoft Office, video conferencing platforms)
- Interest in mental health, healthcare, or service improvement
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Experience working in mental health, healthcare, research, or quality improvement
- Experience in organising events, meetings, or training sessions
- Data analysis or report writing skills
- Understanding of accreditation, auditing, or benchmarking processes
- Experience with travel and logistics for work purposes
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience
Personal Qualities
- Enthusiastic and proactive attitude
- Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities
- Professional and approachable manner
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
- Willingness to travel occasionally across the UK for service reviews or events
Note:
You do not need to be a clinician or have a medical background to apply. People from diverse professional and educational backgrounds are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the essential skills listed above.
Previous experience in mental health, quality improvement, or healthcare is an advantage but not essential. We’re looking for people with the right skills and enthusiasm.
Benefits:
In return for your commitment, we offer:
- Hybrid working model (office and remote/home-based)
- Competitive salary (£28,304 – £30,886 per annum)
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Excellent pension scheme
- Training and professional development opportunities
- Staff wellbeing and mental health support services
- Inclusive and supportive work environment
- Opportunities to travel across the UK for service visits and events (with expenses covered)
- Access to professional networks and conferences
- Career development within a respected national organisation
- Cycle-to-work scheme and other employee perks
- Recognition and rewards for staff contributions
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Charity sector benefits including meaningful work with social impact
Additional Information:
- Interviews: 14 and 15 July 2025 (held remotely)
- You will report to a Senior Project Manager within the CCQI team, which comprises approximately 20 staff across various roles.
We value a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all communities, including those with lived experience of mental health conditions. We’re committed to making reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process for candidates who may have a disability
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who will I work with?
You’ll join a team of around 20 staff, including other Project Officers, Senior Project Officers, and Quality Improvement Leads. You’ll report to a Senior Project Manager within CCQI. The work is collaborative and supportive.
Will I have to travel a lot?
This role involves some travel, mainly across the UK, for service reviews or conferences. However, many visits and meetings are conducted virtually. The College operates a hybrid working model, meaning you’ll split your time between working from home and the London office.
Do I need a clinical or medical qualification?
No. While some colleagues have backgrounds in healthcare, you do not need to be a clinician or have a medical degree. Many Project Officers come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, including psychology, social sciences, public health, administration, or project management.
