Head of Corporate Psychology

• Operational Judgement:
  • Apply sound professional judgement in high-stakes, sensitive scenarios (e.g., vetting, security risks, staff wellbeing).
  • Resolve competing demands with adaptability, pragmatism, and integrity—even in fluid, high-pressure environments.

Impact & Scope

This pivotal role:

• Shapes GCHQ’s ongoing psychology capabilities, supporting transformational change.
• Strengthens organisational capability across interconnected agencies.
• Positions psychology as a trusted, strategic function multiplier in tackling evolving challenges.

About You: Key Requirements

Professional Experience

• HCPC-registered Psychologist (with Clinical Psychologist or Occupational Psychologist expertise).
• At least post-doctoral experience at Consultant (Clinical) or Principal (Occupational) level**, reinforcing credibility.
• Extensive experience leading services, functions, or programmes, demonstrating operational autonomy.
• Proven record applying psychological principles to organisational challenges (consultancy, assessment, interventions, and development).

Leadership & Delivery

• Senior leadership acumen:
  • Leverage experience managing multi-disciplinary teams with diverse objectives.
  • Maintain high professional standards while fostering growth-oriented cultures.
• Consultancy & Influencing:
  • Build confidential, mutually beneficial relationships with risk-savvy stakeholders.
  • Advise on complex, sensitive issues via rigorous yet pragmatic approaches.

Psychological & Ethical Competencies

• Excels in uncertainty and change, incorporating adaptive, ethics-focused strategies.
• Demonstrates commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), evidenced through initiatives and allocations.
• Commit to administering high-contagency decisions with judgement, empathy, and transparency—especially where security, culture, or performance is at stake.

Rewards and Benefits

Competitive Remuneration

• Salary Band: £86,795 to £99,529
• Concessionary payment, IRP eligibility details included.

Core Offer

• 35 days annual leave (30 days after 5 years’ service), plus 10.5 days of public/privilege holidays—NHS/previous service recognised.
• Employee Performance Scheme: Recognition opportunities.
• Interest-free season ticket loan.
• Exceptional pension scheme (e.g., workplace auto-enrolment, match contributions).
• Marginal cost support: Cycle-to-work scheme.

Lifestyle Benefits

• On-site amenities:
  • Gym, restaurant, and coffee bars at select locations.
  • Wellbeing programmes (staff support initiatives).

Family-Focused Support

• Paid parental and adoption leave. Discuss options directly with HR during onboarding.

What to Expect

Recruitment Process

The selection process is fair, structured, and merit-based. Stages include:

1. Online application (pre-screening questions for initial eligibility).
2. Online Situational Judgement Test (SJT) to assess responses to real-world scenarios.
3. Application review (CV + motivation for role/organisation, evaluating skills and fit).
4. Assessment Centre:
   • Technical exercise (focused on role-specific competencies).
   • Competency-based interview (conducted on-site or virtually).
5. If successful, progressed to a conditional offer.

Note: Each stage must be passed; delays may span 6 to 9 months (including vetting), so candidates are advised to retain current employment until job confirmation.

Pre-Application Considerations

• Citizenship: Must be a UK citizen or hold dual British nationality to apply.
• Vetting Requirement: Role demands Developed Vetting (DV)—a rigorous security clearance.
• Drug Policy: Strict zero-tolerance for recreational substances (and declaration of prior usage).
• Templates:
  • Apply via a new email address to avoidظنтurthercling correspondence.
  • Avoid names/dates of birth in email aliases.
• Location Requirements: Role is based in Cheltenham or Manchester; candidates must live within a commutable distance.
• No Relocation Support: GCHQ does not cover relocation costs.

Additional Notes

• Applications submitted from outside the UK are not processable at this stage.
• Keep application discussions confidential—only authorized family names may participate (i.e., immediate support systems).
• Virtual interviews are permissible but may require on-site assessment(s).

We reserve the right to close this role early once a sufficient candidate pool is formed. Apply early to maximise consideration.