Chair
Anna Freud
London
Voluntary role with reasonable expenses covered
Children and young people’s mental health has never been more important — or more complex. Across the UK, increasing numbers are struggling with challenges that affect their wellbeing, development, and sense of belonging. Anna Freud plays a vital and unique role in meeting this need: bringing together world-leading research, clinical expertise, and training to transform how children’s mental health is understood and supported. By bridging the gap between science and practice, and by putting the voices of children and families at the heart of everything we do, we are helping to build a future where every young person can thrive.
This is an exciting moment of change for us. Founded more than 70 years ago, we have grown from a small centre of psychoanalytic excellence into a world-leading mental health charity, combining cutting-edge research, clinical practice, policy, and training to improve the lives of children, young people and families. Our work now spans the UK and beyond, with strategic partnerships with UCL and Yale that bring together academic excellence and applied innovation on a global scale. Our Patron, HRH The Princess of Wales, shares our deep commitment to transforming mental health for children and families.
THE ROLE
With the appointment of Professor Eamon McCrory as our Chief Executive in 2024, and the forthcoming departure of our longstanding Chair, Michael Samuel MBE – who has announced he is stepping down after many years of dedicated and distinguished service in March next year – this is a moment of both change and opportunity for Anna Freud. Together, the Board and Executive are embarking on a new strategic chapter – one that will shape the organisation’s future impact by deepening our influence, extending our reach, and strengthening the sustainability of our model.
We are looking for an exceptional Chair to lead our Board into this next phase. You will bring strategic and financial acumen, sound judgement, and a genuine spirit of partnership, working closely with Eamon and his leadership team as a trusted, supportive, and thoughtful partner. Collaborative and insightful in your leadership, you will know when to challenge and when to encourage. You will also bring the personal authority, networks, and influence to represent Anna Freud externally, champion our mission and spot opportunities for us.
Crucially, you will share a deep commitment to our belief that every child and young person deserves the opportunity to thrive emotionally and mentally. If you bring the vision, empathy and leadership to guide us forward, we would be delighted to hear from you.
INFORMATION
Download the candidate brief to find out about the role.
DOWNLOADHow to apply
To make an application, please click on the apply now button below, with the following prepared:
- Your CV (no more than three sides).
- A covering letter that sets out your motivation for the role and describes the specific experience you can bring to the appointment.
Timeline
Closing date for applications
Friday 16th January 2026
Preliminary meetings with Starfish
w/c 26th January 2026
Final interviews with Anna Freud
Monday 9th February 2026