MHPF's new Chief Executive: Kathy Roberts

As the new Chief Executive of MHPF I am very excited about working with our members to shape and develop the mental health not-for-profit sector.

My background in health and social care and working within the not-for-profit sector has highlighted the strength of the sector and the huge amount of innovation it demonstrates. This innovation, the partnerships and the new areas of service delivery reflect a strong influencing and campaigning voice within the sector and I see MHPF as the ideal platform for this voice.

MHPF brings together the vast amount of experience, knowledge and skills from across its membership. This will support sector development, provide evidence of good practice and promote our members whilst still acknowledging the individuality, innovations and strengths of each organisation.

It is a platform that will be reinforced in respect to commissioning and regulation of mental health services as well as demonstrating commitment and involvement in the implementation framework for the Mental Health Strategy and further work on NHS reform.

Over the last few months my consultancy work for both the MHPF and NHS Confederation has focused on sector priorities (for profit and not-for-profit), commissioning and regulation. I will now be taking forward areas such as evidencing outcomes and good practice, supporting the legislation toolkit, safety planning (working with HSE and Charity Commission) and regulation; all areas which will have an impact on MHPF members.

MHPF will continue its strategic partnership and recovery work and, in the coming months, be refocusing on its forums and work streams such as ‘Psychological Therapies’ and ‘Employment’. It will also seek to work closely with members to review how it can best provide information and support to strengthen the ties between volutnary mental health service providers, policy makers and stakeholders.

As MHPF moves into this new phase, I look forward to strengthening relationships with all our members and helping to unite the voluntary mental health sector.