Welcome to Institute for Mental Health Policy & Practice
Welcome to the Institute for Mental Health Policy & Practice, a values-led non-profit organisation dedicated to driving equitable, rights-based reform across mental health systems.
Progress begins when we ask the questions no one else is asking and stay curious enough to listen to every answer
The Chair of the Board of Trustees, IMHPP
What are we up to?
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at Info@imhpp if you cannot find an answer to your question.
The Institute for Mental Health Policy & Practice (IMHPP) is a UK-based charity dedicated to transforming mental health systems through rigorous research, policy innovation, and practical implementation.
We bridge the gap between academic insight and real-world impact, with a dual-division model that generates knowledge and delivers services.
Our mission is to advance equitable, rights-based mental health policy and practice through rigorous research, strategic advisory services, and cross-sector partnerships.
We envision a society where mental health systems are inclusive of all communities, grounded in evidence, and accountable for reducing inequalities and improving wellbeing.
IMHPP is overseen by a Board of Trustees—led by the Chair and 5–7 trustees with expertise spanning public health, law, finance, and lived experience—who hold ultimate responsibility for strategy, finance, risk, and impact.
They each chair one of six governance committees (HR; Finance; Policy & Audit; Organisational Development; Impact & Evaluation; Remuneration & Nominations). An independent Advisory Council of 8–10 senior stakeholders provides strategic sector insight and challenges board proposals.
Not necessarily. IMHPP welcomes members from a wide range of disciplines—including law, education, housing, public health, and lived experience. If your work intersects with mental health systems or you’re committed to ethical reform, we’d love to hear from you.
Non-Service Division:
- Houses thematic Networks (e.g. Law, Public Health, Housing) that set annual research agendas and produce white papers, policy analyses, and toolkits.
- Hosts agile Special Interest Groups (SIGs) that address high-priority topics—such as suicide prevention or equity in commissioning—through rapid-response briefs and pilot studies.
Service Division:
- Translates research into practice across three streams, Consultancy (governance audits, system reviews, health-needs assessments), Training & Education (CPD-accredited courses, webinars, workshops), and Client Relationship Management (business development, bespoke engagements).
- Secondments from Networks and SIGs ensure academic rigour underpins every commercial offering
Visit our “Library" and “Roundtable” pages for white papers, policy analyses, toolkits and rapid-response briefs. Content is organised by topic, author and date for easy navigation.
Fellows apply or are nominated based on significant leadership experience in mental health systems, policy, or public service. Honorary Fellows are appointed by the Board in recognition of exceptional contributions to the field
Membership fees help sustain IMHPP’s independent work—covering convening costs, publication development, digital infrastructure, and member support. We aim to keep fees fair and transparent, with reduced rates for students and no charge for Honorary Fellows.
Yes. While most members join one primary Network, you’re welcome to contribute to others if your expertise or interests span multiple areas. SIGs also offer opportunities for cross-network collaboration..
Networks are thematic communities (e.g. Law, Housing, Public Health) that meet quarterly to shape IMHPP’s research and policy agenda. SIGs are more focused working groups that form around specific issues, outputs, or projects—often drawing members from multiple Networks
We do not accept funding that compromises our mission or restricts our voice. Our governance policies safeguard editorial and strategic independence, and all partnerships are subject to ethical review.
Yes. Members shape our agenda through Network meetings, consultations, and collaborative projects. We actively seek input on emerging issues, systemic challenges, and areas for reform.
We do. IMHPP produces policy briefings, thematic reviews, and collaborative reports—often co-authored with members and partners. We also curate insights from across disciplines to inform systemic change.
Members can pitch ideas for publications, SIGs, or collaborative initiatives. Proposals are reviewed by the Research Council and aligned with IMHPP’s strategic priorities. Please see the Roundtable section for more details.
All core outputs are freely available online. We believe public knowledge should be publicly accessible, especially when it informs policy and practice.
It varies. Some members attend quarterly Network meetings and contribute to consultations; others lead SIGs or co-author publications. We value flexible engagement that fits your capacity and interests.
You can express interest via our website. We’ll follow up with a short form to understand your background and motivations, and suggest the most relevant Network or role.
Yes. We offer institutional membership for organisations aligned with our mission. This includes access to Networks, co-branded initiatives, and opportunities to shape systemic reform.
Absolutely. IMHPP welcomes students and early-career professionals who are passionate about mental health reform. We offer reduced membership rates and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to our work.
Yes. Members can connect with experienced professionals through Networks and SIGs. We also offer occasional workshops, writing opportunities, and collaborative projects to support your growth.
Definitely. Membership can enhance your CV, support dissertation or placement work, and connect you with a multidisciplinary community committed to ethical reform.
Yes. We welcome donations, strategic partnerships, and pro bono contributions that align with our values. If you’re interested, please contact our Executive Team to explore options.
We do—when it supports systemic reform and ethical practice. All collaborations are guided by our independence policy and reviewed for alignment with our mission.
Yes. We actively seek partnerships with organisations that share our commitment to rights-based, interdisciplinary reform. Joint publications, events, and SIGs are common forms of collaboration.
That’s welcome. IMHPP thrives on constructive dialogue and principled disagreement. Members are encouraged to challenge, refine, and co-create our agenda.
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