Head of programme jobs

Join LawWorks and play a leading role in expanding access to justice for small and medium-sized not-for-profit organisations across England and Wales.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape and lead LawWorks’ flagship pro bono brokerage programme, connecting charities and community organisations with vital legal support they might otherwise struggle to access. Through this work, you will help strengthen the impact and resilience of the not-for-profit sector by enabling organisations to navigate legal challenges with confidence.

As Head of Not-For-Profits, you will drive the strategic development, growth and delivery of the programme, while building strong relationships across the third sector, with LawWorks member firms, in-house legal teams, and key stakeholders. You will also play an important leadership role within the wider organisation as a member of the LawWorks management team.

This role combines strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement and programme delivery, making it ideal for someone passionate about access to justice, partnership-building and the power of pro bono as part of the broader legal support ecosystem.

The Head of Programming will set the creative direction for CST’s conference and events portfolio, shaping ideas, themes and experiences that resonate with school trust leaders. This role is responsible for turning complex issues — in education, public service and wider society — into compelling, well-crafted programmes that feel distinctive, relevant and worth attending.

The Head of Programming combines strategic oversight with hands-on creative leadership: curating speakers, designing formats and building narratives that challenge thinking and spark new connections. The role will lead and develop CST’s conference producers, building a high performing team with the capability to design and deliver consistently strong programmes that are intellectually sharp, well-paced and grounded in what the sector needs now to deliver the best outcomes for children.

Key responsibilities

• Set the overall programming strategy for CST’s conference portfolio, aligned with organisational priorities and audience needs

• Lead the development of conference themes, narratives and session architecture

• Ensure programmes are coherent, purposeful and drive engagement and learning

• Ensure programmes are completed to time and budget

• Design and test innovative formats that build engagement and connection

• Keep abreast of event trends in the wider sector to ensure that CST’s offer continues to be compelling and unique

Speaker curation and content development

• Identify, secure and brief high-calibre speakers from across education and related sectors

• Collaborate closely with CST’s Professional Community Chairs and CST’s system, commercial and charity partners to design insightful and enjoyable conference experiences for delegates

• Shape session content with speakers to ensure relevance, clarity and practical value for CST’s audiences

• Ensure diversity of perspectives, backgrounds and voices across programmes

Audience insight and quality assurance

• Maintain a clear understanding of the current challenges facing school trusts and audience needs

• Use insight from members, partners and previous events to inform programme design

• Set and uphold quality standards for all conference content and delivery

• Evaluate programme effectiveness and use insights for continuous improvement.

Cross team collaboration

• Work closely with colleagues in events, marketing, partnerships and policy to ensure that programmes are deliverable, well communicated and commercially successful

• Align conference content with CST’s wider community and professional development offers

• Support sponsorship and partnership conversations by shaping compelling programme opportunities

Leadership and delivery

• Lead the end-to-end programming process from concept to delivery 

• Manage timelines, decision points and speaker processes to ensure that programmes are delivered on schedule and effectively marketed

• Provide on the day support for speakers, ensuring smooth delivery and strong audience experience. 

Main Role & Responsibilities

The post holder is required to provide strategic leadership and oversight of all programme activity, ensuring all activity is delivered and evaluated effectively and in alignment with organisational goals.  

The successful candidate will lead and develop programme teams and oversee engagement, planning and delivery, and monitor risk and opportunities. They will develop strong relationships representing the organisation externally, and ensure programmes demonstrate clear impact and meet quality standards.

Role Requirements

Duties will include but not be limited to:

Strategic Leadership & Direction

• Lead all programme activity and ensure alignment with organisational goals
• Translate vision and strategic goals into actionable programme, content and priorities
• Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and impact
• Contribute to wider organisational strategy and oversee the operationalisation of strategic goals
• Work closely with other heads of services to support strategic development

Programme Development & Design

• Oversee the development and evolution of programmes, content, and resources
• Ensure programmes are evidence-based, relevant, and high quality, aligning with quality standards, working closely with the insights team
• Lead needs assessments and stakeholder consultations to understand programme needs
• Embed inclusivity, accessibility, and best practice in all programme design

Programme Delivery & Operations

• Oversee the planning, implementation and delivery of all programmes
• Develop systems, processes, and timelines for consistent execution
• Manage programme budgets and resource allocation
• Identify and mitigate risks to delivery
• Identify opportunities for commercialisation of products and services

Performance, Monitoring & Impact Measurement

• Define KPIs and success metrics aligned to organisational outcomes
• Analyse data to assess programme effectiveness and impact
• Use insights to drive continuous improvement and strategic decisions
• Report on performance to senior leadership, funders, and stakeholders

Stakeholder & Partnership Management

· Build and maintain strong relationships with:

• • Partners and collaborators
  • Funders and commissioners
  • Community or beneficiary groups
• Represent the organisation externally at meetings, events, and networks
• Identify and develop strategic partnerships to enhance programme reach

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead, manage, and develop the delivery leadership team
• Participate in strategic development and oversee work within delivery and impact portfolio
• Work closely with other heads of services to provide support to the SLT
• Set clear objectives, expectations, and performance standards
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture

Quality Assurance & Governance

• Ensure programmes meet quality standards and organisational policies
• Maintain compliance with relevant regulations and safeguarding requirements
• Oversee documentation, reporting, and accountability processes

Resource & Content Oversight

• Ensure the development of high-quality programme materials and resources
• Oversee content consistency, branding, and alignment with organisational values
• Ensure resources are accessible and effectively utilised

Financial Oversight

• Manage programme budgets and ensure cost-effective delivery
• Monitor expenditure and ensure alignment with funding requirements
• Support fundraising and contribute to funding proposals as required

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Work with Insight and Innovation team to stay informed of sector trends and best practices
• Encourage innovation in programme design and delivery
• Pilot and scale new approaches based on evidence and feedback

· Oversee development of all programmes and associated content and resources

Person Specification 

Essential

· Educated to degree level or have the equivalent experience

· A detailed understanding of education, Health and Social Care and family services and how to engage these sectors

· Confident leader with previous demonstrable experience in overseeing multiple programmes or portfolios with matrix management experience

· Proven track record of developing, delivering, and scaling programmes with measurable impact

· Experience working with a range of stakeholders, including partners, funders, and communities

· Experience managing budgets and resources effectively

· Experience of delivering regional and national programmes

· Strong understanding of programme design, delivery, and lifecycle management

· Understanding of partnership working and stakeholder engagement approaches

· Awareness of relevant policy, regulatory, and safeguarding requirements

· Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans

· Excellent planning, organisational, and project management skills

· Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex programmes simultaneously

· Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive continuous improvement

· Ability to define KPIs and measure programme success effectively

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships

· Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams through coaching and performance management

· Strong commitment to quality, impact, and continuous improvement

· Collaborative and inclusive leadership style

· High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism

· Adaptable and resilient in a dynamic and changing environment

· Passionate about the organisation’s mission and values

Desirable

· Experience of working in gambling harms prevention sector or another similar or related field

· Experience of operationalising strategic plans

· Experience in developing harm prevention programmes and or interventions

· Knowledge of sector trends, innovation, and best practice

· Leadership qualification

· An understanding of public health frameworks and approach to harm prevention

· An understanding of PSHE, PSE, Learning for Life and Work