Programme manager jobs in Birmingham, west midlands

Open Rights Group (ORG) is recruiting for a Pre-Crime Programme Manager

The Pre-Crime Programme Manager leads our work on predictive policing and surveillance within the criminal legal system and counter-terrorism policy, with a particular focus on raising awareness of, and challenging, the impact on over-policed and over-surveilled communities.

They are responsible for the development and implementation of the Pre-Crime programme, working with the Senior Management Team (SMT) and other staff to expand the programme’s profile, network and funding opportunities.

As a Programme Lead, they will also be responsible for working with the SMT and other Area or Programme leads to further develop and uphold ORG’s values and collaborative working culture. They will be recognised as an issue-expert and senior leader within the organisation.

Activities

This is a permanent position at Open Rights Group, and we have secured a number of project grants to deliver the following activities:

• Lead and manage the Safety Not Surveillance (SNS) Coalition, the UK’s only coalition fighting to prohibit AI- and data-driven predictive policing. SNS brings together grassroots partners with national organisations to build power in communities, secure media coverage, engage decision-makers and mobilise those with lived experience.

• Develop detailed policy positions on the deployment of AI and data-driven technologies by private and public actors in criminal justice, immigration and national security.

• Advocacy to encourage decision makers, including MPs, Lords, Government departments and the Information Commissioner’s Office, to adopt ORG’s and the coalition’s recommendations.

• Conduct campaigns that raise awareness of the threats posed to people’s digital rights by the data-driven technologies in policing and counter-terrorism, as well as more broadly.

• Through research and FOIs, help build a legal case with our partners against covert Police-led pathways under Prevent, the UK’s counter-terrorism programme.

• Opportunities to campaign against digital ID, the Online Safety Act and to protect freedom of expression.

What we’re looking for

Above all else, we need a passionate and effective advocate. And as regards the rest, we’re more interested in your skills, rather than your knowledge.

You might be knowledgeable on the current and emerging technologies impacting policing and the criminal justice system.

You will likely have experiencing managing multiple projects addressing harms impacting communities that are marginalised and made vulnerable by society.

You might have a strong policy background with an interest in human rights, policing, surveillance or draconian technology.

You will have the capacity to perform simultaneous roles such as research, project planning and creating communication outputs and have the creativity and lateral thinking skills to ideate interventions and disrupt harms.

You may be bringing a wide range of contacts to the role or have the skills to build relationships with diverse stakeholders with sensitivity to their aims and values.

What the job will involve

• Research: for example on the impact of current data processing practices under the Prevent Duty on individuals and targeted communities.

• Drafting policy documents: including public-facing documents such as consultation responses and reports.

• Outreach to policy-makers: including engagement with UK MPs, Lords and councillors.

• Feeding into our campaigning work: through collaboration with our Campaigns Manager, to ensure that your policy research is fed into our campaigning and grassroots activism.

• Coalition building: through collaborating with other team-members to expand our coalition of cross-sectoral allies.

• Creating comms outputs: such as blog and video posts summarising policy submissions and campaign materials.

• Some public speaking: such as giving press quotes and interviews, as well as representing ORG at external events.

• Programme management: for example, setting goals, objectives and key performance indicators for the programme to deliver.

• Project planning: including identifying further opportunities and partnerships for programme growth.

What we’re like

ORG is a vibrant digital rights campaigning organisation. Founded in 2005, we have over 20,000 members and supporters and 10 local groups across the UK.

We uphold our human rights to free expression and privacy. We condemn and work against repressive laws or systems that deny people these rights.

We campaign, lobby, go to court – whatever it takes to build and support a movement for freedom in the digital age.

Our remote team is spread across the UK. We’re a supportive, flexible group with high standards. We’re innovative and agile. You’ll work hard but be rewarded by the impact you collaboratively achieve.

We take staff well-being seriously and meet up regularly for in-person work and social events.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a CV and a completed application form (downloadable when you click 'how to apply') by 9am on Monday 2 February 2026.

Please ensure that your email has the subject heading ‘Pre-Crime Programme Manager Application’ and that all attachments are sent in PDF or ODT format.

Interviews for short-listed candidates will be held online in the week commencing 9 February 2026, with the second and final interview taking place in-person the following week, starting from the 16 February 2026.

If you require any of these documents in an alternate format please contact us.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.

ORG is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that a diverse and inclusive team working in a supportive environment is vital to the success of our work. We particularly welcome applications from candidates from marginalised and racialised backgrounds, as well as applications from disabled and LGBTQIA+ candidates.

Location: Remote working (with some travel across The Girls’ Network regions in England as required)

Reports to: Head of Programmes and Impact

Salary: £37,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent/Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Direct Reports: Up to 8 Programme Facilitators

Closing Date: Friday 29th January at 9AM

Interviews: 1st stage interview to be held between 4th & 5th Feb, 2nd-stage interview to be held on 13th Feb

About The Girls’ Network:

The Girls' Network is a national charity with a mission to inspire and empower girls from the least advantaged communities by connecting them with a network of professional women role models and volunteer mentors. We believe no girl should have her future limited by her gender, ethnicity, background, or parental income. Our vision is a future where all girls are supported to realise their ambitions, discover their self-worth, and shape their own futures.

We partner with secondary schools and colleges across multiple regions in England, including London, Merseyside, Portsmouth, Southampton, Sussex, Tees Valley, Tyne & Wear and the West Midlands. We match girls aged 14–19 with trained volunteer mentors for one-to-one support. Additionally, we offer group mentoring, workshops, and access to an Ambassador Community that provides continued opportunities for development, career support, and connection.

Role Summary:

The National Programmes Manager is responsible for leading, managing, and developing a team of regionally dispersed Programme Facilitators to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery of The Girls’ Network programmes across all localities. The post-holder drives programme performance and quality through effective people leadership, robust performance management, and the use of SMART objectives to ensure KPIs are met and organisational outcomes are achieved.

A core element of the role involves embedding best practice across all aspects of programme delivery and maintaining a strong, consistent approach to safeguarding  through our work with children and young people. The post-holder is expected to be an experienced, supportive, and proactive leader, confident in managing performance, developing staff, and supporting team wellbeing and professional growth.

For full details of the role’s responsibilities and person specification, please refer to the attached job description, together with a candidate pack designed to support you throughout the recruitment process.

How to apply

Please apply as soon as possible. You will be asked to complete your application by submitting your CV and answering a few application questions.

Appointees are subject to a DBS check. You must have the right to work in the UK to apply.  

Diversity at our core

The Girls' Network is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating discrimination. In line with the Equality Act 2010, if you require any reasonable adjustments to support you with any stage of this recruitment process, please contact the People team. 

Our Benefits

• 27 holiday days per year, plus public holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff)
• Option to purchase up to 5 additional days of annual leave every year
• Gifted birthday leave
• 3 days volunteering leave per year
• Extended and comprehensive sick pay policy
• Enhanced Family Leave pay policy
• Pension scheme
• Annual professional development fund to help you grow
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing support
• Benefit from flexible, remote working options with a full suite of home office equipment.
• A dedicated Girls’ Network buddy, available beyond the induction period for ongoing support

This role manages the BSI’s Clinical Immunology Professional Network, and drives partnerships to secure funding and support. You will also lead the BSI’s work on vaccines, aiming to accelerate the development and deployment of effective and affordable vaccines that deliver patient benefit.

This is a highly visible role requiring extensive engagement with partner organisations including the NHS, charities, funders, government bodies and industry, alongside a strong understanding of the relevant policy landscape. Acting as a primary interface with clinical and research communities, funders and other key stakeholders, you will also secure external funding to support project delivery. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential to build strong relationships and successfully deliver projects both within and beyond the BSI.

This is an excellent opportunity to join an ambitious and innovative science and health membership organisation, delivering impactful projects, and building important partnerships in the dynamic field of clinical research.