Programme executive jobs

The Community Development & Health Programme Manager is responsible for the ongoing strategic development of the programme area, as well as maintaining oversight of the contracted delivery across its broad but integrated remit.  The Programme Manager also has a responsibility to be visible in the communities we serve locally and to attend meetings, events and community profile raising within and without normal working hours, as needed.

This role leads the operational line management and direction of a multidisciplinary team of Project Managers, Seniors & Development Workers, who are themselves are responsible for designing, fundraising for, delivering & evaluating services and activities which cover the needs of the entire community, across the whole age range to meet identified community needs and with a range of VCSE and statutory partners. 

The aim of these activities, services and events is to deliver support, develop learning, and build VCSE infrastructure, capacity and sustainability to deliver individual and community changes for those facing challenges. These currently include community events; community hub development; youth and family work; emergency and community food provision through community supermarkets, East Sussex and Lewes District Food Partnerships; community capacity building; VCSE infrastructure support; healthy lifestyles activities and community-rooted approaches to addressing health inequalities; access to green, open and blue spaces for health and wellbeing; development of active travel; addressing environmental issues and climate change at a community level. 

This work is achieved through the coordination and development of appropriate partnerships, and initiating and delivering activities and services through community development approaches which are community-rooted and build stronger, healthier and inclusive communities.

With responsibility for bid writing in support of SCDA’s charitably funded activities and services, and collaboration on larger tenders for SCDA community initiatives & services, the post holder will ensure quality of provision and that those projects run to agreed budgets and schedules.

About UKCF

At UK Community Foundations (UKCF), we put inclusivity at the forefront of all we do, we put relationships first and we are ambitious for our members and the communities they serve.

Everyone should have the opportunity to have a fulfilling life and to feel they belong. This can’t be mandated by government, or done to people, only with them. Change needs to be driven by people who understand the local situation and our support makes this possible.

UKCF is a national network of community foundations based all over the UK. Community foundations connect philanthropic people with local causes that matter to them. They are charitable organisations focused on supporting a defined geographical area by leveraging funds to support community needs and local organisations making a difference. As well as supporting our members, at UKCF we explore social challenges, we provide national funding and we work with those who have the solutions to improve lives.

Benefits of working at UKCF include 30 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays, up to two days paid leave for volunteer days, season ticket loans available, enhanced pension and a flexible working plan. As a disability confident employer, we encourage applications irrespective of your age, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, gender reassignment, sex or sexual orientation.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the senior leadership team at a time of growth, ambition and innovation. We are looking for a strategic, expert and collaborative Director of Partnerships and Insight to help us build and deliver impactful national partnerships that bring real, measurable benefits to communities across the UK.

You will be responsible for the development, delivery, and evaluation of high-value, strategic partnerships—whether with government departments (such as DCMS), major trusts and foundations (like the Henry Smith Charity), corporate partners, or other longstanding partners (such as the National Emergencies Trust).

You’ll work closely with community foundations to shape strong proposals and lead the end-to-end implementation of partnerships and programmes.

You’ll also play a key role in helping UKCF and the wider network become more insight-led and data-driven—strengthening our approach to programme design, learning, and impact evaluation. You’ll work closely with our Digital Transformation team to embed best practice in the use of data and evidence.

This role requires exceptional relationship-building skills, confidence working at a national level, and the ability to develop and articulate clear theories of change and evaluation frameworks. Subject expertise in areas such as philanthropy, AI, social cohesion, neighbourhood health or climate is desirable.

You will report to the CEO and be a key member of the Senior Management Team.

Key responsibilities

Strategic partnerships development

You will lead the identification, development, and stewardship of national strategic partnerships that align with UKCF’s mission and deliver meaningful outcomes for our partners and for communities across the UK.

This includes initiating and negotiating collaborations with government departments, large foundations, businesses, and sector partners. Working closely with community foundations across the country, you will co-create proposals and programme designs that draw on local expertise and deliver impact at scale.

From inception to evaluation, you will oversee the full partnership lifecycle, ensuring robust governance, clear communication, and high-quality delivery throughout.

Insight and impact

A central part of the role is to embed a strong culture of learning and evidence across UKCF’s national partnerships. You will shape and implement theories of change and robust evaluation frameworks, working with partners and community foundations to ensure that programme outcomes are clearly defined, measured, and communicated.

You will collaborate with the Digital Transformation team to improve our use of data and insight, driving forward a more evidence-led approach to programme design and influencing. Through this work, you will help generate actionable insights that inform future partnerships and strengthen our case for support with funders and policymakers.

Leadership and collaboration

You will manage our Programmes Officer, with responsibility for supporting their professional development. You will work closely with the Chief Executive to develop plans for growing the team, grounded in the need to ensure financial sustainability.

As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will play a key role in strategic decision-making and organisational development. You will provide visible leadership across UKCF, championing collaboration and innovation internally and externally.

You will cultivate strong, trusting relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including community foundation leaders, funders, and public sector partners. Representing UKCF at high-level events and forums, you will contribute thought leadership on place-based philanthropy and community-led change. In all your work, you will model inclusive leadership and ensure our partnerships reflect our values and commitment to equity and social justice.

Who we’re looking for:

We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced leader who thrives in collaborative environments and is motivated by the power of local action to drive national impact. You’ll combine deep subject knowledge with the ability to build coalitions and bring new ideas to life.

You don’t need to meet every single criterion to apply—we are keen to hear from people with a passion for this work and the ability to grow with the role.

See the full job description for more detail.

As a key member of the newly formed Programme Delivery Team, you will contribute to the growth, reach, and impact of Leadership Skills Foundation programmes among underserved and under-represented individuals and communities. Your work will play a vital role in benefiting thousands of young people across the UK.

We are looking for an energetic and innovative relationship-builder who can establish and manage partnerships with local community groups across England.  Through strong relationship management, you will play a key role in identifying learnings through the programmes delivery and will be confident to use the learnings to influence future strategy and delivery plans.

The role requires someone who is excited by the challenge of trying new things and working differently through a test and learn approach.  You will need to be comfortable working collaboratively as well as independently and want to pro-actively lead on making a positive social difference to the individuals and groups benefitting from our programmes.

The role will initially be a fixed term contract (to July 2027) but we aim to secure further funding for the role to extend. 

Main duties and responsibilities

Responsible for co-ordinating, engaging and managing multiple local community organisations across c. 5-7 locations in England to deliver leadership programmes with identified target audiences, groups and individuals.

Design, develop and manage a delivery plan for the Programme, which engages key stakeholders, and is based on the principles of co-creation, trust and flexibility.

Support identified stakeholders to test adapted leadership skill programmes and learn from the delivery to inform future delivery.

Through learnings from local delivery partners and working with research colleagues, develop a shared understanding of the needs and barriers young people in underserved communities face in accessing leadership skill development and volunteering opportunities.

Work with colleagues in the Innovation team to provide support to local delivery partners to address and overcome these barriers to engage the target audiences.

Deliver training, support and orientation to local delivery partners

Work with the Programme Research Manager to establish a delivery feedback loop to inform the development of learning resources and programmes to overcome the needs and barriers young people in underserved communities face. 

Provide opportunities for the research plan, developed by the Programme Delivery Research Team, to be implemented to drive the improvement of strategic, business and operational planning and delivery.

Provide connectivity between your work/engagement with delivery centres and the work of the Business and Market Development Teams. 

Work with the Programme Research Manager to capture and share best practice to support the wider adoption across community and partner networks. 

Work collaboratively to successfully influence and deliver agreed programme objectives and key results.

Maintain a working knowledge and up to date awareness of the landscape and audiences the Leadership Skills Foundation works with and aspires to work with.

Key Relationships

Internal

• Head of Programme Delivery (line manager)

• Programme Delivery Research Manager

• Programme Delivery Research Executive

• Innovation Officers

• Finance Manager

External

• Local delivery centres and partners

• Strategic partners including organisations such as Sport England and Active Partners

• Research and insight partners

Skills, experience and knowledge

Essential

• Strong experience of proactively supporting and managing local and regional stakeholder relations.

• Experience of working with community organisations and good understanding of the voluntary and community landscape

• Experience of supporting individuals/teams and organisations to deliver projects and programmes.

• Confidence to act as the lead contact point for the local delivery of a nationally funded programme.

• Experience of working flexibly, responding to need and opportunities

• Familiarity with delivering and carrying out operational workplans and working collaboratively with teams to achieve them

• Effective resource management

• Analytical thinking and evaluation skills- experience of using data and insight to learn, adapt and tell stories 

• Strong interpersonal, presenting and communication skills with the confidence and ability to adapt styles to different groups. 

Desirable

• A proven track record in leading and delivering purpose-driven programmes.

• Experience of delivering/managing test and learn projects

• Experience of working with under-represented/under-served young people

• Experience of Place-based working and community development

• Experience of supporting programme innovation, development, and design. 

• An understanding of the sport and physical activity landscape in England.

• Experience of delivering informal education, employability or skill development programmes

Personal qualities

• A people- person with strong interpersonal skills to initiate, engage with and build strong and impactful relationships with a range of external stakeholders.

• A confident, collaborative individual that wants to lead and make a positive social difference.

• Effective and confident communicator, able to inspire and engage stakeholders.

• Detail-orientated, organised and capable of balancing multiple and complex priorities.

• A team player, flexible and able to respond positively to evolving opportunities and challenges in a fast-paced environment. 

• Optimistic and energetic outlook, keen to maximise the positive change that the programme can deliver.

• Self-starter and independent thinker; able to solve problems and instigate solutions.

• Takes initiative and responsibility for their own workload.

• Adaptable to operational requirements with an openness to give and receive constructive feedback as part of a growth mindset.

• The ability to multi-task and manage partner relationships at various stages

• Comfortable working from home, with regular travel across England as required

 Job Title: Programme Executive  (Healthy Relationships)  

 Salary: Gilwell Park (with Hybrid Working) - £39,560 (Band F Level 3, inclusive of OLW                                                 Homebased - £37,800.00 (Band F level 3) annum

 Location:   Gilwell Park (Hybrid), Chingford, London. 

 Contract Type: Fixed term until end of March 2027

 Working Hours:35 hours with occasional evenings & weekends

Joining the Youth Programme Team at Scouts means being part of a dynamic, forward-thinking group that is shaping the future of young people across the UK. We’re a passionate, collaborative team that thrives on innovation, creating high-quality, impactful programmes that equip young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive. From evolving our Theory of Change to designing an inclusive youth leadership programme for underserved communities, our work is as ambitious as it is rewarding. We celebrate wins together, problem-solve creatively, and are always looking for fresh perspectives to challenge and improve what we do.

Key Responsibilities:

Innovative Programme Development:

• Identify, develop, and test new approaches to programme delivery, ensuring content is aligned with the Theory of Change and responsive to the evolving needs of young people.
• Co-design, create, and iterate age-appropriate, non-formal educational programme resources that engage young leaders and volunteers, enhancing programme impact.

Programme Delivery & Support:

• Lead and deliver programme-related forums, events, and seminars to drive the uptake of our programme and empower volunteers to deliver a high-quality, impactful programme.
• Support adult volunteers in delivering the Scout programme, ensuring youth voice is central to all decision-making and activities.

What we are looking for in our Programme Executive - Healthy Relationships:

• Strong planning, organisational, and communication skills, with the ability to turn outcomes into clear deliverables and guide colleagues effectively.
• Ability to work in a digital-first way, using CMS, data analysis, and content creation, while coaching others to do the same.

Benefits: For a full list of our benefits click .

For more details about the Scouts and our great benefits: 

Closing date for applications: 23:59pm Tuesday 10th June 2025

Interviews will be held on via Teams Thursday 19th June 2025

Click ‘Apply’ now to apply for this fantastic role!!!!!!

The Scouts is an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. We offer flexible working arrangements to support diverse needs and lifestyles, ensuring that our teams can thrive both professionally and personally. We welcome and encourage applicants from all walks of life, believing that varied perspectives strengthen our innovation and community. Your unique experiences and ideas are essential to our success, and we look forward to hearing from all voices.

About International Lawyers Project (ILP) 

ILP is a network of talented and passionate pro bono lawyers drawn from diverse countries and cultures across the globe. We mobilise teams of legal experts to support the policy and legal needs of marginalised communities, their governments, and their social movement organisations. Our partners are civil society organisations, governments, community groups and investigative journalists.

Founded in the UK in 2005, we are staffed by a small core staff team of lawyers and thematic experts dedicated to using the law to achieve economic and environmental justice through strategic pro bono legal support. Over the last 20 years, we have supported partners in more than 100 countries.

We are proud to have a diverse staff and volunteer team reflective of the communities we support, from Africa, Latin America, Asia and Europe, with extensive expertise in our focus areas as well as law and international development. We work primarily in the Global South, with active projects across Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Asia, as well as in Europe. As a charity, our ultimate aim is to help our clients create long-lasting change in some of the world’s most disadvantaged regions. 

Our vision is a just and sustainable world in which the law serves as a tool for those who need it most. 

Role and Responsibilities 

We are looking to recruit an experienced, innovative senior legal manager to manage our international Governance & Accountability Programme. The ideal candidate will be a qualified lawyer (or international development professional with equivalent experience in rule of law /governance / NGO use of legal strategies), with deep enthusiasm and in-depth knowledge of how our partners could use the law to achieve anti-corruption reform. A more detailed explanation of our organisational and programme strategy is set out in our 2024-2026 Strategy.

Working as part of a small but dynamic team, you will have the opportunity to learn at close hand what it means to work for an international NGO focusing on how the law can be used to fight corruption and achieve environmental and economic justice. You will develop projects with a range of partners, including international agencies, NGOs, CSOs, governments and government bodies. You will collaborate with a range of volunteer lawyers (law firms and barristers chambers) who are leading experts in their field. You will also nurture, build and maintain relationships with our funders. The role will involve outreach to new partners, programme management, drafting fundraising applications and donor reports, tracking impact, as well as evaluating and learning from projects.

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Implement the strategic vision for ILP’s Governance and Accountability (G&A) programme, in conjunction with the Senior Programmes Director, Senior Counsel, Legal Fellows, Executive Director, partners, staff and Board; 

2. Develop an expert understanding of the most effective policy tools and legal interventions to deliver the programme’s objectives, through engagement with volunteer lawyers, ILP partners, staff, Board and others; 

3. Build and maintain ILP’s G&A programme. This includes:

· Liaising with partners to identify legal/policy/campaign needs and offer potential legal and/or policy reform solutions, including through conducting analysis of their activities; 

· Creating an active pipeline of G&A projects and cases including environmental crime and corruption, through identifying and engaging in regular outreach with potential new partners; 

· Ensuring an even spread of G&A projects across the five strategic programme pillars;

· Identifying, building and maintaining strong relationships with existing and new highly experienced volunteer lawyers;

· Mapping and developing relationships with regional and international development entities and other technical assistance providers to identify potential partners, needs and focus countries; 

· Representing the programme in external fora and events; 

1. Ensure effective project delivery and evaluation of impact including: 

· Managing & coordinating project implementation through the full project cycle; 

· Delivering financial management for assignments including accurate budgeting, forecasting, accounting and reporting; 

· Supporting the development and maintenance of strong programme management and knowledge management systems and processes, including regular updating of ILP’s databases; 

1. Working closely with the Senior Counsel and Senior Programmes Director, lead fundraising activities to support both the G&A programme and organisational overheads, including exploring opportunities for potential funding with partners, liaising with and nurturing donors, designing funding applications and creating relevant budgets; 

2. Line management of G&A Legal Fellow;

3. Share in the necessary operational and administrative activities of the organisation and contribution to website and social media communications.

Candidate profile:

We are especially interested in candidates with the following skills and experience: 

· A qualified lawyer (or equivalent with significant relevant professional experience) with an  excellent understanding of how law is useful to achieving reform in our key strategic work areas: public procurement integrity, environmental crime and corruption, accountability for international corruption asset recovery, countering illicit asset flows and illicit asset recovery, and tackling the UK’s role as an international money laundering hub for enablers; 

· Understanding and enthusiasm for the concept and practice of pro bono legal assistance;

· Demonstrable project management skills and experience in an NGO (5+ years);

· Demonstrable experience in donor management, including drafting fundraising applications and budgets, nurturing new and managing existing relationships, meeting donor reporting requirements, drafting donor impact reports and raising funds for future projects and activities;

· Relevant experience and knowledge (either from previous work experience or study) relating to economic justice and/or environmental law and policy in an international development context;

· Ability to work on a wide range of tasks simultaneously, and at speed, including developing and managing relationships with a range of stakeholders (donors, NGOs, civil society organisations and government representatives), on an international basis;

· Demonstrable understanding (either from previous work experience or study) of key issues in sustainable international development, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals; 

· Excellent research skills; strong administration and coordination experience in an NGO setting;

· Strong interpersonal and team working skills; 

· Comfortable working independently and proactively and as part of a small team with a busy caseload;

· Very high level of fluency in spoken and written English;

· Working knowledge of another language such as Spanish (desirable).

Key details about the position

· Travel: candidates must be willing and able to travel internationally 2-5 times per year, including fulfilling vaccination and other requirements.

· Our genuine support for equity, diversity and inclusion is illustrated by our current team.

· Visa sponsorship: we are open to sponsoring a UK visa application for an extraordinary candidate. 

Summary

Introduction

Working within the Central Secretariat, the Safeguarding Structures Programme Director will lead a programme team to implement the new independent structures for the Church of England's safeguarding function.

About the Department

The Central Secretariat provides support to many of the governance bodies of the Church of England, including the General Synod, House of Bishops, Archbishops' Council and others. It also provides policy analysis and support on internal matters relating to the structure and governance of the Church of England.

What you'll be doing

The purpose of this role is to deliver the General Synod's motion of February 2025 to design, develop and deliver independent scrutiny of Church safeguarding and such operations as the Synod decides. It needs to do so in a way that brings stakeholders - victims and survivors, safeguarding staff across the Church, trustees and others - along with them, with a focus on delivering a system of safeguarding that commands greater confidence. And it needs to do so working through an executive chair and lead bishop.

You will lead a programme team that is in the process of being formed, and you'll report to the Director of the Central Secretariat, whilst also working through an Executive Chair (currently being recruited), the lead bishop for safeguarding and a Programme Board, and maintaining the confidence of the wider Church of England, including the General Synod, the House of Bishops and others.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the programme team to deliver an ambitious programme of policy development, legislation, restructure and new service development, being accountable for ensuring the programme meets objectives , delivers outcomes and realises benefits
• Support the Executive Chair and lead bishop to deliver the mandate of General Synod (February 2025) regarding the future of Church of England safeguarding - maintaining their confidence and engagement at all times, building a relationship of trust and collaboration.
• Lead the team to deliver the change:
• Design the change - agreeing the new models for scrutiny/complaints and operations
• Secure buy-in to the change - including from governance bodies, the General Synod, and other stakeholders
• Execute the change through a mixture of legislative, contractual and other arrangements; and
• Embed the change - through the communications, engagement, planning etc that will enable the programme to deliver the benefits
• Maintain excellent programme governance - both ensuring the programme is well-run, with appropriate internal governance (plans, resource management, risk management) and reports effectively to the Programme Board, and to governance bodies
• Develop excellent engagement with safeguarding staff and leaders across the Church
• Ensure that the proposals are designed from the user perspective - with a particular focus on victims, survivors and parish safeguarding officers
• Lead, support, encourage and manage, the programme team of approximately 6-8 people
• Develop key messaging and strategic engagement , overseeing internal and external engagement
• Equip and enable the lead bishop and Executive Chair to be effective senior sponsors and externally facing change champions, ensuring that they are fully briefed on all developments and properly supported prepared for their meetings.

About You

Along with a recognised Programme Management accreditation (e.g. APM, PMI, PRINCE2 or equivalent), you will also need to demonstrate:

• The ability to create the vision and a sense of the destination, and also to engage in the precise details of what needs to happen to deliver it;
• A track record of engaging with people who are impacted by substantial change;
• Ability and experience of working collaboratively with a programme team and wider stakeholders to achieve success
• Experience of working with senior stakeholders to deliver, and capacity to work with an Executive Chair and lead bishop or similar.

• A salary of 82,157 per annum, plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any salary-sacrifice pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.

• 30 days annual leave plus eight bank holidays three additional days (pro-rated if working part-time).
• We welcome all flexible working arrangement requests. This is looked at in a case-by-case scenario and if this fits within the department's needs. We try to be as flexible as we can in your work pattern to support you with other commitments, and to give a good work-life balance.
• We offer many services and initiatives under our Family Friendly Programme, some of these include enhanced Maternity Leave initiative, Adoption Leave, Paternity Leave, & Shared Parental Leave. Structured induction programme and access to a range of development opportunities including apprenticeships.
• Automatic enrolment and access to Medicash (one of the UK's leading health cash plan providers), providing you with many services including reimbursements of routine dental treatment, optical, specialist consultations, and therapy treatments. Unlimited access to virtual GP & Private prescription service and health & Stress related helplines.
• Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme 
• Access to the Department of Education Restaurant and Westminster Abbey with a plus-one guest.
• Apply for eligibility for an Eyecare voucher.
• Opportunity to join the Civil Service Sports & Social Club, and get involved in a range of staff networks, groups and societies.

The National Church Institutions comprises a wide variety of teams, professions and functions that support the mission and ministries of the Church of England in its vision to be a church, centred on Jesus Christ, for the whole nation - a church that is simpler, humbler, bolder.

• Strive for Excellence
• Show Compassion
• Respect others
• Collaborate
• Act with Integrity

Programme Director

Location: Kirklees
Salary: £44,000 pro-rata
Hours: 30-37 hours per week (flexible working available)
Job Type: Full time
Contract Type: Permanent

Are you an experienced leader with a passion for community impact and the voluntary sector?

TSL Kirklees is currently recruiting for a new role of Programme Director to lead and coordinate our portfolio of community infrastructure projects. 

This senior leadership role is pivotal in helping us achieve our mission to tackle inequality across Kirklees by strengthening the voice and influence of the local VCSE sector. 

You’ll work closely with our CEO, Trustee Board, partners, and funders to:

• Oversee project delivery and evaluation
• Build strong cross-sector partnerships
• Align operations with strategic goals
• Lead and support a team of project managers

What are we looking for?

We're looking for someone with a collaborative leadership style, able to provide energy, focus and creativity as well as excellent project and people management skills, and a strong understanding of the VCSE landscape.

REF-221497

This full-time role focuses on children and families, leading the development and delivery of our Creative Outreach Programme and supporting all child and beneficiary engagement. The successful applicant will also help develop and expand our Arts Hub activities; working closely with young people, freelance creatives, and our small, dedicated team to offer meaningful, high-quality creative experiences.

Candidates should be:

· A confident drama teacher/facilitator

· Enthusiastic and passionate about engaging children in arts activities

· Highly motivated, organised and efficient

· A good team player with an ability to communicate effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds

The Children’s Programme Lead is responsible for:

· Developing and delivering our Creative Outreach Programme for children aged 7+

· Supporting all child and beneficiary engagement at Scene & Heard

· Developing new activities under our Arts Hub initiative

· Collaborating with freelance artists and facilitators to co-deliver workshops

· Safeguarding and monitoring child wellbeing during all activities

· Representing Scene & Heard with families, schools, and external partners

· Leading on impact measurement and reporting for children’s programmes

· Supporting our wider creative and organisational work as part of a small, integrated team

· Working evenings/weekends as required for courses, productions and events

The Children’s Programme Lead reports to the CEO & Artistic Director and collaborates closely with all members of the staff team.

To reflect and celebrate the rich variety of heritages, backgrounds, and orientations represented in London and beyond, we strive to build and maintain a staff team and volunteer base that is as diverse as the communities we serve.

Programmes Lead (Maternity Cover)

Salary: £31,625 - £34,106 pro-rata (depending on experience)

Contract: 12 months fixed-term contract (Maternity Cover- might be potentially extended)

Start Date: Date to be agreed (potentially July)

Location: This is currently a blended-working role with two in-office days (Tuesday-Thursday) during term time and the flexibility to work from home during school holidays. Occasional travel to schools and events will be required. 

We are currently based at Resource for London near Holloway Road station, however, our office will be moving to another location in London in the coming months. 

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week. Our core hours are 09:30 - 16:00 from Monday to Friday. 

Benefits of working for Challenge Partners

• Work-life balance

• Annual leave

• Employer pension contributions

• Health and wellbeing support

• Training and development

• Family-friendly policies

• Connection and celebration

About the role

The Programmes Lead will play a key role in leading and implementing the delivery of a range of programmes which at present includes Growing the Top, the SEND Developmental Peer Review and the Trust Leaders’ Network (subject to change based on organisational need). 

Established in 2011, Challenge Partners is a well-respected nationwide network of practitioners who engage in hard-edged collaboration and mutual accountability to ensure every school community can benefit from the combined wisdom of the education system. 

The Programmes Lead will build and manage relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and hold responsibility for the quality and consistency of school leaders’ experience of the programmes. They will work closely with the Programmes Manager and Partnership Coordinators to ensure excellent delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Programmes Manager the Programme Lead will have the following key areas of responsibility and will be expected to undertake other responsibilities commensurate with the role as requested:

Programme Delivery and Development

• Lead on the operational delivery of programmes: Growing the Top, the SEND Developmental Peer Review and the Trust Leaders’ Network

• Manage key stakeholder relationships with programme participants and facilitators

• Manage correspondence involved in programme delivery, including responding to daily queries and setting up automated processes

• Monitor visit day/event quality and delivery, including dealing with and escalating issues to ensure positive solutions are reached

• Monitor risks and mitigate/escalate as appropriate

• Monitor programme spending and signing off invoices within agreed budgets, as directed by the Programmes Manager

• Work with the Programmes Manager on the development of strategies to support efficiency and scale the delivery of programmes, including and not limited to the engagement of new technologies, processes and ways of working

• Lead on the implementation of new strategies for delivery in your areas of responsibility with Partnership Coordinators

Data Management and Systems 

• Ensure programme data is accurately recorded on Salesforce (our CRM system) and work closely with the digital team to improve systems and processes

• Responsibility for ongoing monitoring of programme delivery feedback data to ensure quality and oversee escalation of issues if/when they arise

Event Planning and Organisation

• Lead on the planning, logistics and delivery of in-person and virtual programme events, working closely with the Programmes Manager and Executive Sponsors to agree event design

• Liaise with speakers, venues and suppliers to ensure high quality delivery of events

• Coordinate the team effectively to ensure excellent event delivery

• Work closely with the marketing team to create a social media plan to showcase programme events 

Matrix Management

At Challenge Partners, we work in a matrix structure which means that individuals collaborate across different work streams and are, at times, task managed by colleagues who are not their direct line manager

• Provide consistent and high quality task management to all Partnership Coordinators involved in the delivery of these programmes

• Collaborate effectively with other task managers, line managers and teams to support Partnership Coordinators to provide excellent delivery across all Challenge Partners activities and meet key organisational priorities

Person Specification

Specific skills and attitudes we are looking for in an applicant are as follows:

• As one of our cadre of leads, you will be a role model for our values at all times and a cultural lead within the team.

• Strong project management and organisational skills (a ‘completer-finisher’).

• Ability to prioritise effectively to meet competing demands and work under pressure, through excellent organisation and time management.

• Outstanding attention to detail, and pride in your work.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to deal with people diplomatically and appropriately, building rapport with those at varying levels of seniority.

• Positivity, optimism and agility - we are a small organisation and all staff are expected to contribute across the organisation (and sometimes beyond their specific job role) to ensure our success and sustainability. 

• High computer literacy - confidence and competence in using GSuite, Microsoft programmes and Salesforce (or similar CRM system) would be an advantage

• A willingness to learn and give and receive feedback

• A passion for education, and a desire to make a difference

How to apply

Please submit your application on BeApplied by 10am on Thursday 22nd May 2025. You will be asked to upload your CV and answer five competency and scenario-based application questions.

• First round of interviews (remote)- 29th & 30th May 2025

• Second round of interviews (face-to-face)- 10th June 2025

A note on AI 

At Challenge Partners, we are committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process. We don’t use Artificial Intelligence (AI) for recruitment - applications are reviewed by members of the team and we use blind shortlisting to mitigate potential bias and ensure all candidates are considered on merit.

Whilst we recognise that AI can be a useful tool for tasks like proofreading, we encourage you to share genuine examples from your own experience so we can better understand your unique skills and perspective. Authenticity is important to us and we want to hear your voice throughout the application process.

DEI Statement

Challenge Partners is committed to further enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion within our team and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, gender, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. 

Safeguarding Statement

Challenge Partners is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, beneficiaries and staff. We expect all employees, consultants and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment or contracts with us are subject to a satisfactory DBS check and references. 

No agencies please.

Accountable to: CEO

Location: Based/Flexible Hybrid working at: 45, The Parade, Roath, Cardiff, CF24 3AB

Hours of work: 35 hours a week

Salary: £40,000 to £42,000 dependent on experience

P03 Scale 32-35 – £41,511 – £44,711

Contract type: Permanent following a successfully identified probationary period.

Mission and Values

Voices From Care Cymru exists to improve the lives of care experienced children and young people in Wales, which we achieve by being a national independent voice that provides a national care experienced community.

Our values:

Being Young-Person Led

VFCC core principles are guided by our community of care experienced children & young people. Our Board of Trustees is split between young people/service users and key professionals, The advisory group of Care experienced children and young and staff regularly consult with children and young people on issues that are important to them.

Equality For Everyone in Care

VFCC believe that care experienced children & young people should have the same chances and opportunities as their non-care experienced peers. They should not have to face stigma, discrimination, and barriers in life because of their care experience.

Creating A Care Family

VFCC provides the opportunity for care experienced children & young people to meet, grow, learn and develop long lasting friendships.

Being Aspirational

VFCC wants care experienced children & young people to be everything that they can be. We want to inspire them and nurture their potential.

Celebrating Individuality

VFCC is a unique independent organisation, we recognise and celebrate the individuality and diversity of the children & young people that we work with. We see that the different backgrounds, experiences, and views of care experienced children & young people help us to develop as an organisation and better represent the wider care population.

Purpose of post

By instruction and in partnership with the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) the Programme Director will manage and coordinate the operational areas of VFCC based on company policies, goals, and objectives to ensure an efficient working environment and that deadlines are met. The Programme Director prioritise the target/ objectives. We are looking for an experienced Programme Director to supervise a wide range of programs. You will be responsible for the delivery and overall success of each program. You will supervise teams and inform management on progress and performance.

A successful Programme Director must have a broad knowledge of program management principles. They must have a strategic mindset as well as be able to lead and develop their subordinates.

The goal is to ensure every program will be delivered successfully and add the highest possible value to the organization

Key tasks

• The Programme Director will assist senior management in establishing the development of the organisations long-term business Plan.
• The Programme Director will ensure that the strategic aims and planning of departments budgets/objectives are in conjunction and agreed by the CEO.
• The Programme Director will be responsible for monitoring workflow, ensuring optimal productivity, performance, milestones and deadlines are met across the organization.
• The Programme Director will be responsible for managing the performance and objectives for key staff.

The Programme Director will also be responsible for:

• CRM system – lamplight.
• Fundraising – to support the fundraising strategy and monitor and produce reports.
• Assist SMT in setting goals that promote company growth which will support the strategic objectives of the organisation.
• Oversee daily activity of the team.
• Prepare budgets, schedules, and other organisational reports as needed .
• Devise evaluation strategies to monitor performance and determine and manage the need for improvements team workloads to meet goals and deadlines.
• Develop plans to increase efficiency and reduce costs
• Improve existing systems and policies
• Promote and enforce safety in the workplace
• Work closely with other departments to promote efficient optimisation.
• Execute plans designed to meet company goals by updating/monitoring policies employees and coaching.
• Updating management with detailed and accurate reports/presentations regarding budgets, and bids
• Apply change, risk and resource management principles when needed, read reports prepared by managers to monitor progress.
• Ensure program operations and activities comply to legal guidelines and internal policies.
• Knowledge of child protection/safeguarding policy/procedures and be able to act and make reports as necessary

The VFCC experience:

• To ensure that care experienced children and young people have a positive experience of VFCC.
• To ensure VFCC is a safe and supportive environment for children and young people.
• To ensure young people are signposted to further opportunities to develop their skills and experience.
• To coordinate children and young people’s meaningful involvement/participation with the governance and operations frameworks of the organisation.

Other duties:

• To work within the organisation’s policies and practice guidelines.
• To participate in supervision sessions, staff meetings, managerial meetings, and the team activities.
• To carry out any other reasonable duties as may be required by the Chief Executive Officer.
• Deputise with the Influencing Director in the absence of Chief Executive Officer.
• The Programme Director will occasionally be required to work evenings and weekends with the occasional requirement to stay away from home overnight.

Through the appointment of a Strategic Programme Director (SPD), we have been given an opportunity to bring a step change in our mission and ministry across the Diocese of Coventry.  With a history of innovative missional practice and a dedicated team of lay and ordained leaders across our diverse geographical area (Warwickshire, Coventry and part of Solihull), we are looking to appoint a strategic thinker who is solutions focused with experience in bringing impactful change. The SPD will join us at an exciting time in the strategic development of the Diocese of Coventry as our new diocesan bishop takes up her responsibilities with a vision to see all churches flourish. A highly consultative approach will be needed as we look ahead to the beginning of this new season.

The Strategic Programme Director will be responsible for contributing to and supporting the Bishop’s Senior Staff Team and key lay and ordained leaders in the delivery of the diocesan strategy. The role will ensure that the programmes, projects and workstreams within the plan are delivered on time, within scope and budget. The Programme Director will provide oversight of the strategic plan from inception of ideas through implementation to delivery of projects.  Working collaboratively across the Diocese, the role will also ensure that key outcomes are well-defined, appropriately prioritised, delivered to plan and within budget. The role will include shaping and scoping the request for partnership/external funding.

Programme Development & Planning

• In the first year: To prioritise the clear articulation of a diocesan wide vision and direction of travel through working closely with the Bishop and the Bishop’s Senior Staff Team building on the work achieved in recent years.
• Work with key stakeholders to develop strategic initiatives aligned with the diocesan vision and strategy
• Ensure strategic proposals have clarity and viability
• Ensure effective communication with clarity, consistency and transparency
• Work with senior leaders to prioritise outline proposals
• Work with senior leaders to develop change proposals including detailed outcomes and the process by which those outcomes will be achieved
• Regularly assess the viability of development proposals
• Work with partnership funding bodies, including the C of E Vision and Strategy Team, to submit funding proposals and assure the quality of applications for any partnership funding
• Represent the Diocese in discussions with partnership funders
• Work with senior leaders to make the best use of central resources to support change

Programme Management

• Facilitate the launch of partnership-funded strategic projects, ensuring they are appropriately planned, resourced, measured and managed.
• Establish appropriate programme governance, including risk management, change management, regular reporting, and budget management
• Work with the communications team to ensure consistent and effective messaging
• Establish review and support processes to ensure projects are delivered successfully
• Ensure intervention processes are developed to pause, or if necessary, terminate projects that have demonstrated they will not deliver
• Capture and publish lessons learned, and support research studies
• Build consistent protocols for all significant strategic development initiatives
• Track progress against a detailed project plan, deliverables, outcomes and measures
• Manage changes in project scope, schedule and costs, escalating to BSIG as required
• Provide support for operational aspects of projects in liaison with diocesan colleagues
• Ensure project leads/managers regularly complete a quality project highlight report
• Address project issues and risks, escalating to BSST accordingly
• Report project status to BSST on a regular basis
• Oversee production of all necessary annual reports for the Strategic Investment Board

Project Harar has an exciting new role for a full-time Programme and Fundraising Assistant paid internship. We are a small international charity treating children with cleft lip and palate and complex facial conditions across Ethiopia.

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate intern for one year, starting in early June. You will gain experience in all areas of our work, working with our UK and Ethiopia teams. You will also work closely with our CEO to support logistics for a complex surgical programme in Addis Ababa to treat Survivors of Noma.

Role Overview: We are seeking a passionate, dedicated and committed person for a one-year internship starting early June 2025. This role involves working closely with our CEO and engaging in a range of projects, with a strong emphasis on fundraising, events and support across the organisation. You will support logistics for a complex surgical programme in Addis Ababa to treat survivors of Noma.

Key Responsibilities:

●Support the CEO in various initiatives, as and when required.

●Contribute to a new program focused on raising awareness about Noma (a disease primarily affecting malnourished children in impoverished areas). Must be willing to travel to Ethiopia as part of our Complex Surgical Programme working with a volunteer medical team..

●Collaborate with our program team in Ethiopia. 

●Assist the CEO in planning and executing complex surgical programs.

●Help the Fundraising Manager organise and support fundraising events, campaigns and donor engagement activities.

●Provide support by coordinating communications and logistics.

●Gain a deep understanding of our fundraising platforms and contribute to their optimisation.

●Learn and apply design skills to create engaging materials for our campaigns and events.

Requirements:

●Degree in International Development, Geography, Economics, Business or a related field with a strong interest in global health and development.

●Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

●Flexibility and willingness to adapt to evolving project needs.

●Self-motivated, with the ability to work under pressure and use initiative when required.

●Strong numerical and analytical skills.

●Excellent communication, organisational and teamwork abilities.

●Interest or experience in fundraising and event coordination.

●Willingness to learn design tools and contribute creatively to our materials.

●Strong interest in global health and charity working overseas.

Project Harar is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Research Programme Manager

Our client mission is to provide sustainable funding of medical research into rheumatic and related musculoskeletal, immunological, and inflammatory diseases. With a focus on unmet needs, the trust’s longer-term objective is to achieve a meaningful impact in the development of disease treatments and preventative approaches for these debilitating conditions across the life course. The trust has advanced this strategic vision through the support of the world-class research undertaken at the University of Oxford. The trust’s funding also extends nationwide across thirteen UK universities where they support talented scientists at every stage in their career, from doctoral students to senior research leaders. The trust recognizes the extraordinary potential of UK science and wishes to play its part in nurturing and retaining the very best talent to further its mission by funding the highest quality research to deliver the most meaningful results.

The trust’s investment in research is not purely financial; its funding relationships are built on open, ongoing dialogue with current grant recipients, as well as future recipients around their ideas and scientific approach. There is a strong requirement for building and sustaining relationships with external stakeholders, including research institutions, funders and the trust’s constituency of scientists.

We are pleased to be working with the the trust to recruit a new Research & Grants Programme Manager to join its small and very focused team. Working in a hybrid manner with up to two days in offices in Hammersmith, London, and the remainder working remotely from home.

The role:

Working closely with the CEO, this pivotal role will oversee the entire grant-making processes and funding activities of the trust, in addition to driving the intellectual rigor of the research work of its grantees, in line with the core charitable objectives of the trust. This will involve managing all aspects of pre and post-award research management, reporting writing, grant finance management and governance, co-ordination of the trust’s scientific committees and shaping external scientific communications to supporters and other stakeholders.

A central element of the role will be to manage the trust’s research funding initiatives, nurturing existing relationships with a broad network of high-level panels of experts and peer reviewers, as well as a wide range of stakeholders and past and present grantees. Working closely with the CEO, this person will maintain an expansive and knowledgeable view of the research landscape, understanding the important changes and influences relevant to the work of the trust. Leading on the Trust’s communications by producing social media and website content in addition to external reporting, this role will also support and manage its annual conference.
 
The person:

The successful candidate will have substantial and demonstrable experience of high-level research management in combination with an extensive grants-management and funding process management background. Educated ideally to PhD level in a scientific subject, or the equivalent in high-level research-led programme management experience, this person will be ambitious with excellent attention to detail and an intellectually curious and rigorous approach. A background in science based, research led, grant-making will be important as well as having a systematic and process driven approach. This experience would ideally have been gained in the charity sector or the higher education or grant-making sectors.

Experience of impact measurement, grants report writing and preparing content for communications and social media will be important, in addition to having an understanding of scientific research across the UK and overseas. This person will be highly numerate, organized and methodical in their approach and will see this role as a fantastic opportunity to bring creative ideas and experience to the table, in order to make a real and lasting difference in the research led field of musculoskeletal and related inflammatory diseases in the UK and overseas.
 

The trust is committed to creating a culture where diversity is embedded in all its activities and values dignity, mutual respect and inclusivity at work and where unlawful discrimination is eliminated. They aim to attract and retain high quality staff and to ensure that the culture is one where all can achieve their potential.

Role Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Executive Director to lead ProVeg UK in this next phase of growth and impact. This role combines strategic leadership with high-level stakeholder engagement, fundraising, and organisational development. The ideal candidate brings entrepreneurial energy, exceptional communication skills, strong credentials in the UK NGO sector, and a passion for food systems transformation.

ProVeg UK has a very strong track record in influencing public food through its School Plates programme, which has, to date, swapped over 47m meals from meat-based to plant-based or veggie. We work in over 8,000 schools across the UK, reaching over 1.3 million children every day. We are keen to expand this excellent work to a wider range of stakeholders, including hospitals (a new manager has just been recruited to develop a Hospital Plates pilot), policymakers, the corporate sector and media. 

The Executive Director will be at the forefront of this expansion, while also ensuring the continued success of our existing programmes. As such, this is a high-impact role, offering the opportunity to be a catalyst for positive change in the UK’s plant-based and alternative protein movement — helping to shape a more sustainable future.
 

Job Details

Reports to: Deputy CEO
Country: UK
Location: Greater London Area (within 1.5 hours by train)
Hours: Full-time (35 h/week)
Salary: £55-60k (plus London allowance of £3k, if applicable)
Start date: ideally ASAP
 

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and deliver ProVeg UK’s long-term strategy aligned with ProVeg International’s mission
• Lead the design and scaling of UK-based programmes that create measurable impact and reflect local opportunities and needs
• Represent the organisation to increase ProVeg’s visibility and influence.
• Sit as a member of the ProVeg C.I.C. Board.

Stakeholder Engagement & Fundraising

• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with strategic partners including food companies, government agencies, foundations, and major donors
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including government tenders and philanthropic partnerships, with a strong focus on climate and health-related funding
• Act as a public thought leader and spokesperson in the UK for food systems transformation in line with ProVeg International’s strategy
• Manage governance and engagement with the UK board

Team & Organisational Development

• Lead and support our fantastic, high-performing UK team and foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, impact and evaluation
• Provide regular coaching and feedback, ensuring clear objectives, performance development, and providing recognition
• Foster innovation, improvement and a growth mindset in the team, and identify new opportunities to grow our UK work
• Collaborate with ProVeg International teams and other ProVeg countries on shared programmes and goals

Financial Management & Reporting

• Develop and oversee the UK annual budget, ensuring financial sustainability and strategic resource allocation
• Ensure compliance with UK regulations, reporting requirements, and ProVeg International policies
• Provide timely and transparent reporting to the Deputy CEO, International team, and Board

Qualifications

Essential

• Proven leadership experience (5+ years at deputy- or C-level)  in a UK-based NGO or mission-driven organisation, ideally in food, climate, or health sectors
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and partnership building, especially with foundations, governments, or climate philanthropies
• Strong entrepreneurial mindset and ability to develop and execute impactful strategies
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with experience speaking to media and government bodies, at public events, and with internal stakeholders of all levels (Board, Senior Leadership Team, Staff and Volunteers)
• Deep understanding of UK funding landscape, policy environment, and relevant NGOs 
• Experience leading diverse and remote teams, with a collaborative and empowering leadership style
• Commitment to ProVeg’s mission and values, and strong alignment with our strategic goals
• Experience working with cross-functional and international teams
• Committed to following a plant-based lifestyle
• Knowledge of good governance practice
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to effectively fulfil the role of Director

Desirable

• Existing network of funders, policymakers, or influencers relevant to food systems or climate in the UK
• Postgraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g. in public policy, environmental studies, food systems, business, or similar)
• Familiarity with effective altruism principles and evidence-based programme design
• Understanding of plant-based innovation, sustainable diets, or alternative proteins

Benefits of working with us

• Generous annual leave entitlement - 25 days per year, with an additional day granted at the start of each calendar up to a maximum of 30 days (plus bank holidays)
• A strong organisational focus on personal development, with a designated training budget.
• Provision of a work laptop.
• Flexible, trust-based working arrangements and home-office arrangements.
• Career development support
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption pay
• Compassionate animal companion leave
• Employee Assistance Programme including counselling
• Access to 24/7 virtual GP Service
• Mindfulness support via a free Headspace account for you and up to 5 friends or family members
• Access to the Wisdom app with exclusive perks and discounts
• Membership to the OpenUp platform
• We are a workplace that encourages everyone to bring their whole selves to work. We are an inclusive workplace for our diverse employees around the world.
• And, last but not least, become part of a great team and work with us towards a world where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet!
   

When?

Application deadline: 15.06
First (People & Culture) interview: 23.06 - 26.06
Trial task: 03.07-06.07.
Second (team) interview: 14.07 - 22.07
Final (executive) interview: 24.07 - 26.07
 

Further information

Your application should include a cover letter and CV. Please indicate your motivation for the role and describe how you meet the requirements. Please send us your application using our online form. Thank you!

Important: Please make sure to use your own words and ideas on the cover letter. The goal is for us to know you better in order to assess if this role and your motivation are a good fit. Letters written with AI, or written in a language other than English, will be disregarded.