Mind announces changes as part of transformation process
Mental health charity Mind has begun a transformation programme designed to strengthen its impact and financial sustainability.
As part of this process, it has made two new appointments to its senior leadership.
Directorates
Mind will move towards operating with three directorates – Income Generation, Social Impact, and Finance and Corporate Services. It will continue to operate across England and Wales and will shortly launch a change process in other parts of the organisation.
The transformation process will modernise how Mind works, where it focuses resources, and how it delivers change, as well as reduce costs. The programme will include:
• simplifying structures and using resources more effectively
• strengthening data, digital capabilities and impact measurement
• embedding the charity’s “Federation First” strategy, shifting more power and resource to its network of local Minds across England and Wales
The process follows the reduction of 90 roles in 2024, which marked the first step in reshaping the organisation so it can deliver its goals for the decade ahead.
Appointments
As part of this next phase, Phil Walsh has been appointed Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services, leading on financial stability, compliance, technology, and risk management. Phil joined Mind in 2019 and previously held senior roles at the Design Museum, RAF Museum and Wallace Collection.
Jemima Olchawski, formerly Chief Executive of the Fawcett Society, joins Mind permanently as Executive Director of Social Impact – a role that includes overseeing Mind’s campaigning, service delivery and its work in Wales, where Mind Cymru delivers specific campaigning and bilingual services and information. Jemima brings over 20 years’ experience in social justice and equalities.
Mind has now begun open recruitment for an Executive Director of Income Generation, a role that will be accountable for fundraising, the organisation’s retail arm and business development. This Directorate will bring all revenue activity together into one team, supporting Mind’s 2030 strategy to build greater efficiency and resilience.
Commenting on the changes, Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind, said:
“The process we are starting will put Mind in the best possible position to tackle the nation’s mental health crisis head on, get our organisation fully future-ready and meet the needs of the increasing numbers of people experiencing mental health problems.
“The appointments we have made to our leadership structure are part of this, and I’m pleased to welcome Jemima Olchawski and Phil Walsh to Mind’s leadership team. We will be sharing more about Mind’s exciting new direction in the new year.
“We must be honest about the financial challenges we face and adapt to change. Like many charities, Mind has faced rising costs, unstable income, and increased demand since the pandemic, putting pressure on our central budget. But we remain committed to our mission: improving services, influencing policy, strengthening local support, and ensuring access to trusted information and advocacy. We will deliver our strategy and secure our future so we can support everyone who needs us now and in the years ahead.”
