This is a new senior leadership role created through Inclusion North’s restructure. It is central to how we rebuild our strategic presence in Yorkshire and Humber while ensuring strong, joined-up working across the Northeast.
You will lead high-level engagement across both regions, with a particular focus on Yorkshire and Humber. In this region, you will help Inclusion North reconnect, build strategic partnerships, and become a visible and valued voice in system-level spaces.
You will take a lead in representing Inclusion North across a range of regional spaces, including Communities of Practice, local authority-led forums, and, where appropriate, ICB-related groups. This means helping shape change, influence commissioning, and ensure that the voices of people with a learning disability, autistic people, and family carers are heard where decisions are made. You will also be expected to challenge constructively when systems fall short of inclusion, equity, or lived experience leadership.
You will line manage the Innovation and Impact Manager and the Good Life Collaborative Programme Lead. This includes overseeing how our delivery connects to system priorities, responds to emerging opportunities, and contributes to our financial sustainability. You will also provide strategic insight to support planning, funding, and future direction.
This is a leadership role for someone who can build trust, speak with credibility, and stand firm in their values. You will need the insight to understand how systems work, and the confidence to push for change when they do not work for the people they are meant to serve.
The Cross-regional Strategic Lead holds senior responsibility for regional engagement, system influence, and delivery oversight at a strategic level.
The role is anchored in Yorkshire and Humber, where you will need to be well-connected and regularly present. You will also work across the Northeast as part of a joined-up, cross-regional team.
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Who we are
Benslow Music, a thriving musical hub based on a campus in Hitchin, is seeking a Head of Music & Learning to lead the strategic development and delivery of its diverse programmes. We champion the life‑long benefits music brings through a programme of residential, day and online music courses, a concert series and an instrument loan scheme.
We’re rooted in a heritage that began in 1929 as the Rural Music Schools Association, growing into a lively campus with two recital halls, practice rooms, accommodation for around 50 people and an extensive music library. Today we offer around 150 short courses annually, welcoming adult musicians of all abilities, from late starters to early career professionals, across classical, jazz and folk genres. We host a regular concert series featuring emerging and acclaimed artists.
We are also home to the Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme, holding a collection of over 1700 string and woodwind instruments lent to young musicians aged 7–25, ensuring access regardless of background.
About the role
As Head of Music & Learning, you will lead the delivery, strategic development and evaluation of Benslow Music’s core programmes: courses, concerts and the Instrument Loan Scheme. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you’ll shape an ever-evolving and balanced annual programme.
You’ll oversee and strategically develop diverse music education opportunities; cultivate relationships with tutors, artists and partner organisations; develop online activities; ensure excellent participant experiences and adherence to health and safety policies; manage programme budgets and monitor financial performance; monitor the quality of activities, gathering and acting on feedback from participants, tutors and stakeholders; lead and line‑manage a dedicated team to high standards; and contribute to strategic planning and partnerships that strengthen the organisation’s mission to unlock potential and share the lifelong benefits of music.
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for a self‑starter with programme management experience, an eye for detail, flexibility and good judgement. You’ll be comfortable working autonomously and within a collaborative, supportive environment.
You’ll bring:
- Significant experience in programme and project management, particularly in music or music education contexts, including adult amateur music‑making.
- Breadth and depth of musical knowledge to be credible with a range of stakeholders.
- Proven senior management experience, contributing to strategic development.
- Exceptional people skills and communication abilities (written and verbal), including contract management and negotiation.
- Strong administrative, organisational, IT and budget management skills, including effective use of spreadsheets and familiarity with marketing, CRM and fundraising support.
- A deep understanding of and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion; sensitivity to Benslow Music’s mission and ethos.
- Networks in the music/music education sector.
If you’re ready to lead a vital part of our community by unlocking musical wonder, enabling access and fuelling lifelong creativity, please get in touch with our consultants at Peridot Partners.
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