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The National Youth Agency is looking for a Programme Governance Lead.

Programme Governance Lead
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time - 37 hours per week
Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 per annum (dependent on experience and qualifications)
Location: Home-based in England with occasional travel for meetings, workshops, and team activities. Head Office is in Leicester.

What we do

As the national body for youth work, the NYA has a dual function. We are the professional statutory and regulatory body (PSRB) responsible for qualifications, quality standards, and safeguarding for youth work and services in England. In line with our charity mission and aims, we also champion youth work through research, advocacy, campaigns, and programmes.

We work in partnership and believe in collaborative leadership, listening to youth workers and the youth work sector so that we can understand their needs and respond to the challenges they face. We are ambitious for youth work and for young people and integrate youth voice and influence across our work

About the Role

We are looking for Programme Governance Lead to manage and oversee the successful delivery of all programmes/projects within the Programmes Directorate by establishing and leading consistent governance and assurance. The postholder will strengthen programme governance, reporting and risk management ensuring programmes are delivered by agreed methodologies and in a consistent manner.

Key Responsibilities

As our Programme Governance Lead, you will:

• Define, implement and maintain an agreed methodology for programme/project lifecycle governance.
• Chair programme/project boards and ensuring decisions, and actions are documented and actioned.
• Identify risks, issues and dependencies which are not captured by Programme Portfolio Leads. Ensure consistent risk management across projects and programmes. Proactively identify cross-programme/project risks and issues (including those not visible to project/programme leads), implement mitigations, and escalate risks/issues to the Director of Programmes and COO as required. Assess programme/project risks against the NYA risk register and update the register accordingly.
• Produce and present monthly programme governance reports at the Directorate Programme Board, providing clear portfolio-level insight (milestones, deliverables, RAG status, KPIs, benefits, and financial/resource assumptions) to enable effective senior decision-making and assurance.
• Design and run governance routines (e.g., project start-up, weekly/monthly reviews, decision logs, change control) and support high-quality papers and actions for directorate governance forums; ensure timely escalation of material risks, issues and decisions to the COO.
• Support teams to evidence compliance with funder/contractual requirements; ensure appropriate documentation, approvals and version control are in place and accessible.
• Implement and maintain a robust lessons-learned process (during and post-delivery) and ensure findings are integrated into future programmes/projects through updated standards, templates, training and assurance checkpoints.

Why Work for NYA?

• NYA operates as a people-focused organisation, prioritising the well-being and needs of its employees.
• NYA offers an exceptional flexible working approach which encourages our team to balance professional responsibilities with their personal life.
• A remote based team, spread across England, fostering inclusivity and diverse talent. Despite geographical distances between team members, NYA maintains a highly motivated and connected team through the optimisation of digital tools.
• NYA is committed to supporting the continual personal and professional development of our team and helping them achieve their ambitions.
• We provide 25 days leave plus 8 days, life assurance scheme, 5% employer pension contribution and a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme via Spectrum.life with unlimited specialist support available to all NYA employees.

Closing date: 23:59 Friday 3rd July 2026.
N.B. We would encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may close the vacancy early if we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications.
Interviews: W/C 13th July OR W/C 20th July

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.

The National Youth Agency is an equal opportunities employer.

At NYA our inclusive culture means that we embrace individual differences and understand that we need a diverse team to achieve our organisations mission.

We wish to recruit candidates from all backgrounds to ensure our team reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from anyone regardless of disability, ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexuality, religion, socio-economic background and political beliefs but we particularly welcome applications from global majority candidates and those from other minoritised ethnic groups in the UK as they are currently underrepresented in our team.

Please note: We use AI detector software, so applications or CV’s with high levels of AI generated content may be disregarded. We understand that AI tools can offer support to candidates who have learning differences, which is why we will accept applications with some AI assistance.

No agencies please.

Pdap has been delivering services to victims of domestic abuse for 50 years through our emergency accommodation and community outreach services. We are a values-led organisation, and we believe that everyone has a right to live a life free from fear and abuse. We offer safe, effective and high-quality support to all those experiencing domestic abuse. Our flexible, inclusive and responsive services are shaped by our clients, with a focus on ensuring safety and supporting their path to recovery. The Accommodation Manager post will play a key role in the delivery of our mission and offers an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to be part of the continuing growth and development of our safe accommodation services.

Head of Operations Role Profile Role: Accommodation Manager Term: Permanent Salary: 38 - 40k Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer Responsible for: Accommodation Team Leader/Housekeeper & Maintenance officer Pension: 6% employer contribution Health: Cash Plan Health Scheme and Health & Wellbeing Assistance Programme Hours: 37.5 hours per week Annual Leave: 30 days (inclusive of birthday) plus 8 bank holidays
Pdap has been delivering services to victims of domestic abuse for 50 years through our emergency accommodation and community outreach services. We are a values-led organisation, and we believe that everyone has a right to live a life free from fear and abuse. We offer safe, effective and high-quality support to all those experiencing domestic abuse. Our flexible, inclusive and responsive services are shaped by our clients, with a focus on ensuring safety and supporting their path to recovery. The Accommodation Manager post will play a key role in the delivery of our mission and offers an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to be part of the continuing growth and development of our safe accommodation services.
Key aspects of the role
•
To ensure the effective management of Pdap safe accommodation services. We currently have 3 refuge sites across Kirklees and a combined bed space of 23, with plans for further expansion in 2027.
•
To provide regular line management and development opportunities to your team and ensure they are adequately supported on a day-to-day basis.
2
•
To be responsible for accommodation contract compliance and maintain effective relationships with our partners and commissioners in Kirklees.
•
Develop and maintain excellent links with our accommodation landlords ensuring they are kept up to date with any concerns, areas for development and opportunities for growth at each site.
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To ensure our buildings and support services meet all legal regulations (e.g. Health & Safety/ HMO licencing conditions & Safeguarding).
•
Lead on the implementation and compliance of our Leading Lights accreditation within our accommodation team.
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To work with the CEO to contribute to Pdap Strategic Planning, including opportunities for further development and expansion of our safe accommodation services.
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To educate and inform the public and other professionals; raising awareness, increasing understanding of domestic abuse and improving the multi-agency response in Kirklees.
•
To ensure Pdap values are central to delivery of all services including that our homes are fit for purpose as welcoming places for our families to live.
• To ensure that the views of those with lived experience of domestic abuse are at the core of the work Pdap carries out and that they inform and shape the development of new services
Oversight of high quality service delivery
• To develop and implement policies and procedures relating to the accommodation service ensuring they are kept up to date and in line with current legislation.
• Embed accreditation requirements throughout service management and delivery.
• Monitor and evaluate the service, producing accurate data reports as and when required for commissioners, CEO and the Board of Trustees.
• Support the accommodation team in providing a safe, secure and welcoming environment for victims of domestic abuse.
• To ensure that our commitment to inclusion, equity and diversity is embedded across all aspects of employment and service delivery.
• To ensure our accommodation services are delivered and adequately resourced in line with the DA Act and the LA Statutory Duty requirements, identifying any gaps in delivery and working with the CEO and commissioners to address these.
• Take part in the out of hours (back up) on call management rota.
Supporting our Staff • To lead on the recruitment, induction and deployment of accommodation staff, volunteers and student placements ensuring effective cover across all sites.
• To provide regular supervision, support and development opportunities to the accommodation team leader, maintenance officer and housekeeper.
• Oversee training and development opportunities for accommodation staff, empowering them to develop their skills and knowledge whilst being managed with a fair and consistent approach.
• Act as Safeguarding Lead for Accommodation services.
• Promote and foster good working relationships between all Pdap staffing teams.
Working with our Partners
• To represent the values of Pdap in all our external partnership working.
• To represent Pdap at a strategic level including attendance at and chairing meetings, attending advisory groups and influencing how stakeholders respond to domestic abuse.
• To develop and maintain good positive working relationships and referral pathways with relevant agencies and professionals.
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• To liaise with universities and external tutors in relation to student placements.
• Foster positive relationships with our commissioners, landlords and funders.
Finance & Administration
• To oversee and deliver agreed budgets relating to the accommodation service.
• To assist the Finance Director with setting annual budgets.
• To be responsible for the effective operation of accommodation services, ensuring that all resources, assets and monies are always properly accounted for. Promoting equity, diversity & inclusion
• Regularly review service level accessibility data and update the EDI action plan with actions to address these.
• Actively and appropriately challenge all forms of discrimination.
• Proactively promote equity, diversity and inclusion in all work with clients, ensuring fair access to services for all.
Other
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Flexible working hours according to the needs of the project.
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Evening and weekend work may sometimes be required.
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Annual leave and time off in lieu to be taken at times to meet the requirements of the organisation, and with the prior agreement of the COO.
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The role will predominantly be based across our accommodation sites or at our main office.
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As our sites are across Kirklees, use of a car is desirable
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Please note this post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.
Person Specification
Skills & Experience Essential/Desirable
Experience of managing a HMO or similar supported housing service
Essential
Significant experience in a line management role
Essential
Ability to identify areas of development for staff and support them to improve their practice
Essential
Experience working in Domestic abuse or aligned sector such as substance misuse, housing, mental health, social care etc
Essential
Experience of working in the third sector
Desirable
Ability to work independently and within a team, to plan and manage a complex workload, meet deadlines, problem-solve and respond to unplanned demands
Essential
Ability to analyse data to identify gaps, and actions and write high quality reports and action plans
Essential
4
Proven track record translating strategy into operational delivery
Essential
Be able to demonstrate excellent literacy and IT skills, including case management systems, Word, Outlook and Excel.
Essential
Experience & confidence delivering presentations/ training and talks to a wide range of audiences
Essential
Ability to build and maintain strong partnership relationships with landlords, contract managers and commissioners
Essential
Able to demonstrate strong professional boundaries and maintain confidentiality
Essential Knowledge Essential/Desirable
Sound understanding of domestic abuse and VAWG
Essential
Knowledge of charity governance and financial management
Desirable
Understanding of the full range of housing management responsibilities including preventing rent arrears, supporting safe and planned transitions to permanent housing, health and safety, and the housing, legal and welfare rights of those experiencing domestic violence
Essential
Understanding of commissioning requirements and contract compliance
Essential
Understanding of housing legislation in relation to the delivery of supported housing and HMOs
Essential
Excellent understanding of quality assurance including Leading Lights or equivalent accreditation
Desirable
Commitment to working in partnership and building strong relationships with stakeholders
Essential
Excellent understanding of and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
Essential

The National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance (NCJAA) is embedded in Clinks. It has a distinct network, identity and website as well as an advisory group, an independent chair and distinct funding for specific work.

The NCJAA aims to ensure that the arts are used within the criminal justice system as a springboard for positive change. The NCJAA represents a network of over 500 individuals and organisations that deliver creative interventions to support people in prison, on probation and in the community, with impressive results. We support this transformative work by providing a network and a voice to promote access to arts and culture for people in the criminal justice system, as a springboard to positive change.

Clinks supports, promotes and represents the voluntary sector working with people in the criminal justice system and their families. Our vision is of a vibrant, independent and resilient voluntary sector that enables people to transform their lives.

Job purpose

To develop and grow the NCJAA network and develop and maintain effective working relationships with partners and stakeholders.

Job summary

The coordinator is responsible for overseeing all work and development of the NCJAA and sits within Clinks’ National Influencing & Networks directorate . The coordinator will work with a range of different stakeholders, including the NCJAA Advisory Group and the wider membership, to improve policy and practice in relation to arts-based work with people in prison, on probation and in the community. This includes maintaining and strengthening the NCJAA as the leading national network for arts organisations and individuals that work in the criminal justice system.

Reports to: Clinks Director of National Influencing & Networks

1. Duties and key responsibilities

Strategy and planning

· Work closely with Clinks colleagues and the NCJAA network to develop and deliver the NCJAA annual work plan which include a range of activities that will raise the profile and promote the work of the arts sector in the CJS, including events, publications, training, mentoring, research and networking opportunities

· Work closely with Clinks colleagues, the NCJAA advisory group, chair and wider network to help inform and shape the future direction of the NCJAA and its strategic goals, paying particular attention to its role, sustainability and emerging opportunities

· Coordinate the quarterly arts forum in collaboration with the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3) arts seat holder and government representatives

NCJAA project management & delivery

· Provide leadership for the NCJAA in the arts and CJS sectors

· Deliver the projects set out in the NCJAA’s annual workplan

· Coordinate the functioning of the advisory group of the NCJAA, including its quarterly meetings, minutes and election

· Manage work as required by NCJAA’s role as an Arts Council England Sector Support Organisation, including how we effectively capture and measure the NCJAA’s impact as the leading national arts and criminal justice network

· Provide regular and relevant reporting information as necessary to ensure all NCJAA projects and activity are working to the agreed timetable, budget and are achieving agreed outputs and outcomes, reporting any exceptions promptly to the Director of Support and Development

· Work collaboratively with various Clinks’ staff teams to deliver the NCJAA work plan and support the delivery of Clinks’ wider work plan

Stakeholder and external relations

· Work closely with HM Prison and Probation Service and other government departments and agencies to promote communication and partnership between Government and the arts in the criminal justice sector e.g. working with and supported by Clinks’ policy team, participate in meetings of the Reducing Re-offending Arts Forum convened jointly by Clinks and HM Prison and Probation Service

· Work within Clinks’ National Influencing & Networks directorate to ensure the experience and knowledge of arts and cultural organisations working in criminal justice is reflected in Clinks representation and influencing work with national government

· Assist colleagues working in the arts sector to interpret the emerging criminal justice environment and develop sustainable opportunities

· Maintain a wider view of criminal justice and arts policies and guide and support arts organisations to interpret these in a relevant and appropriate manner

· Identify and promote research and evidence in the field of arts and criminal justice

Income generation

· Work with Clinks colleagues responsible for income to identify funding sources, submit funding applications and monitoring reports when required, both for specific NCJAA projects and for the future funding of the work as a whole to ensure the sustainability and future development of the NCJAA

Budget

· Work with Clinks colleagues responsible for finance to maintain financial oversight of the overall NCJAA budget and all relevant project budgets to support the NCJAA work to progress effectively

2. General responsibilities 

· Represent and be an ambassador for NCJAA and Clinks

· Work to support the mission, ethos and values of Clinks

· Be flexible and carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop or be assigned in line with the broad remit of the position

· Support and promote diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace

· Work collaboratively with others in all aspects of our work

This job description does not form part of your contract of employment and can be amended from time to time as the needs of the organisation require.

Person specification

Experience

· Experience of the arts and social inclusion sector is essential

· Experience of the criminal justice voluntary sector is desirable

· Experience in forming working relationships with opinion formers and key stakeholders to influence policy and practice.

· Experience in leading and monitoring complex projects and measuring impact with national strategic significance, preferably in the arts.

· Experienced in multiple funder and stakeholder management

· Proven track record of developing and delivering successful projects, including the development of project plans and budgets; implementation; evaluation; reporting and monitoring

· Working to deadlines singularly and as a part of a team responsibility

Skills and abilities

· Excellent interpersonal and strong spoken and written communication skills which engage audiences, encouraging understanding and participation

· Ability to liaise with a wide range of stakeholders with different perspectives, including voluntary sector agencies, arts organisations, government, private sector, service users and media

· The ability to lead, inspire and co-ordinate a complex network of organisations working  and supporting arts in criminal justice settings

· Influencing, negotiation and communication skills at a national level

· Facilitate and chair meetings at all levels of the organisations engagement – nationally, regionally, locally

· Highly organised with an ability to maintain effective record keeping systems

· Adopt a problem solving, solution-focused approach and make decisions effectively and timely

· Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

· Strategic thinking, planning and project management skills

· IT skills at a level that supports report writing, email, internet and databases

· Adaptability and flexibility in being able to take on new roles and manage a range of different internal and external relationships.

· Budget management and reporting skills

Knowledge

· Knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice system policy and operating environment in order to promote and support the arts within it.

· Understanding the value of different art forms in criminal justice settings

· Knowledge and experience of national policy, practice and membership organisations relating to arts and/or criminal justice sector

Education and training

· No one specific qualification is required, but evidence of recent continuing professional development in a professional area with demonstrable relevance to the role

Personal attributes and other requirements

· Able to travel extensively nationally

· Able to work some evenings and weekends and stay overnight where necessary.

· Works well in a team with a flexible approach to work

· Personal resilience and the ability to stay focused in a rapidly changing environment

· Demonstrable passion for and commitment to the transformative role of the arts in criminal justice settings

· Demonstrable commitment to anti-racism, anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities. An ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work

· Commitment to the values and ethos of supporting people in the criminal justice system

· Commitment to upholding the rights of people facing disadvantage and discrimination in the CJS