Head of programme impact jobs

Head of Programmes / Programmes Director, Level Water

What we're building

Level Water exists to solve a problem that shouldn’t exist: too many disabled children are still missing out on high-quality swimming lessons.

We’ve built a delivery model that works. Families trust us. Pools want to work with us. Funders back us. We’re well-funded (80% unrestricted) and responding to growing demand.

Now we’re entering the next stage: scaling what works without losing quality, care, or joy. This role sits right at the heart of that mission - leading not just how our programmes are delivered, but how we define, measure, and grow our impact.

We’re Level Water - a founder-led charity solving unequal access to swimming for children with disabilities. We’re not a typical charity. We own our swim events and run them like a business, creating a sustainable income stream that directly funds our programmes. That model gives us the freedom to move fast, test ideas, and build something that doesn’t exist anywhere else.

Because we’re self-sustaining, we can make clear, confident decisions about our programme and impact direction. If you want to help tackle unequal access to sport - and shape how a modern charity designs, delivers, and measures programmes at scale - this is your chance.

The opportunity

This isn’t a “keep programmes running” role.

This is a build, lead, and scale a national delivery model role.

As Head of Programmes, you’ll own how Level Water’s programmes are designed, delivered, improved, and expanded. You’ll take a proven model, design for growth  and help turn it into something category-defining - working at pace, making smart decisions, and setting the standard for what inclusive swimming can look like across the UK.

You’ll work closely with the CEO and senior team, lead our brilliant programme function (a Training and Excellence Manager and Programmes Officer), and bring energy and momentum to a part of the organisation that sits right at the heart of our impact.

If you’re excited by growth, complexity, and building something that really matters, you’ll thrive here.

If you’re looking for a role where you can play it safe, this probably isn’t it.

What you’ll actually own

Programme design, quality & scale

• You’ll own how Level Water’s programmes are designed, delivered, and grown - now and into the future.

• Set the strategic direction for our lesson delivery model, ensuring it scales without losing quality, care, or joy.

• Lead and develop the Programmes team, setting clear priorities, standards, and ways of working.

• Ensure programmes are safe, inclusive, effective, and consistently high-quality as delivery expands.

• Build the systems and processes that make great delivery easier at scale, not harder.

Impact, learning & continuous improvement

• You’ll define how we understand, measure, and improve our impact - and use learning to drive better delivery.

• Ensure we gather meaningful insight from families, swimmers, teachers, and partners.

• Turn data and feedback into clear learning that actively shapes programme decisions.

• Lead Level Water’s approach to impact reporting for funders, partners, Trustees, and the Board, alongside the Senior Leadership Team.

• Set clear success measures and use them to guide prioritisation, iteration, and growth.

Strategic partnerships, funding & sector influence

• You’ll build the relationships and credibility that enable sustainable programme growth and wider change.

• Build and manage strategic partnerships with national pool operators and delivery partners.

• Secure and manage national agreements that unlock scale and improve access.

• Work closely with Fundraising to shape strong, realistic programme content for grants and funding proposals.

• Own the programme side of grant-funded delivery, ensuring work is well planned, delivered to a high standard, and reported with clarity and confidence.

• Represent Level Water externally as a credible, influential voice in inclusive swimming, helping to shift culture and practice across the sector.

Who we’re looking for

We care far more about how you work than where you’ve worked or what sector you come from. You don’t need a background in swimming. You don’t need charity experience. What matters is how you think, how you lead, and the energy you bring.

People who thrive here have:

• Ambition for growth. You’re excited by the moment where something good needs to scale - and you want to help shape what comes next, not just maintain what already exists.

• Ownership and momentum. You take responsibility, spot opportunities, and move things forward. You don’t wait for perfect information or permission before acting.

• The ability to hold strategy and delivery together. You can zoom out to set direction and zoom in to make sure things actually work - and you know when each is needed.

• Confidence leading through change. You’ve helped programmes or services evolve through growth, complexity, or transformation, and you’re comfortable making decisions in imperfect conditions.

• Strong relational leadership. You build trust quickly, bring people with you, and create credibility with partners, teams, and senior stakeholders.

• A solutions-first mindset. When things get complicated (and they will), you stay calm, pragmatic, and focused on what will move things forward.

Bonus points if:

• You’ve worked in a scale-up, start-up, or fast-growing organisation.

• You’ve built or reshaped delivery models, partnerships, or systems as things grew.

• You’re motivated by impact and inclusion, and want your work to genuinely change lives.

If this sounds like you - and you’re excited by the challenge of building something ambitious with real-world impact - we’d love to hear from you.

Why Level Water?

Our values - Bold, Driven, Personal, and Joyful - shape how this role shows up in practice. You’ll be expected to bring ambition, move with purpose, care deeply about people, and help build programmes that feel genuinely joyful to be part of.

Bold.
This isn’t a “run what already exists” role. You’ll challenge assumptions, set direction, and help shape the future of inclusive swimming. We want your judgement, your ideas, and your confidence to make clear calls.

Driven.
We’re growing fast, and programmes sit at the centre of that growth. If you’re ambitious about scale, impact, and building something that lasts, there's a real opportunity here to lead what comes next.

Personal.
We’re founder-led and people-first. You’ll work closely with families, partners, and colleagues, balancing high standards with empathy, clarity, and care.

Joyful.
Swimming should be positive, empowering, and fun - especially for children who’ve too often been excluded. You’ll help ensure our programmes don’t just deliver outcomes, but create experiences that build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of the water.

Practical details:

• Flexible working: remote, hybrid, or (even better) office-based in Tunbridge Wells, your choice.

• You'll attend weekend events throughout the summer.

• Some travel required to pools, partners, and events (including occasional weekends)

• Salary: Head of: £46k-57k (depending on experience)

How to apply

We want to hear from you in whatever way best shows us who you are and how you think.

Get creative. We really want to get a feel for your personality and style. A traditional CV and cover letter? Great. A video introduction? Awesome. Whatever format helps you shine and show us who you are. 

Here's what we'd love to know:

1. What’s the boldest change you’ve delivered that improved outcomes for the people your programme existed to serve - and what did you personally do to make it happen?

Before you apply:

If you've got questions about the role, the team, or whether this might be right for you, please reach out. I'm Lucy Powell, Operations Director at Level Water, and I'd genuinely love to chat. 

Deadline: 

We're reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will close this advert once we've found the right person. So if this excites you, don't wait, but do take the time to show us who you really are. 

We'd rather see your best work than a rushed application. If you need a bit of time to put that together, talk to us.

We're excited to meet you. Let's build something brilliant together.

About the DEC

The DEC is made up of 15 member charities who are experts in humanitarian aid and specialise in different areas of disaster response. They come together to speak in one voice and make fundraising more efficient when we launch an appeal. Our members fund our running costs, and we give them back the money we raise in our appeals to carry out their vital work.

About the Role

You will hold an integral role at the DEC for accurately and efficiently managing DEC’s accounting function, ensuring compliance with charity and donor regulations. You will oversee budgeting, grant management, and donor reporting with transparency and accuracy. You will provide financial insights to support cross organisational projects and program delivery and hold a key role in developing and implementing financial strategies that align with our vision and strategic planning.

About You

You will be a confident communicator, who can engage with diverse internal & external stakeholders, including funders and partners, creating a collaborative approach to meet varying commitments. You must be ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified (or equivalent) with senior finance leadership experience in the non-profit or NGO sector and demonstrate strong understanding of charity accounting standards and donor compliance requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Processes

• Ensure accurate income/expenditure recording, bank reconciliations, and daily donation processing.
• Manage monthly accounting routines, prepare management accounts, and lead budget/forecast reviews.
• Coordinate annual and strategic budgeting, financial reporting, and analysis.
• Oversee income reconciliation across multiple streams and liaise with fundraising teams.
• Review and process drawdown payments to member agencies.
• Maintain and update accounting systems and support procurement processes.

Financial Controls

• Lead annual accounts preparation and audits; ensure regulatory compliance.
• Manage pension schedules and benefits compliance.
• Ensure tax compliance (VAT, Corporation Tax, Employment Taxes).
• Audit gift aid claims and maintain robust financial control environment.
• Update financial policies, procedures, and systems, support due diligence standards.

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Oversee appeal finances, income tracking, and fund allocation.
• Coordinate governance processes (e.g., Indicator of Capacity) with member agencies.
• Monitor legacy income and liaise with fundraising/legal teams.
• Deliver annual report and accounts; produce reports for executive team and committees.

Leadership & Team Management

• Deputise for the Director of Finance and Resources.
• Prepare papers for finance committees and membership groups.
• Oversee finance team members and provide leadership support.

The DEC is an equal opportunities employer and provides opportunities to learn and grow in an inclusive, supportive, and productive environment. We encourage applications from anyone who can meet the criteria, regardless of gender, race, age, disability, sexuality, or religion.

What We Offer

• Flexible working hours (outside of appeal periods)
• Hybrid working model (includes mandatory office days during appeals)
• 25 days annual leave, increasing with service
• Healthcare Cash Plan (value ~£1,660/year)
• Pension contribution (3%, rising to 8% post-probation)
• Wellbeing and mental health support
• Discounted access for: Gym clubs, Retailers, Theatre tickets.
• Season travel ticket and hardship loans (post-probation)
• Cycle to Work and Car schemes (salary sacrifice)

Role description:

We are excited to be seeking a talented and motivated individual to join Southampton Hospitals Charity as our Grants Manager.

This role will provide the right candidate with a rare opportunity to implement, embed and oversee the delivery of the Charity’s £2.5 million dedicated grant programmes from pre to post award.

Covering four programmes (Patient Care, Research & Development, Clinical Innovation and Staff Education & Improvement), the post holder will be responsible for managing circa £2.5M of expenditure each year, ensuring they deliver impact for patients, staff and donors.

This is a unique opportunity to work within the hospital environment where the projects we fund are delivered, supporting clinical staff to access funding to directly improve patient care. You will be vital in cultivating these in-hospital relationships.

This role will be key, as continue our ambitious new strategy to grow our reach and impact, and this opportunity offers the right candidate the chance to implement new ways of working as part of the management team.

We are looking for a passionate individual with the drive to deliver this programme of work, but most important they will believe in the Charity’s mission and ensure that every aspect of our work supports its delivery.

Main responsibilities

Grant Management & Compliance

• Oversee the delivery of the charity’s dedicated grant programmes from pre to post award: Patient Care, Research & Development, Clinical Innovation and Staff Education & Improvement. The post holder will be responsible for circa £2.5M expenditure per annum ensuring they deliver impact for patients, staff and donors (grant values typically range from £2K to <£0.5M).
• Oversee the management of the charity's current grant portfolio; ensuring grants are delivered on time and in accordance with internal processes.
• Ensure compliance with financial obligations (inc. payments, reconciliations and audits) and regulatory obligations (inc. data management, grant award contracts, procurement).
• Ensure grant making processes reflects and champion current best practice.
• Develop and implement a Grants Advisory Committee.

Relationship & Stakeholder Management

• Build relationships with key stakeholders within University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust (UHS), including senior health professionals, executive team members, partners and beneficiaries.
• Work to embed the grants programmes within the hospital environment and work with UHS staff to support them in access funding through working within the hospital and regular visits to clinical areas.
• Act as primary liaison for the Charity’s grant making responsibilities, ensuring alignment with charitable objectives and 2024-2027 strategic mission 
• Provide support to Director of Operations and Resources and the Senior Leadership Team, fostering a collaborative approach to grant programme delivery in tandem with fundraising, communication and art programme goals.
• Represent the organisation at meetings, attending hospital site visits, events and other external facing activities as required.
• Implement hybrid applicant and grantee support functions (e.g. webinars, Q&A events, promotional events, annual learning events).

Strategic Planning & Funding Prioritisation

• Lead the development of the Charity’s grant-making function, working with internal and external stakeholders in identifying key funding priorities that align with the Charity’s mission and future goals.
• Develop strategies for allocating resources effectively and the ongoing review of grant programmes (aiming for continual improvement).
• Develop strategies for working in partnership with UHS for joint decision making, the effective management of capital awards and high value grant requests.
• Identify new grant opportunities and potential partnerships to diversify funding streams.
• Maximise grant impact by contributing to the business planning process.

Evaluation, Reporting & Impact

• Oversee processes for effective grant monitoring, reporting and analysis of grants portfolio.
• Develop and implement an evaluation framework for the charity’s grants programme, ensuring this is embedded and linked to organisation wide reporting mechanisms and measurable outcomes are achieved.
• Use data and insights to inform the continuous improvement of grant-making practices and programme development.
• Utilise information captured to promote grant programmes and support Fundraising and Communications Directorate.
• Support the Grants and Impact Officer.

General

• Support the line management and continuing professional development of the grants team.
• Ensure content and material is in line with Directorate of Fundraising and Communications for marketing, publications, website and social media responsibilities.
• Support the wider work of the organisation, contributing to all staff events/meetings as required.
• Support the Director of Operations and Resources in the preparation of necessary Trustee reports, annual reports and impact reports.
• Support EDI journey.

Knowledge and experience

• Substantial experience in grants management, within a relevant not-for-profit setting (e.g. healthcare charity). Post holder must be proficient with pre and post award responsibilities including assessment.
• Demonstrable track record of contributing to organisational strategy.
• Demonstrable track record of utilising grants management systems.
• Demonstrable track record of budget management.
• Proven ability in managing impact measurement of charitable programmes.
• Proven ability in Committee Management.

Skills, abilities, and behaviours

• Strong attention to detail.
• Financially proficient.
• IT proficient.
• Excellent problem solver.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking with excellent leadership skills and experience in managing and developing others.
• A passion for the Charity’s mission and a commitment to delivering high-impact programmes that enhances patient care.

The purpose of this role is to deliver FSSW’s FareChance programme, including employability learning and practical logistics sessions alongside support and collaboration with the Employability Programme Facilitator. The FareChance programme currently works with young people aged between 18 – 25 who experience additional barriers to accessing education, training, or employment. The young people are supported to learn new skills, build confidence, and realise their full potential. 

FareChance provides a unique combination of two parts: the first is working alongside other volunteers and staff learning key warehouse and logistics skills, getting firsthand practical experience; the second is tailored employability sessions in small groups with 1-1 specialist support. 

The Employability Programme Lead will lead on running the employability workshops. This role will provide 1-1 support for young people where required and provide signposting and referrals to other specialist services. The successful candidate will be passionate about supporting people to thrive and be sensitive to the inequality and power imbalance faced by young people today. They will have experience of supporting young people to achieve their goals and can bring these skills to deliver FareChance. This role will coach as well as co-ordinate the programme whilst supporting the growth of an innovative, supportive, and caring employability pathway for people to overcome barriers and move closer to the future they deserve. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Programme Delivery 

• Support the Employability Programme Facilitator to deliver practical warehouse activity sessions 

• Working with the Operations team to ensure smooth integration of our participants and the programme into every aspect of the operation. 

• Lead in providing tailored programme coaching/mentoring: 

• Set up and monitor an action plan for each participant with realistic goals to overcome barriers they face. 

• Provide advice and guidance, build confidence and support participants with appropriate resources for their next steps (including CV writing and interview skills)

• Identify project management opportunities and build plans with relevant staff in the wider team. 

• Lead on developing and preparing programme resources. 

• Identify specific needs and risks, liaising with senior colleagues, create and maintain risk assessments with individuals to ensure safety in the workplace.

Programme Development 

• Lead on the recruitment, onboarding and offboarding of participants (currently 18–25-year-olds with possibility of expanding this range) onto the FareChance Programme. 

• Work with the Volunteer Team to ensure smooth transitions to and from FareChance to Volunteering where applicable. 

• Build a Youth Steering/Co-production group to design, deliver and evaluate the programmes. 

• Alongside the Head of Employability and Volunteering, support the development of the strategy for future programmes. 

External partnerships and relationship building 

• Work with the Head of Employability and Volunteering to develop our network of statutory, charity and business partnerships to increase referral pathways into and out of the programme. 

• Support the fundraising team in providing updates for employability funders 

• On occasion, attend events or appointments to support recruitment/represent FSSW 

• Build a network of signposting for participants across the programme including local businesses and apprenticeship opportunities. 

• Work with the Head of Employability and Volunteering to develop partnerships to offer on-course enrichment opportunities, e.g., away days and mentoring. 

Reporting and Administration 

• Maintain quality records of all participant information, including interventions with project participants, ensuring that such data is stored within the requirements of the Data Protection Act and FSSW policies and procedures 

• Work alongside the Head of Employability and Volunteering around any incidents or safeguarding concerns. Signpost to external agencies where appropriate. 

• Work with the fundraising and communications teams on internal and external reporting for FareChance, including gathering quantitative and qualitative data 

• Deliver programme data and, in conjunction with the Head of Employability and Volunteering, analyse and feed into future programmes 

Person Specification 

It is not expected that a successful candidate will necessarily have all the following criteria. FareShare South West is committed to helping individuals develop professionally and personally, and your application is encouraged.

Essential 

• Knowledge and experience of delivering 1:1 and group motivational mentoring/coaching.

• Successful experience of supporting people back into work or training, with a strong commitment to advancing equality and diversity. 

• Ability to work flexibly, respond positively to project changes and meet challenging targets. 

• Excellent interpersonal and listening skills with the ability to influence, motivate and negotiate. 

• Good IT skills 

Desirable 

• Experience of building a programme 

• Experience of responding appropriately to challenging behaviours 

• Project management experience 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 

• Understanding of safeguarding and GDPR regulations 

• Ability to set up and maintain accurate and timely records for monitoring and evaluating purposes. 

• Strong organisational skills including planning, prioritising, and time management. 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. As we expand our programmes, we particularly value candidates who bring multicultural perspectives and/or speak additional languages. Skills in languages such as Arabic, Pashto, or Farsi are highly desirable, but not essential. If you share our commitment to inclusion and want to make a positive impact, we’d love to hear from you. 

Additional Information 

• Role may involve some manual handling; training will be provided.

• Enhanced DBS check required. 

• This post is funded by St James’s Place Charitable Foundation

About Unfold

Unfold is an established local charity supporting young people and families to reach their potential by identifying and achieving their goals through mentoring. We support families and young people in Westminster and its neighbouring boroughs through mentoring programmes and peer support groups for women with children.

For over 35 years, we have provided support to families and young people at risk of social exclusion. Working with trained and DBS-checked volunteers, we offer mentoring to women and children, building independence and helping people get where they want to be. We’ve also developed specialised programmes for refugees, children excluded from school, those with care experience, and families facing homelessness.

About the Role

We’re looking for a bold, dynamic Programme Manager to lead and grow Unfold’s Broadening Horizons programme, supporting children and young people aged 10–25. This is a pivotal leadership role for someone who enjoys building and supporting teams and creating outstanding youth programmes. 

You’ll oversee the development, management and delivery of our mentoring programmes and peer support groups, ensuring young people receive high-quality support that is meaningful and transformative. 

Leading a team of Programme Coordinators, you’ll bring energy, structure and clarity to delivery, so programmes run smoothly and to a high standard, achieving strong outcomes for young people and partners.

Partnership leadership is central to the role. You’ll build and deepen relationships with local schools, youth services and community organisations, strengthening Unfold’s trusted presence across Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea. 

You’ll spot opportunities, strengthen collaboration, and develop tailored programme offers that meet the needs of the specific groups we work with. 

You’ll also lead Unfold’s Youth Advisory Council, supporting members to build skills and confidence and to shape Unfold’s strategy and direction, ensuring young people’s voices are embedded in everything we do. 

As a key member of the Senior Management Team, you’ll contribute to programme strategy, systems and continuous improvement, helping Unfold deliver consistently excellent services and achieve meaningful, measurable impact for young people. 

The role may include occasional evening and weekend work, for which time off in lieu will be given.

About You

You will bring:

• Experience developing and managing projects involving vulnerable children, young people, and families.

• Proven management experience, including performance managing and motivating a team.

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience administering, monitoring, and evaluating projects effectively.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Experience developing programme strategy and workplans.

• Passion for supporting children and young people to improve outcomes.

• Ability to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds.

• Confident presentation and public speaking skills.

• Commitment to Unfold’s mission, vision, and values.

You’ll be a motivated, hands-on team player, empathetic to the experiences of vulnerable groups, and willing to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Why Join Us?

• Holidays: 25 working days (along with additional Christmas closedown days)
• Pension: We offer a generous pension provision. New staff are automatically enrolled for a pension after three months, and after six months, we will match your contribution up to a maximum of 8%.
• Team working: We are a small but brilliant team: we're supportive, diverse, and we help each other out. There are always opportunities to get involved in different aspects of the organisation, or lead on new initiatives.
• Training opportunities: We want to ensure that our team is continuously learning and building expertise in their field. For this reason, we offer each team member two days per year dedicated to professional development and training opportunities.
• Wellbeing - How we feel matters: Staff have access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, and our staff Wellbeing Champions are leading on the design and delivery of our wellbeing strategy, including the review of our quarterly wellbeing survey. Staff have regular supervision sessions to encourage reflection and discussion on our work and wellbeing. Additionally, we’re excited to introduce three days a year dedicated to team-building activities. These days are an opportunity to build skills, foster connections, and recharge as a team!
• Flexible working: We're happy to consider flexible working arrangements in line with the requirements of the role.
• Working Environment: We work in a beautiful, accessible, eco-friendly co-working space with a number of other charities, with plants, a leafy roof terrace and free hot and cold drinks. With comfortable spaces to read quietly or talk in a group, our workspace is somewhere you'll want to be. 

We’re offering an opportunity to support the delivery of the Trust’s flagship Lessons from Auschwitz Project, and the Trust’s Youth Advocacy Programme (AKA Ambassador Programme), including all content and quality assurance related to the delivery of a portfolio of activity that falls within these programmes. Ensuring that the young people we work with, through these programmes, understand what the Holocaust was, inspiring them to be part of ensuring this history is remembered, and empowering them to recognise and address antisemitism when they see it today. Driving our youth engagement strategy, developing high quality and empowering content, and advocating for youth engagement and youth advocacy.

About the Role
The Senior Programme Development Lead (Lessons from Auschwitz Project and Ambassador Programme) Maternity Cover is accountable for the delivery of the Trust’s flagship Lessons from Auschwitz Project, and the Trust’s Youth Advocacy Programme (AKA Ambassador Programme), including all content and quality assurance related to the delivery of a portfolio of activity that falls within these programmes. The remit of the Senior Programme Development Lead (Lessons from Auschwitz Project and Ambassador Programme) Maternity Cover will include two areas of leadership:

1. The continued development and delivery of our Youth Advocacy/Ambassador Programme – the Trust’s youth engagement initiative. The SPDL is responsible for ensuring that through this programme the Trust engages young people across the country, ensuring they understand what the Holocaust was, inspiring them to be part of ensuring this history is remembered, and empowering them to recognise and address antisemitism when they see it today. The SPDL is responsible for driving a youth engagement strategy, which actively scales up the reach of the programme – bringing it to new audiences. They will be responsible for developing high quality, inspiring, engaging and empowering content to young people in England, Scotland and Wales – quality assuring the programme and all associated initiatives. The SPDL will be an advocate, internally and externally, for youth engagement and youth advocacy, ensuring the Trust’s voice and reputation plays a role in leading and shaping the sector and a future where young people play an active role in Holocaust remembrance and tackling antisemitism today.

2. Oversight of the Trust’s Government funded Lessons from Auschwitz Project, ensuring that the programme continues to reach students across the country each year; that it continues to be regarded as a globally recognised site-based learning initiative; that we are delivering in line with all associated KPIs; and importantly that the content continues to educate in-line with objectives, and continues to inspire young people to continue to engage with the Trust’s cause. This role will work closely with the Chief Programmes and Outreach Officer to drive delivery across programmes in line with the Trust’s strategic vision and strategic plans. The SPDL will work closely with the Senior Logistics Manager who will be accountable for schools marketing; engagement with and registration for all Trust programmes; all associated logistics for schools’ programmes; and ticketing and logistical support for the Ambassador Programme.

For information on the key responsibilities of the role and the person specification, please see the full application pack on our website. This also contains information on how to apply. 

The Programme Funding Manager plays a pivotal role in securing and managing institutional funding from trusts, foundations, government agencies, and multilateral donors to support Brooke’s global programmes. You will lead on the development of high-quality funding proposals, build and strengthen donor relationships, and ensure compliance with grant requirements. You will work closely with country teams, technical experts, finance, and MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning) to design and deliver impactful funding proposals and reports.

The Programme Funding Manager sits in the Programme Development and Impact Team and works closely with the Country/Regional Programmes and the Fundraising and Communications Team in the UK. The role will report to the Head of Programme Development and Impact.

Criteria

In order to excel in this post, you will need strong knowledge of the programme cycle management, significant experience and a successful track record securing grants from key institutional funders and proven experience of building productive relationships, both internally and externally.

At Brooke, we celebrate diversity and the creative new ideas it brings. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds, in particular global majority candidates, candidates from a social mobility background, disabled and neuro-diverse candidates, and candidates under 25 as these groups are currently under-represented at Brooke.

We are aware that studies have shown that women and global majority candidates are less likely to apply for a role if they feel they do not meet the full criteria of the job description. If you feel you meet the majority of the criteria, we would love to hear from you.

We offer a variety of flexible working options to best support our staff and to ensure our working practices are as inclusive as possible.

Location: Remote working (with some travel across The Girls’ Network regions in England as required)

Reports to: Head of Programmes and Impact

Salary: £37,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent/Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Direct Reports: Up to 8 Programme Facilitators

Closing Date: Friday 29th January at 9AM

Interviews: 1st stage interview to be held between 4th & 5th Feb, 2nd-stage interview to be held on 13th Feb

About The Girls’ Network:

The Girls' Network is a national charity with a mission to inspire and empower girls from the least advantaged communities by connecting them with a network of professional women role models and volunteer mentors. We believe no girl should have her future limited by her gender, ethnicity, background, or parental income. Our vision is a future where all girls are supported to realise their ambitions, discover their self-worth, and shape their own futures.

We partner with secondary schools and colleges across multiple regions in England, including London, Merseyside, Portsmouth, Southampton, Sussex, Tees Valley, Tyne & Wear and the West Midlands. We match girls aged 14–19 with trained volunteer mentors for one-to-one support. Additionally, we offer group mentoring, workshops, and access to an Ambassador Community that provides continued opportunities for development, career support, and connection.

Role Summary:

The National Programmes Manager is responsible for leading, managing, and developing a team of regionally dispersed Programme Facilitators to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery of The Girls’ Network programmes across all localities. The post-holder drives programme performance and quality through effective people leadership, robust performance management, and the use of SMART objectives to ensure KPIs are met and organisational outcomes are achieved.

A core element of the role involves embedding best practice across all aspects of programme delivery and maintaining a strong, consistent approach to safeguarding  through our work with children and young people. The post-holder is expected to be an experienced, supportive, and proactive leader, confident in managing performance, developing staff, and supporting team wellbeing and professional growth.

For full details of the role’s responsibilities and person specification, please refer to the attached job description, together with a candidate pack designed to support you throughout the recruitment process.

How to apply

Please apply as soon as possible. You will be asked to complete your application by submitting your CV and answering a few application questions.

Appointees are subject to a DBS check. You must have the right to work in the UK to apply.  

Diversity at our core

The Girls' Network is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating discrimination. In line with the Equality Act 2010, if you require any reasonable adjustments to support you with any stage of this recruitment process, please contact the People team. 

Our Benefits

• 27 holiday days per year, plus public holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff)
• Option to purchase up to 5 additional days of annual leave every year
• Gifted birthday leave
• 3 days volunteering leave per year
• Extended and comprehensive sick pay policy
• Enhanced Family Leave pay policy
• Pension scheme
• Annual professional development fund to help you grow
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing support
• Benefit from flexible, remote working options with a full suite of home office equipment.
• A dedicated Girls’ Network buddy, available beyond the induction period for ongoing support

Head of Water Safety and Education

CONTRACT: Permanent, Full Time (35 hours per week, Monday to Friday)
ORGANISATION: Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK)
DEPARTMENT: Membership and Education
LOCATION: Hybrid working, with three days a week at RLSS UK Headquarters, Worcester.
*This is negotiable, depending on the travel time of the successful candidate.
REPORTS TO: Director of Membership and Education
REPORTS: Education Manager
SALARY: £43,997.00 (Grade A)

JOB PURPOSE
To develop, lead, and oversee the delivery of RLSS UK’s Education Strategy, and represent the charity at strategic stakeholder meetings/events.

ROLE OVERVIEW
Early intervention and education is considered critical in the development and resilience of young people to encourage safe experiences. Water plays a vital role in the way we live our lives but it can also result in devastation if not treated with caution. Providing young people with the knowledge and skills to make safe decisions around water is empowering, profound and life-saving.

You will be a passionate and ambitious leader with the skills, knowledge and experience to drive forward this area of work in collaboration with RLSS UK team members across the organisation. You will have a dynamic approach with the ability to combine relationship management, stakeholder engagement, project management and operational oversight to ensure our work in this area aligns with our purpose, mission and vision and enables us to achieve our strategy.

In 2025 the Department for Education (DfE) agreed for the Water Safety Code to be integrated into the newly released Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education, and Health Education (RSHE) statutory guidance for schools in England. RLSS UK were part of a collaboration of various organisations, who campaigned for this important change which is due to be embedded into the curriculum from September 2026. This role will be pivotal to ensuring that RLSS UK’s voice and expertise is maintained in this educational delivery as well as putting in place robust KPIs to allow us to assess its ongoing impact.

KEY TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Water Safety and Education
• Lead on the development of an ‘Education Strategy’ for RLSS UK that ensures that more young people have access to high quality water safety education
• Represent RLSS UK at wider forums and groups as our water safety and education expert and identify opportunities to increase our impact further
• Work with the Education Manager to develop and deliver education pilots and interventions that are informed by the ‘Education Strategy’
• Work closely with the Policy and Public Affairs Manager to ensure that policy work blends seamlessly and consistently into our educational delivery
• Plan research and evaluation to inform future developments of RLSS UK’s education packages, ensuring that they are impactful and inclusive
• Extend the capability of the community to deliver water safety education, training volunteers, partners, and members to standardise the delivery of our education
• Work with the Education Manager to lead the growth of our education workforce so that RLSS UK is more visible in schools and youth settings across the UK and Ireland
• Work collaboratively with RLSS UK teams to raise awareness of our water safety and education offering and our impact
• Build relationships with those developing similar work in the education space to network and elicit best practices
• Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 by complying with internal information governance policies and maintaining up to date records as part of RLSS UK’s compliance programme

Other Duties and Responsibilities
• Lead on and support ad hoc projects, as required
• Manage, mentor, and support the Education Manager
• Contribute to the successful operation of the charity by undertaking such other tasks as may from time to time be required, including all other duties associated with your role, as directed by your Line Manager
• To always demonstrate and uphold the Society’s values and behavioural standards
• Proactively participate in the Society’s equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives and training, and to promote a culture of respect and inclusion for all staff and customers

This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of areas of activity and responsibility and will be amended in the light of the changing needs of the organisation.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience of working in water safety and education
• Significant experience of working in a leadership role, ideally in a water safety or education organisation
• Experience of collecting research and insight to inform continued development
• Demonstrable experience of contribution to delivery of education strategy and policy
• Dynamic and proactive with the ability to generate innovative ideas and solve problems
• The capacity to lead groups, as well as be a participative member of them
• The ability to relate to, motivate and emphasise with a range of people from different backgrounds
• A positive ‘can do’ attitude
• Excellent at building and maintaining relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, both internally and externally
• Excellent team player who works well under pressure and to deadlines
• Experience in line management, including developing and supporting direct reports to deliver the organisation’s objectives
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate persuasively to a wide range of audiences
• High levels of emotional intelligence
• Proficiency in MS Office applications
• Willingness and ability to travel as required for the role including occasional evenings and weekends

Desirable Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes
• Knowledge and understanding of RLSS UK and its work in water safety education
• An understanding of the lifesaving, lifeguarding and water safety sector/communities

WHAT RLSS UK CAN OFFER YOU
RLSS UK is a national Charity based in Worcester, and we offer great staff benefits including -

• Annual Leave based on 27 days + Bank Holidays + a discretionary day off for your birthday
• Private Medical Scheme*
• Enhanced Society Sick Pay*
• Eye Care*
• Employee Assistance Programme via Health Assured
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Howdens Sports Benefits/Perks at Work
• Free RLSS UK Membership
• Free tea and coffee when working from HQ, including access to our wonderful Coffee Machine
• Free on-site parking when working from HQ
• Company Events and more!

*Subject to eligibility criteria

YOUR APPLICATION
Please send your CV and a Cover Letter outlining why you should join our Membership and Education team
Closing Date – 11.59pm, Sunday 1st February 2026
Interview Date – Monday 16th February 2026, at our Worcester Head Office (subject to change)

Should you wish to discuss the role, any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process, or have any questions, please get in touch where a member of the RLSS UK HR Department will be happy to help.

RLSS UK are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and an INclusive Worcestershire Leader.

South Atlantic Programme Manager (International)
Reference: DEC20259229
Location: Flexible in UK
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £44,315.00 - £47,312.00 Per Annum
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave

Introduction:

We are looking for an exceptional Programme Manager to join our UK Overseas Territories team to develop and manage an ongoing programme of international conservation projects in St Helena, Ascension, Tristan da Cunha and the Pitcairn Islands. Working closely with the RSPB’s network of territory partners the successful candidate will be responsible for facilitating the development of an ambitious portfolio of impactful projects conserving and protecting the unique biodiversity of these special islands.

What's the role about?

Your main duties will include:

• Facilitating the development, funding and implementation of a diverse programme of partner led projects including policy, species, habitats, science and capacity focused interventions
• Working closely with partners to ensure development and the successful delivery of projects and the ongoing development of organisational capacity.
• Define the RSPB role in supporting territory governments in identifying and prioritising impact focused recovery and conservation programming across the Southern Ocean UKOTs.
• Work with internal fundraising teams to identify new funding opportunities and to develop new projects and secure legacies/extensions to existing projects.
• Building and maintaining a network of stakeholders, both internal and external.
  • Internally this will include: relevant Programme Boards, the Globally Threatened Species Nature Recovery Group, Leadership Teams, Heads of International Programmes, Conservation Science and Policy Colleagues
  • Externally this will include: BirdLife Partners and other NGOs, UK and Territory Government Departments, Fund-raising bodies.
• Management of budgets (up to £1m p.a.)
• Reporting on progress through CORA
• Assisting the Head of UKOTs in running a Leadership Team to oversee the UKOT project pipeline and to maintain and build team morale and cohesion.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

We are looking for a professional, persuasive and engaging individual with an excellent understanding of programme management and the development and funding of compelling, high impact projects. They should have the skills and personality to be able to bring together dynamic teams and lead cross-organization collaborations.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate the following experience:

• Educated to degree level.
• An ability to lead, inspire and influence a wide range of people, both internally and externally.
• Extensive experience of international partner led conservation delivery
• Demonstrated background of managing multifaceted projects and programmes in complex settings with immovable deadlines.
• Experience of line-management. Including H&S procedures for international work.
• Proven ability to manage budgets up to £1m p.a.
• Proven ability to secure external funding for projects through grant applications and especially governments and other institutional funding. Experience of the Darwin funding mechanisms of particular relevance.
• Experience of partner development working with small international NGOs to increase their capacity.
• Experience of working with UK and International government departments and ministries.
• Experience of managing contracts with partners or contractors.
• Excellent networking skills and experience of facilitative leadership.
• Knowledge of Project and Programme Management Frameworks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Competent IT user including MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint SharePoint and CORA.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Experience of working in the UK Overseas Territories
• An ability to make occasional International trips. Although most of these would result in periods of up to two weeks away from home the extremely isolated locations of some of the territories may require longer timeframes away.

Closing date: 23:59, Monday 9th February 2026
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position in early March 2026.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

No agencies please.

Location: London

Location type:Hybrid

Reporting to: Director of People and Operations

Annual salary: £60K - £70K GPB

Contract type: Permanent

Working hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)

Candidate level: Manager

Closing date: Monday 9th February 2026, at 9:00 am CET

Background

Lumos Foundation works to realise every child’s right to a family by transforming care systems around the world. Our vision is a world in which all children grow up in safe and loving families within supported communities. Founded in 2005 by author J.K. Rowling, Lumos partners with governments, civil society, and young people with lived experience to transform care systems globally and advocate for family-based solutions that help children thrive.

We ensure that families receive the support they need to stay together or reunite, and that children grow up in family-based settings such as foster or kinship care, not institutions. Despite clear evidence of the harms of institutionalisation, more than 5 million children worldwide continue to live in institutions. And a much larger number of children are at risk of family breakdown and separation – those living in poverty, experiencing domestic violence and abuse, and living in countries affected by conflict.

We are ambitious for children. In the next 10 years, Lumos will enable 500,000 children in care to return to family-based care and prevent 10 million children from experiencing family breakdown and separation – so that they can thrive in their own families. Working with local, national, and global partners, Lumos supports government-led transformation of childcare systems across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America- driving systemic and sustainable change. Lumos’ ambition for children is significant and will require the organisation and its partners to work in new ways – with a pace, drive and urgency that this moment demands – and that children everywhere deserve. Lumos’ success will continue to be based not just on what we do, but on how we do it – our values. We embrace collaboration. We strive for excellence. We show respect. We always care. And we are passionate. We are Lumos.

Purpose of role

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal leadership role at Lumos at a time of organisational strengthening and global growth. As a member of the wider leadership team, the Head of People will be central to building and embedding high-quality, values-led, and risk-aware people practices that enable Lumos to deliver its mission and long-term ambitions.

Working closely with Country Directors and HR focal points in country offices, the role supports the consistent application of global people frameworks while enabling appropriate local practice. The Head of People will play a key role in supporting Lumos to grow and operate safely across existing and new geographies, ensuring that people practices underpin organisational readiness, duty of care, and sustainable impact.

In close partnership with the Director of People & Operations, the Head of People provides expert insight into People strategy and organisational priorities and is accountable for translating agreed direction into consistent, effective delivery across the organisation. The role combines strategic thinking with strong operational leadership, ensuring that people frameworks, systems, and practices are embedded, trusted, and fit for purpose, and that values, culture, and ways of working are reflected in how work is done every day. This role will suit an experienced senior HR professional who enjoys shaping and embedding sustainable people practice, exercises sound judgement, and enables others to lead well. You will be motivated by values-led work, long-term impact, and the opportunity to grow with an organisation, strengthening organisational capability within a complex, international environment.

Primary responsibilities

People strategy contribution & execution

• Contribute expert insight, options, and analysis to the development of the People strategy, operating model, and organisational priorities.
• Translate the agreed People strategy into clear frameworks, plans, and delivery across the organisation.
• Ensure people initiatives are prioritised, resourced, and implemented effectively.
• Monitor impact and effectiveness, recommending adjustments based on data, risk, and organisational need.

Full employee lifecycle ownership (global)

• Own and oversee the operational delivery and quality assurance of the full employee lifecycle across all geographies.
• Ensure consistent, values-led, and safer recruitment practices are embedded across Lumos.
• Lead the design and delivery of high-quality induction and onboarding, embedding EDI, duty of care, and organisational culture from the outset.
• Oversee probation, performance cycles, development, progression, and exit processes.
• Ensure leaver processes, exit interviews, and data capture support organisational learning.

Performance, capability & leadership development

• Lead the implementation and embedding of Lumos’ performance management framework.
• Oversee annual objective-setting, performance reviews, and development planning.
• Build leadership and line manager capability through training, guidance, and coaching.
• Enable managers to take confident ownership of people management, feedback, and performance conversations.

Pay, rewards & progression

• Lead the delivery of pay and reward activity, including time-bound pay and reward reviews and job evaluation processes.
• Ensure reward approaches are equitable, transparent, affordable, and aligned with organisational values.
• Work closely with Finance and the Director of People & Operations to align reward activity with budgets and governance.
• Support the implementation of progression frameworks and guidance.

Employee relations, policy & legal frameworks

• Oversee the review, update, implementation, and monitoring of people-related policies, ensuring they are accessible, legally compliant, and consistently applied, while allowing for appropriate local context.
• Provide senior HR oversight and judgment on disciplinary, grievance, and complex employee relations matters.
• Act as an escalation point for managers and the Global HR Advisor, supporting proportionate and defensible decision-making.
• Ensure people practices reflect relevant legal frameworks across all countries of operation.

People risk & governance

• Lead the development and embedding of people-related risk frameworks across existing and new geographies.
• Ensure people risks are identified, mitigated, and monitored.
• Work closely with safeguarding, security, and operations colleagues to support joined-up risk management.
• Contribute to organisational governance and assurance through clear documentation and reporting.

Global partnership & country support

• Work closely with Country Directors and HR focal points to embed global people frameworks in country offices.
• Provide guidance, support, and constructive challenge to ensure consistent application of people policies and practices.
• Balance global consistency with appropriate local adaptation in line with legal and cultural contexts.
• Build HR capability and confidence across country teams.

EDI, culture & engagement

• Ensure equity, diversity, and inclusion are embedded across the employee lifecycle, policies, and people practices.
• Lead staff engagement activity, including surveys, analysis, and action planning.
• Support the development and reinforcement of a healthy, inclusive, and values-led organisational culture.

HR systems, data & insight

• Oversee people systems, tools, and workforce data to ensure accuracy, consistency, and insight.
• Work with the Global HR Advisor to strengthen tracking, dashboards, and reporting.
• Use people data to identify trends, risks, and priorities to inform effective decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with data protection and confidentiality requirements.

Leadership of the people function

• Line manage and develop the Global HR Advisor, providing clear direction, prioritisation, and support.
• Oversee time-bound HR consultancies, ensuring clear scope, value for money, and effective knowledge transfer.
• Act as a close partner to the Director of People & Operations, providing trusted judgment, operational leadership, and space for strategic focus.
• Deputise for the Director of People & Operations in people-related matters, as required and appropriate, including representing the People function in internal and external forums.
• Ensure the People function operates with professionalism, consistency, and strong internal credibility.

Profile

The postholder will:

• Strengthen Lumos’ ability to attract and retain talented people through fair and transparent rewards, clearer progression, and a positive employee experience aligned to our mission and values.
• Embed consistent, values-led people approaches across the organisation, while supporting appropriate local context and delivery of impact in country offices.
• Improve safer recruitment, induction, and onboarding to support safe, sustainable growth across existing and new geographies.
• Embed clear performance expectations and accountability that link individual and team contribution to organisational impact for children.
• Strengthen a values-led culture by reinforcing behaviours that support collaboration, trust, inclusion, and operational excellence.
• Build manager confidence and capability to lead people through change, manage performance well, and support development and wellbeing.
• Strengthen people-related risk management and the use of people insight to support sound decision-making, duty of care, and organisational resilience.
• Bring thoughtful, evidence-informed people practice into Lumos, drawing on best practice while ensuring approaches are proportionate, values-led, and appropriate to a complex international context.
• Operate as a trusted senior People leader and deputy to the Director of People & Operations in people-related matters, providing continuity, sound judgement, and credible leadership.

Essential experience:

• Experience operating at a senior level within a People/HR function, with experience of/or readiness to lead at the Head level.
• Experience owning and overseeing the delivery of the full employee lifecycle.
• Experience leading performance management, pay and reward, and employee relations.
• Experience building and embedding people policies, frameworks, and systems.

Desired experience:

• Experience working in international or multi-country organisations.
• Experience working closely with Country Directors or senior operational leaders.
• Experience overseeing outsourced or consultancy-based HR support.

Essential knowledge/skills

• Senior-level HR/People expertise across the full employee lifecycle.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Ability to translate strategic direction into practical, high-quality people delivery.
• Sound professional judgment and confidence in handling complex people matters.
• Understanding of pay, reward, and progression frameworks.
• Ability to build and embed a values-led organisational culture.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills at a senior level.
• Ability to use people data and insight to inform decision-making.
• High standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity.

Desirable knowledge/skills

• CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent professional learning and experience).
• Experience applying HR practices across multiple international jurisdictions.

Essential personal characteristics

• Strong alignment with Lumos’ mission and values.
• Calm, pragmatic, and thoughtful approach to complex situations.
• Ability to build rapport and trust with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively.
• Sound judgment in identifying, managing, and escalating people-related risk appropriately.

Desired personal characteristics

• Collaborative and credible working with senior stakeholders.
• Ability to balance consistency with flexibility and local context.
• Comfortable working in evolving or ambiguous environments.
• Curiosity and openness to learning across cultures and contexts.

Benefits

Alongside the opportunity to contribute to a truly life-changing mission, you’ll enjoy excellent benefits, a supportive and inclusive culture, and a genuine commitment to your personal and professional development. Some of the benefits we offer include:

• Direct impact on operational systems supporting our global mission, with exposure to senior decision-making during a transformative period.
• Hybrid and flexible working with occasional international travel opportunities.
• 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Enhanced family-friendly leave (maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental) and enhanced sick pay.
• Competitive employer pension scheme.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for confidential wellbeing support and advice.

Safeguarding statement

Lumos recognises that the rights of safety and security are aligned with its core mission for children, families, and communities. Effective and robust safeguarding sits at the heart of our mission and values, and accordingly, Lumos is committed to ensuring the safety and protection of children and adults at risk in all of its work. We expect all staff, associates, and volunteers to share this commitment. Lumos has a zero-tolerance approach towards all forms of abuse, bullying, harassment, and sexual exploitation. Lumos is a member of The Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and will carefully screen all applicants. Offers of employment are subject to checks and suitable references.

All staff and associates must:

• Carry out all duties with an awareness and understanding of Lumos safeguarding and PSEA requirements
• Ensure work complies with all safeguarding and PSEA policies and procedures
• Ensure that their behaviours and actions support the safeguarding of children, young people, and adults at risk as appropriate.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion statement

Lumos is wholly committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and against all forms of discrimination.  

We are committed to creating and sustaining a positive working environment that encourages, supports, and gives a voice to all, so that we can best support the children we serve.  

We must ensure that all staff are equally valued, included, empowered, and respected across the organisation and in everything we do. Lumos is fundamentally built on diverse, multi-national and multicultural teams.  

This is something we cherish as a key strength and an integral part of our identity. Our organisation values and celebrates the diversity, culture, and experience of each member of staff, provides equality of care, and support to everyone.   

We pledge to listen carefully, to educate ourselves continually, to promote open dialogue, and to seek out and deal with discrimination and prejudice wherever it occurs in Lumos.

· The deadline for applications is Monday 2nd February, 9:00 am CET ·

Upsall International actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. In recruiting candidates, we seek candidates with the proven skills required, irrespective of race, gender, religion or belief, age, disability, or sexual orientation.

Title:   Head of Programmes

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer

Salary Range £45,000-£51,000

Location: London, UK (with travel)

Contract type: Permanent contract

The Democratic Progress Institute (DPI) is an independent non-governmental organisation established in consultation with international experts in conflict resolution and democratic advancement. DPI seeks to promote peace and democracy building through strengthened public dialogue and engagement.

Overall Purpose of the Position

The Head of Programmes is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the organisations’ project activities and leads the DPI Programmes team, also ensuring a close working relationship with Finance, Fundraising and Operations colleagues. The role works with the CEO on operational, fundraising, strategic and monitoring levels and also involves representing DPI at external meetings and events as needed.

Project Management

• Coordinates the day-to-day operational management of the DPI’s programmes, including the implementation of activities and financial matters– in close coordination with relevant colleagues.
• Monitors the implementation of project activities and ensures compliance with the strategic framework as well as internal procedures and policies including financial and administrative.
• Facilitates programmes and events meetings (including designing the agenda and overseeing the organisation and preparation of materials)
• Manages performance of programmes’ team both Türkiye and UK.
• Organises regular meetings with the Programmes team to ensure project plan is on -track.
• Keeps an up-to-date overview of programme delivery, reports any challenges, and suggests solutions to the CEO.
• Builds project budgets with Finance, monitors project expenditures, develops financial strategies and addresses financial challenges.
• Monitors the political and security situation in Türkiye and the wider regions, developments relating to the conflict and impact on the project.

Reporting

• Works closely with the Funding and Development Manager to ensure timely delivery and monitoring of contractual reports, including interim and final reports to donors.
• Ensures that projects are implemented and reported in a timely and qualitative manner.

· Follows up with the team and gathers the reporting of meetings.

· Oversees deliverables and performance of the M&EE and Communications consultants.

Network

• Represents and promotes DPI’s work in varied contexts and maintains relationships with external stakeholders in Türkiye and in Europe such as political party representatives.
• Builds and maintains relationships with partners and donors alongside the Funding and Development Manager when needed.
• Carries out frequent visits to Türkiye and maintains a good working knowledge of the facts on the ground when needed.

Project Development

• Translates strategy into operational objectives and develops project/fundraising proposals including concept notes and narrative project proposals in conjunction with Funding and Development Manager.
• Identifies operational developments needs and develops corresponding opportunities and initiatives.

· Supports the CEO in strategic developments related to the project.

Key Experience/Technical Competencies/Knowledge required for the position.

The successful candidate should have the following

§  A postgraduate degree in Political Science, Law, Conflict Resolution, International Relations, or a related discipline is highly desirable.

§  At least 8-10 years’ experience in project management in charity or NGO setting.

§  Experience directly managing a team including remotely.

§  Strong experience of EU funding streams, rules and regulations and knowledge of government grant processes

§  Strong organisational and planning skills.

§  Critical and strategic thinking skills.

§  Experience in research and complex information analysis.

§  Knowledge of Türkiye political situation (desirable).

§  Strong writing and oral skills in English.

§  Knowledge/experience of and commitment to peace-making/humanitarian field.

§  Understands and respects confidentiality terms.

§  Ability to manage under tight deadlines and in high-pressure environments

§  A DBS certificate is preferable.

Interpersonal Skills needed for the position

§  Multi-tasker

§  Extremely reliable

§  Flexible and able to take initiative

§  Self-learner

§  Strong team player

§  Confidentiality

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis with the final deadline set as the 19th of January 2026

The successful candidate should have the right to work in the United Kingdom

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

DPI is committed to Equal Opportunities and Cultural Diversity.

DPI SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

DPI maintains zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. All employment offers are conditional upon the receipt of satisfactory references and the signing of our code of conduct with a particular focus on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.

Our enduring focus is to strengthen the voluntary sector and transform the funding system, so that charities can do their best work.

About IVAR

At IVAR, we’re more than researchers – we’re sense-makers and bridge-builders. We turn real-world challenges in the voluntary sector into clear, practical insights that inspire change and action.

For 25 years, we’ve worked shoulder-to-shoulder with charities, funders and community organisations: listening, learning and tackling tough problems together. Our work is curious, grounded, human and hopeful.

Our 2025–2030 strategy includes a clear commitment to transforming the funding system and the Open and Trusting programme will be the key to achieving that commitment.

Born in 2021, Open and Trusting is directly inspired by what matters most to charities. Today, 170 funders have signed up to the eight commitments – actively working to be clear, flexible, proportionate, and purposeful in their grant-making. We know this makes a huge difference to charities and the communities they support.

About the role and person

Open and Trusting has come a long way, but there’s a lot more it can achieve – which is why we are looking for a dedicated leader for the programme. The success of the role will depend on an understanding and belief in the work of charities and funders, and the power of transforming funding practices. 

As Head of Programme and Engagement, you’ll bring energy, structure and connective thinking to the work. You will strengthen the community, support learning and ensure that the programme runs with momentum and purpose.

This role is collaborative and outward-facing and combines project management, engagement, community-building and fundraising. The person will need first-rate listening, diplomacy, influencing and relationship-building skills and will be a proven manager, with a track record of developing management infrastructures that underpin the success of initiatives involving multiple strands and big ideas.

If you feel you fit the role and are motivated by our work then we’d love to hear from you. Please find out more by looking at the Candidate Information Pack.

Closing date for applications is Friday 23 January; please download the pack before 18 January.

Head of Fundraising (Philanthropy and Partnerships)

King George & Queen’s Hospitals Charity

King George & Queen’s Hospitals Charity is entering a pivotal new chapter as it becomes an independent NHS charity, with a clear three-year strategic plan and ambitious plans to grow its impact and income.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Head of Fundraising (Philanthropy and Partnerships) is a senior, hands-on role responsible for developing high-value fundraising to complement the Charity’s successful community fundraising and events programme. The role will lead the growth of philanthropy, corporate partnerships, and trust income, working closely with Trustees, NHS colleagues, and the fundraising team.

A major appeal is being explored to support the £35m planned development of a new A&E department at Queen’s Hospital. A transformational project with the potential to attract significant philanthropic support. 

This is a rare opportunity to shape and grow a high-value fundraising portfolio at a formative moment, helping secure transformational investment in hospital care for local communities.