Head of programme jobs

Charity People is delighted to be partnering with AdviceUK to recruit for an interim Head of Policy, Programmes and Media. Joining the organisation as a maternity leave cover contract, this is a role where you will have the opportunity to achieve significant impact across some key priority areas.

Since 1979, Advice UK has been supporting advice organisations by helping them to be efficient, competent and effective, and by campaigning for a policy environment that supports advice agencies and people needing advice. A small but mighty - and growing! - charity that supports its members to provide advice to upwards of 2.5 million people each year. The organisation is working towards a world in which every individual, regardless of means, is able to access the advice they need in order to exercise their rights and address any legal and social welfare challenges they may face.

Contract: Interim maternity cover role, nine to 12 month contract

Salary: £70,000 to £75,000 per annum

Location: Hybrid role which will be predominantly home-based with travel to London for either office days or meetings expected around one day per week

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week or part time, 28 hours per week considered with flexible working options fully supported

Closing date for applications: 9am Friday 30th January
Interviews: Interviews will be held in person at the charity offices in London on the 11th and 12th of February

The Head of Policy, Programmes and Media position is a senior position within the organisation. Part of the SLT and reporting to the CEO the postholder will take the lead on all policy and public affairs initiatives to secure policy change and funding to benefit people seeking advice and the communities served by the organisation's members.

Core responsibilities within the role will include:

• Develop and oversee the implementation of effective strategies for policy and funder influence that enable Advice UK to achieve its purpose
• Identify new audiences and develop innovative approaches to sustain and grow Advice UK's stakeholder and funder network and achieve its strategic priorities
• Be accountable for Advice UK's policy, public affairs and funded activities, reporting to the Chief Executive and Advice UK Board
• Lead the development and coordination of clear, concise and authoritative policy positions on key issues
• Identify actionable and achievable policy influencing goals to achieve change on the highest priority issues and develop strategic influencing plans to achieve these goals
• Alongside the Chief Executive, be Advice UK spokesperson and representative at external events including policy roundtables, steering groups, conferences, meetings and other events
• Oversee and deliver a proactive public affairs strategy to achieve policy change on the issues of priority concern to members
• Identify and build effective relationships with key contacts across UK and devolved governments and parliaments, including Ministers, MPs, civil servants and local and regional decision makers
• Lead a stakeholder engagement programme for Advice UK working strategically to identify, develop and manage relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including policy influencers, funders, sector partners and other organisations
• Oversee the development of effective press and media campaigns, mobilising support and leveraging media opportunities to raise awareness and drive action on priority issues
• Oversee the development and effective delivery of the #AdviceSaves campaign (including Advice Week), ensuring impact is measured and lessons learned
• Oversee development of research and analysis to identify emerging trends, opportunities in support of our policy and campaign objectives, using this to provide evidence-based insights and identify specific policy solutions to inform advocacy efforts
• Lead the development of high-quality research and insight products, including research reports and commissioned surveys to support our influencing goals
• Oversee the delivery of Advice UK's funding strategy to open up funding opportunities for members and their advice services
• As the departmental budget holder, lead on all financial management for the department, including forecasting and measuring financial performance, setting and managing budgets, reducing waste, and taking action to ensure the department achieves its financial objectives
• Provide effective leadership to the Policy and Public Affairs department including line management of a team of four, ensuring their strong performance and supporting their learning and development
• Work with other members of the senior leadership team to develop and implement Advice UK's strategic plan in supporting of its overall strategic objectives and to establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs)

We'd love to see applications from candidates with the following skills and experience:

• Significant experience of delivering within a complex policy environment, ideally within an organisation of similar size and complexity including of developing and delivering impactful policy and public affairs strategies that have led to demonstrable change
• Experience or an understanding of the social welfare advice sector; the issues faced by advice providers and the communities they serve
• Experience of working with suppliers and partners to deliver campaigns, research and funding proposals including tendering, negotiating and contracting, and of working in coalitions and partnerships to achieve shared objectives
• Experience acting as a spokesperson for an organisation
• Experience of strategic leadership of teams and working with CEO, Board and as part of a senior leadership team
• Ability to apply knowledge to new challenges and situations, and to devise solutions
• Strong analytical thinking and decision-making skills, with ability to translate data and evidence into actionable insights to inform decision-making
• Ability to think strategically; working in timescales of between one to three years
• Ability to manage and motivate staff to deliver complex or challenging projects
• Commitment to social justice, equality, diversity and inclusion

If you're interested in hearing more about this opportunity, please send your CV to Alice at Charity People in the first instance. 

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

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.

Are you an experienced leader in homelessness or housing? We’re seeking a Head of Homeless Services to drive innovation, support our team, and shape the future of our vital Restart service.

About Resolve

Resolve supports people facing some of the most difficult challenges in life, substance misuse and homelessness. Our aim is to help individuals move towards stability and independence, building safe, positive and sustainable lives.

We deliver this through two main services. Our Restart Homeless and Rough Sleeping service provides targeted rough sleeping outreach, supported accommodation for 14 tenants and long-term guidance to help people to move forward and avoid returning to homelessness. In addition our Drug and Alcohol Treatment service, based in Welwyn Garden City and Letchworth, provides abstinence-focused, psychosocial support for people seeking recovery. 

We are entering an exciting period of growth, with a refreshed brand and website, and a passionate team driving innovation across our services. We have a new strategic plan which looks to expand services, guided by our values of Trust, Passion, Partnership and Respect, to reach and help more people.

With the Government’s National Plan to End Homelessness and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s new Homeless and Rough Sleeping Strategy, this is a great moment to join Resolve and help shape the future of homelessness and rough sleeper support in our community.

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Homeless Services will lead, develop and deliver all aspects of Resolve’s Restart service. You will oversee rough sleeping outreach, accommodation and intensive one-to-one support, ensuring people move towards secure housing and improved wellbeing.

This is both a strategic and hands-on role. You will inspire a dedicated team, drive service innovation, and strengthen partnerships across the sector, while ensuring high standards of care, safeguarding and compliance. Above all, you will play a key role in shaping the future of Resolve and making a lasting difference for people experiencing homelessness and substance misuse.

 

Salary: £35,000 – £40,000 (salary conditional on pending salary review)

Location: Hatfield, Hertfordshire (with regular travel across Welwyn Hatfield Borough and occasional travel to Letchworth)

Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week (including a 30 minute per day paid break)

Holiday: 36 days annual leave including bank holidays

Contract Type: Permanent

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer 

Key Responsibilities

• Service Leadership & Delivery
• Team Management & Development
• Organisational Leadership
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Compliance
• Partnership & External Relations 

Person Specification

• Proven experience in the homelessness or housing sector.
• Confident in engaging with vulnerable individuals, including those in crisis.
• Significant team and people management experience.
• Excellent communication skills – verbal, written and interpersonal.
• Strong organisational and IT skills, including Microsoft Office, Teams and case management systems.
• A values-driven approach and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to manage day to day operations and also think ‘bigger picture’ and longer term.

Why Join Us?

This is more than a management role – it’s an opportunity to make a real and lasting difference. You will:

• Lead a passionate team at a time of growth and renewal.
• Shape and develop innovative homelessness and rough sleeping services.
• Work in a supportive, values-driven organisation in the heart of the local community.

Benefits

• Flexible working options to support a healthy work / life balance.
• An informal, friendly and supportive workplace culture.
• Access to professional clinical supervision and support, helping you develop and maintain resilience in a challenging and meaningful role.
• Free on-site parking or costs reimbursed.
• Enhanced 36 days annual leave entitlement (including bank holidays).

Applicants must be located within 2 hours travelling distance of Cambridge City. 

The Charity and Our Vision.

For over 15 years, Scotty's Little Soldiers has been supporting children and young people who have been bereaved of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.  We are about to embark on an exciting journey which will see the charity evolve to support anyone affected by a military-connected bereavement and ultimately empower a community of more than 25,000 bereaved individuals and their families by 2035.

Founded in 2010 by Nikki Scott following the death of her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, the charity currently offers a unique blend of emotional, practical, and educational support to over 750 young people.

We are proud of our vibrant, non-traditional culture, which puts the needs of bereaved children and young people at the heart of everything we do. We embrace innovative approaches, are committed to creating smiles and believe in the power of community, resilience, and connection.

Role Mission.

To lead the creation and delivery of Scotty’s new navigating entitlements casework (START) Programme, a single point of contact service designed to support anyone affected by military-connected bereavement. 

This is a hands-on, pioneering role. You’ll help shape the infrastructure, recruit and lead a small squad of caseworkers, and ensure that everyone in the bereaved military community receives compassionate, personalised, and well-coordinated support. 

The key responsibilities of this role are:

Service Design & Delivery 

• Working closely with the Head of Service, lead the operational planning and phased rollout of the START Programme

• Develop and refine service model, workflows, triage criteria, and beneficiary journeys 

• Own the SPOC offer, ensuring clear onboarding, needs assessments, support plans, and follow-up 

• Ensure the service is trauma-informed, inclusive, and responsive to beneficiary feedback 

• Manage your own caseload alongside Programme Head responsibilities. 

Team Leadership & Development 

• Help recruit and then directly support 1 initial caseworker (with potential to grow team in 2027 depending on demand) 

• Provide coaching, oversight, and reflective practice opportunities for squad members 

• Create a strong squad culture that reflects The Scotty’s Way and encourages personal growth 

• Lead START Programme Daily Huddles 

Collaboration & Partnership 

• Build strong referral pathways with external organisations (military & non-military charities, NHS, social care) 

• Become the charity’s expert on navigating entitlements for the bereaved community. 

• Work collaboratively with other Programme leads to ensure consistency, shared learning & efficient internal referrals 

• Support the Head of Service in forming partnerships that enhance START’s offer 

Monitoring & Evaluation 

• Track and report on beneficiary engagement, support outcomes, and follow-up actions 

• Use insights, working with the Head of Research & Impact, to adapt and improve the service over time 

• Ensure CRM records are complete, accurate, and used to inform delivery decisions 

Contribution to Charity-Wide Goals 

• Feed into cross-functional projects including Outreach, Fundraising, and Strategy 

• Act as a representative of Scotty’s at sector events or external meetings where appropriate 

• Support content development by sharing anonymised stories, insights, and themes 

The 30-day goals for this role are:

• Built a deep understanding of Scotty’s mission, our audience, the services we provide, and strategic direction.
• Worked closely with the Head of SUPPORT to understand the history of Scotty’s helping families navigate entitlements, including reviewing current and recent cases. 
• Began to map the key stakeholders, partners and organisations (including statutory, charitable and others) for casework in the START Programme. 

The 60-day goals for this role are:

• Scoped and met with key stakeholders. 

• Worked with Head of Service to map the new casework (START) programme and beneficiary journeys.

• Worked with the Head of Service and the Head of Impact to ensure that processes are in place to monitor the outcomes and impact of the new START Programme. 

• With the Head of Service, supported the design of a light CRM for initial use in START casework.

• Drafted all other necessary processes and procedures for casework including safeguarding, triage, wait time limits etc.

• Drafted a training plan for new START caseworkers. 

The 90-day goals for this role are:

• Launched the new START Programme.

• Built strong partner networks for any needed referrals or information gathering to support casework.

• Created a road map of future Programme releases (e.g. new services within the programme, themes, cohort specific activities etc). 

About You:

Must-Have

Experience in service delivery, casework, or personalised support services 

Ability to lead a new programme from concept to delivery 

Strong team leadership and relationship-building skills 

Excellent organisational and communication skills 

Nice-to-Have 

Familiarity with military family life or bereavement support 

Background in adult mental health, social care or wellbeing services 

Experience in service co-design with users or lived experience groups 

Safeguarding knowledge or training 

Additional Information

· The role may require occasional evening or weekend work

· Enhanced DBS check required

· Travel will be required to events and team training days

The Scotty’s Way

At Scotty’s, our personal performance is only 50% of what success looks like. Our culture is equally important. When you join our team, you sign up to The Scotty’s Way, rooted in our four core values:  

1. Families Come First

2. Everyone a Supporter, Every Supporter a VIP

3. Love What You Do

4. Remember, Every Day

Our values are further supported by our four non-negotiable behaviours of Show Respect, Speak Up, Take Ownership and Actively Collaborate. We are looking for an individual who embodies these values and behaviours.

 

When Applying:

Please submit your CV, along with a covering letter detailing your experience and what excites you about this role. Please ensure you clearly annotate which role you are applying for in the email title.

Closing date: Friday 16th January. Due to resource and time constraints, we are unfortunately unable to provide feedback for every application received and will only contact candidates shortlisted for interview.

Thank you for your interest in joining our team, we are an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with respect and given equal opportunities for employment and advancement.  

We do not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or any other protected characteristic.  

We encourage all qualified individuals to apply for employment within our charity, and we provide a fair and inclusive recruitment process for all candidates.

Job Structure

• Reports to: Director of Learning and Impact  

• Direct reports: Programme Leads, Programmes Coordinator

• Location: Haringey, with travel across London boroughs as required

• Hours: 40 hours per week (including 1 hour lunch break)

Benefits 

• 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, your birthday off, and an extra day per year of service (up to 5 additional days) 

• Death in Service cover (up to 4x annual salary / fixed amount for part-time roles) 

• Enhanced sick pay 

• Eye care benefits for those using display screens 

• Up to £750 annual CPD budget to support your professional development 

• A dedicated wellness package promoting staff health and wellbeing 

• Team building and transformation days to strengthen collaboration and personal growth 

• Professional mentoring and ongoing supervision 

• A comprehensive induction and training programme to help you thrive from day one 

About Sister System 

Founded in 2018, Sister System is a charitable organisation and an Open College Network (OCN) approved centre dedicated to empowering girls and young women aged 13-24 affected by the care system.   

Our approach is co-designed with care-affected young women to ensure that their lived experiences continue to drive meaningful change and shape our progression. Built on proven therapeutic models, our long-term mentoring, accredited qualifications, and leadership development programmes strengthen resilience, confidence, and essential life skills.   

Our model seeks to break intergenerational cycles by equipping young women with the tools to thrive and lead change. Through a strong sense of community, peer networks, and trusted adult relationships, we create clear pathways into education, employment, and socio-economic stability, supporting a life free from abuse.

Throughout her journey with Sister System, each girl participates in weekly one-to-one and group sessions focused on self-education and personal growth. These sessions explore the social and emotional transition to womanhood while building a supportive network of “sisters” who continue to empower one another during key life transitions. Our programmes are accessible to girls and young women at any stage of educational attainment, enabling all Sis-Stars to learn, grow, and thrive.  

Our Programmes  

All our programmes have been co-curated with young women in care and are built upon proven therapeutic models of intervention. We deliver a set of inclusive, empowering, enabling, and exploratory programmes. These focus on self-education, investigating the social and emotional impact of the transition to womanhood and creating a network of sisters who can continue to support each other's growth throughout key transitional periods. Our programmes are delivered in such a way that sisters at any stage of educational attainment can access, learn, grow, and thrive.  

Job Purpose 

Sister System is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Programmes to lead the operational delivery and continuous improvement of our mentoring, learning, and development programmes for care-affected girls and young women aged 13–24. The postholder will oversee the full programme cycle — from referral and assessment through to delivery, evaluation, and progression — ensuring all work is trauma-informed, evidence-based, and aligned with Sister System’s mission and OCN accreditation standards. Acting as the central link between the leadership team and delivery staff, the Head of Programmes will manage and develop a high-performing team, maintain quality assurance across all programme stages, and foster strong partnerships with schools, local authorities, and community organisations to drive measurable impact and long-term systemic change.  

This role holds operational oversight of all programme delivery, team management, and quality assurance, ensuring that our work achieves its intended outcomes, aligns with our organisational strategy, and continues to grow in impact and reach.  

Key Responsibilities  

Programme Leadership and Delivery  

• Lead the design, coordination, and delivery of all Sister System programmes, services, and activities in line with organisational aims and funder requirements.  

• Oversee programme planning, scheduling, and annual mapping to ensure smooth delivery and strategic alignment across all three stages (Enable, Enhance, Empower).  

• Work with the Safeguarding Lead to manage referral, assessment, and placement processes to ensure beneficiaries are appropriately matched to programmes and mentors, maintaining high standards of transparency and accountability throughout.  

• Ensure all delivery follows Sister System's three-stage programme model, safeguarding standards, and quality expectations. Support programme delivery where needed, maintaining a visible leadership presence.  

• Monitor the service user journey using Sister System's monitoring and evaluation tools and Salesforce CRM, working with the Head of Monitoring & Evaluation to track progress against work plans, indicators, and our evaluation framework.  

• Conduct regular programme review meetings with team members and stakeholders to enhance information sharing, efficiency, and effectiveness of programme implementation.  

Programme Quality and Impact  

• Oversee programme quality assurance, including risk assessment of referrals, benchmarking, and monitoring of Development & Progress reports.  

• Work with the Internal Quality Assurer to ensure delivery meets agreed quality standards.  

• Maintain oversight of portfolios of work produced by learners and mentors towards their qualifications, in collaboration with the Learning & Development Lead and EET Progression Lead.  

• Support the collection, analysis, and reporting of programme data to evidence impact and inform organisational learning.  

• Play an active role in the impact evaluation cycle, managing and adapting programmes in line with outcomes and goals.  

Operational and Team Leadership  

• Lead and support the mentor team in effective caseload management, ensuring appropriate workload balance and delivery quality.  

• Line manage key programme staff, providing guidance, support, and supervision in line with organisational policies. Support staff wellbeing and development, ensuring a positive working environment. 

• Ensure timely completion of paperwork, reports, and monitoring requirements across all programmes.  

• Lead regular team meetings, contributing to a reflective, learning-focused organisational culture.  

• Support implementation of Sister System's performance management systems and processes.  

• Ensure compliance with all relevant policies and procedures, specifically safeguarding, Child Protection Policy, and Code of Conduct.  

• Encourage a culture of learning, creativity, and innovation. Maintain good team communication and dynamics, taking remedial action when problems occur.  

External Partner Management  

• Commission and manage a pool of external facilitators and delivery partners to meet agreed programme outcomes.  

• Build and maintain strong relationships with referral partners, funders, and external stakeholders to support programme delivery and growth.  

• Represent Sister System externally, promoting our model of culturally responsive, trauma-informed mentoring.  

• Ensure all staff, partners, and stakeholders have clear understanding of Sister System's mission, vision, values, and policies, reflected in programme implementation.  

Strategic Development and Business Growth 

• Contribute to the development of Sister System's programme strategy, aligning delivery with the 3-year plan and long-term system change goals.  

• Contribute to Sister System's strategy development and revision by providing feedback on programme reach, impact, and strategic planning.  

• Identify opportunities for programme innovation and growth, including developing new partnerships and supporting funding applications.  

• Support senior leadership in reporting to funders and partners, contributing to organisational learning and sustainability planning.  

• Represent Sister System at sector events and forums to promote our work and influence best practice in mentoring care-affected young women.  

Safeguarding  

• Sister System places the highest priority on safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.  

• The Head of Programmes will serve as a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) with responsibility for safeguarding in the organisation, maintaining good knowledge of safeguarding guidance (including Keeping Children Safe in Education and Working Together to Safeguard Children) and related legislation (e.g., the Children Act 1989).  

Person Specification  

Essential – Knowledge & Experience 

• Significant experience in programme management, delivery, and coordination within the charity/social impact sector  

• Proven track record of managing multiple programmes or projects simultaneously, meeting targets and deadlines  

• Experience of line management and team leadership, including supervision and performance management  

• Experience managing relationships with external stakeholders, including funders, delivery partners, and referral agencies  

• Experience in safeguarding and child protection, including handling disclosures and managing risk  

• Knowledge of the challenges faced by care-experienced young women and the care system  

• Knowledge of effective monitoring and evaluation approaches and impact measurement  

• Awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion principles in service delivery  

Desirable 

• Experience working with vulnerable young people, particularly care-experienced individuals or young women  

• Experience in mentoring programmes or youth development initiatives  

• Experience working with trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches  

• Experience of co-production or 'by and for' programme design with service users  

• Experience in qualifications-based programmes (e.g., accredited learning)  

Skills & Abilities 

• Excellent programme planning, coordination, and organisational skills with strong attention to detail  

• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret data and use it to inform decision-making  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills  

• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure  

• Strong relationship-building skills with ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external partners  

• Highly developed cultural awareness and ability to work well in an environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures  

• Problem-solving skills with ability to adapt plans and respond to challenges  

• Ability to lead, motivate, and support a team, fostering a positive and reflective culture  

• Strong administrative and IT skills, including proficiency with databases and monitoring systems  

Personal Qualities 

• Passionate commitment to Sister System's mission of supporting care-experienced young women  

• Strong alignment with Sister System's values and approach, including 'by and for' and trauma-informed practice  

• Empathetic and non-judgemental approach to working with vulnerable young people  

• Resilient and able to manage emotional demands of the role while maintaining professional boundaries  

• Flexible and adaptable approach to changing circumstances and organisational needs  

• Commitment to continuous learning, reflection, and professional development  

• High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability  

• Able to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately  

• You will demonstrate Sister System’s values: Tenacious, Solution-focused, Masterful, Collaborative and Evidence-based 

Other Requirements  

• Enhanced DBS check will be required for this role  

• Right to work in the UK  

• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as required by programme delivery  

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment  

Sister System is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The successful applicant will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide two satisfactory references.  

Equal Opportunity Statement 

Sister System is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and lived experiences, and we are committed to fair, inclusive and transparent recruitment. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know. 

Recruitment Process

The post will be advertised from 16th December 2025; applications will close on 12th January 2026. 

• First round of interviews will be 22nd January 2026,  

• Second round interview will commence from the week of 26th January 2025 

Location: Home-based with regular travel to the London office
Department: Behaviour Change and Development
Job Type: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £48,083 – £53,426
Benefits: 27 days holiday bank holidays (pro rata for part time roles), healthcare cashplan scheme access, life assurance, paid compassionate leave, enhanced sick pay, Cycling UK membership plus many more staff benefits.

There’s never been a better time to join Cycling UK. As we continue to grow our impact and ambition, we are looking for an experienced and driven Head of New Programmes and Business Development to help shape the next phase of our work.

Cycling UK is committed to creating healthier, happier and more sustainable communities through behaviour change. Whether or not you cycle yourself, our work contributes to improved public health, reduced congestion, cleaner air and more inclusive transport systems.

As Head of New Programmes and Business Development, you will lead the development, mobilisation and delivery of new restricted programmes across the Behaviour Change and Development Directorate and, where required, the wider organisation. Working closely with senior leaders and specialist teams, you will design compelling, fundable programme models, write high-quality bids and secure new income from trusts, foundations and statutory funders.

You will be responsible for building and managing strong relationships with prospective and existing funders, while ensuring that newly secured programmes are mobilised and delivered effectively, compliantly and to a consistently high standard.

The role has end-to-end responsibility for programme management across new workstreams, including planning, budgets, reporting, risk and performance. You will ensure that Cycling UK’s behaviour change models and evidence frameworks are applied consistently, and that robust data is captured to demonstrate impact and value, including social, transport and health outcomes.

This is a fast-paced and highly fulfilling role, ideal for someone who thrives on delivery, collaboration and impact. If you are motivated by creating meaningful change through well-designed, evidence-led programmes, we would love to hear from you.

Explore the attached job description for full details on this exciting opportunity. Please complete the application form, clearly setting out why you are the right candidate for this role. Your supporting statement should demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role, directly referencing the person specification. This will help the selection panel assess your suitability against the criteria.

This role is home-based with expected regular travel to London.

Applications close at 9:00am on the closing date shown.

You may also have experience in the following: Programme Development, Business Development, Funding and Partnerships, Bid Writing, Trusts and Foundations, Statutory Funding, Programme Management, Behaviour Change Programmes, Public Health Programmes, Transport and Mobility Programmes, Head of Programmes, Head of Business Development, Funding Manager, Partnerships Manager, Programme Director, Impact and Evaluation Lead.

REF-225 847