Strategic programmes director jobs

For more than 140 years, the Forces Employment Charity has helped the military community succeed beyond service – building careers, shaping futures, and living with purpose. Last year, we provided dedicated and specialist employment and justice support to over 23,000 people to create careers and long-term stability.

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Are you a passionate leader with a commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community? We’re looking for an experienced and driven individual to lead and shape our national employment support service, helping veterans and their families build meaningful and sustainable careers.

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This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-performing team, influence strategy, and make a real difference across the UK.

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Brief role description

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The Programme Manager plays a pivotal leadership role in delivering the Forces Employment Charity’s Ex-Forces Employment Charity Programme. This programme provides regionally-based, comprehensive employment support to all who have served in HM Armed Forces, ensuring personal and locally informed guidance for veterans seeking employment or career change.

Working closely with the Director of Veterans and Families Employment, the Programme Manager drives operational excellence, strengthens service consistency across the UK, and represents the charity’s employment offer in the devolved nations. They ensure that our national network of Advisors is supported, empowered, and aligned to strategic goals, enabling the very best outcomes for the veteran community.

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It’s essential that they have experience managing multi-site or national teams, alongside a strong understanding of employment support or careers guidance. They will be confident working with a range of stakeholders, able to use data to inform decisions, and an excellent communicator. Strong IT skills and a genuine commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community are also key.

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Ideally, they will bring experience from the veterans or employability sector, along with some understanding of devolved nation policy or frameworks such as safeguarding or vocational training.

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This role requires an Enhanced DBS check.

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Interested? Want to know more about the Charity? Check our website.

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Eager to know more the role? Have a look at the Job Description.

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What’s in it for you? Check out our Benefits.

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Have we convinced you to apply? If so, submit your CV and Covering Letter by closing date Wednesday, 6 May 2026.

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Please note: Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert; therefore, we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. If you are an internal applicant, please ensure you have made The People Team aware before applying.

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We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone, including those with disabilities, can thrive, develop, and achieve their full potential. We actively encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and ensure reasonable adjustments are made to support candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

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We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process.

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#LI-DNI

10GM is a partnership that supports the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector right across Greater Manchester. It brings together four local infrastructure organisations — Action Together, Bolton CVS, Manchester Community Central and Salford CVS — who work closely together to champion local voluntary and community action and social enterprise, helping communities thrive across the city‑region.

While this role is based at Action Together, you’ll be working as part of the wider 10GM team, contributing to work that has a Greater Manchester–wide focus and impact across all ten boroughs

GM Head of Programme- Spaces of Hope and Connection 

The role

Thanks to National Lottery players, 10GM, on behalf of Greater Manchester Live Well, will receive £16.5 million over four years from The National Lottery Community Fund, the UK’s largest community funder.

This investment in Live Well Spaces of Hope and Connection will create a network of 100+ inclusive, community-led and owned spaces across Greater Manchester where people can meet, belong and find everyday support.

The Head of Programme will lead and oversee delivery of this large-scale, multi-partner strategic lottery programme, ensuring delivery through funded partners is aligned to the programme’s mission, vision and values, while maintaining strong programme management, compliance and delivery of agreed outcomes.

Working in close partnership with the Strategic Director of 10GM, this role provides senior operational leadership—translating mission, vision and values into clear delivery plans, pace, coordination and assurance across the full programme lifecycle.

The ideal candidate

We are looking for a values‑driven programme leader with experience delivering complex, large-scale programmes through partnerships and/or multi‑stakeholder delivery models. You can translate strategic priorities into clear, accountable delivery plans that balance funder requirements with flexible, community‑led approaches. You will bring strong governance, budget and risk management skills, and are confident working across the VCSE, public sector and communities.

Equity and social justice are central to how you work. You will have experience embedding inclusive, community‑led approaches, using evidence and learning to reduce inequalities and improve impact. Comfortable with complexity and ambiguity, you can communicate clearly, build trusted relationships, and lead teams with a learning‑led, collaborative mindset.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Action Together we value diversity, promote equity and challenge discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race.

In order to ensure that our workforce reflects our communities across all levels of seniority, Action Together is offering a guaranteed interview to any candidate who meets the essential criteria listed in the person specification and who is also:

• A disabled person and/or
• A member of a community experiencing racial inequality 

Action Together is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We expect all of our employees to demonstrate this commitment.

Right to work

We do not hold a Sponsor License and are unable to accept applications which require sponsorship to work in the UK

Please note, the successful candidates will be required to undertake a basic Disclosure and barring Service (DBS) check. A positive Disclosure of Offences will not automatically bar an applicant from being appointed and suitable applicants will not be refused employment because of offences that are not relevant.

Background

We are Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. Since 1954, we have worked to create a more humane society for animals. Working side by side as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International, we have helped to pass thousands of landmark laws, rescue hundreds of thousands of animals, and cared for and protected millions more.

In 2025, to convey our mission and make sure that everyone understands who we are and the bold work that we do, our organisations are standing together under a new shared name: Humane World for Animals. 

We are dedicated to changing the world for animals. We drive change with human action. We help people, communities, governments, and corporations shift behaviour, providing the right support and advocating for policy change to stem the root causes of suffering and cruelty.

Purpose of role

As the Program Manager, Media and Communications, you will support the Program Director on the design, development and implementation of communication strategies and plans to advance Humane World for Animals UK’s strategic priorities with regard to campaigns, brand-building and fundraising. You will lead on producing and delivering a content strategy for a broad range of channels to increase audience engagement. The position will support campaigns and fundraising stewardship and give strategic advice regarding social media market insights and trends in the UK digital sphere and emerging channels. This will be vital to achieve successful brand building in the UK market through impactful storytelling, campaign activations, fundraising recruitment and stewardship through compelling content on the earned channels and holistic management of thematic work.

If you are results-oriented, organised and creative and have 5+ years of experience as a media and communications professional then we would like to hear from you.

Key areas of responsibility

• Communications strategy and planning:Lead the development and delivery of storytelling and social media strategies to support the UK’s wider communications strategy.Guide public affairs, campaigns, and fundraising colleagues in ideation sessions to develop creative and impactful activations.Provide insights on digital communications trends and opportunities.
• Content creation and storytelling:Produce high-quality digital content, including video, for use on social and digital channels.Turn campaign and policy work into clear, engaging stories.Collaborate with Head Office to integrate global storytelling content.
• Social media:  Plan, schedule and manage day-to-day (and occasional out-of-hours) social media activity, engaging online communities, managing paid social media advertising and delivering campaigns that support advocacy, fundraising and recruitment. Maintain the visual asset library and manage a social media volunteer.
• Influencer and partnership engagement:Identify and recruit influencers and celebrities to extend our reach and support our campaigns
• Administration: Monitor and report on performance using tools like Google Analytics and social monitoring platforms to guide continual improvement.Coordinate activities with colleagues using planning platforms.

About you

Our successful candidate will be confident, creative and positive with a proven track in media and communications roles. A proactive self-starter, you will have demonstrable experience of achieving significant growth and development in regard to audience reach and will take a solution-focused approach to overcoming obstacles. You will have experience of delivering media and communication strategies and plans in a fast-paced environment. You will have ambition and drive for creating positive change for animal welfare; a willingness to constantly learn and develop the most impactful, cost-effective communications for our target audiences; and your work will be solidly underpinned by regular evaluation of progress and impact with a view to further improving strategies.

We are searching for an experienced media and communications professional to make a difference and be part of our ambitious team. If that’s you, please get in touch!

Application Instructions

To apply for this role, please submit a copy of your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you fulfil the requirements set out in the job ad.

The deadline for applications is Thursday, 30 April 2026, 11pm GMT. Applications without covering letters will not be considered.

You must have an existing right to work in the UK, and you must reside in the UK, to be considered for this role. 

About us

We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. We’re the place to turn to for anything and everything to do with breast cancer. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. 

The brightest minds in breast cancer research are here. Making life-saving research happen in labs across the UK and Ireland. Support services, trustworthy breast cancer information and specialist nurses are here. Ready to support you whenever you need it. Dedicated campaigners are here. Fighting for the best possible treatment, services and care for anyone affected by breast cancer.

About the role

The HR transformation director will lead the charity’s people and organisational transformation agenda during a critical phase of strategic delivery. The strategy was launched in 2025 and is currently being operationalised.

Working closely with the associate director of people and organisational development; chief operating officer; senior leadership team; and the board, you’ll design and deliver a transformation programme that ensures the charity’s people strategy, culture, leadership capability and organisational structures are aligned with our newly launched strategy.

You’ll drive a step change in organisational effectiveness by modernising people practices, strengthening leadership capability, embedding a high-performing and inclusive culture, and ensuring the organisation has the workforce capability and operating model required to deliver long-term impact.

This role is offered as a 12-month fixed-term transformation assignment to lead priority strategic programmes, establish sustainable people and organisational frameworks, and embed new ways of working that support future growth and resilience.

About you

With significant senior leadership experience in HR, people transformation or organisational development, you’ll have experience of operating at executive or senior leadership level, shaping organisational strategy and advising senior executives and Boards on organisational change and people strategy.

A strategic thinker with the ability to translate organisational strategy into practical transformation programmes, you’ll have deep expertise in organisational design, culture change and leadership development.

Job description and benefits

Please download the job description and our attractive benefits package.

Location and hybrid working

This role is primarily based in our London office. Our hybrid working model allows you to work up to 3 days per week at home with a minimum of 2 days in the office.

When applying

We hope you choose to apply for this role. To support your application, you’ll be asked to submit your anonymised CV and a supporting statement. Please refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and clearly provide as much information as you can with examples, to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria. If you’ve any immediate questions, please contact the Breast Cancer Now recruitment team

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

We’re committed to promoting equity, valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment – for everyone who works for us, works with us, supports us and who we support.

We reserve the right to close this advert early. Therefore, to avoid disappointment please submit your application as soon as possible, if you’re interested in this opportunity.

Closing date: 11:00am on Monday 27 April 2026

Interview date To be confirmed

Job description

Role: Partnerships and Programme Development Manager

Directorate: External Affairs

Team: Corporate Partnerships

Manager: Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager

Direct reports: N/A

Role purpose

This role supports the development of WorldSkills UK’s income and partnership activity by turning programmes and ideas into clear, compelling funding opportunities. You will work across teams to develop proposals, manage partnerships, and support reporting and planning processes that contribute to long-term financial sustainability.

You will play a key role in strengthening how we plan, communicate and deliver partnership activity, helping to build strong relationships with funders and partners while improving internal systems and processes.

Key tasks and responsibilities

Partnership and project delivery

· Manage delivery of partnerships and events, ensuring they are well planned, on time and within budget

· Support management of key strategic partner relationships

· Coordinate teams and stakeholders to deliver partnership activities

· Ensure partnerships align with WorldSkills UK’s strategic priorities and equity, diversity and inclusion commitments

Income development and proposals

· Develop funding opportunities from programmes and organisational activities

· Produce high-quality proposals, presentations and funding applications

· Support applications to trusts, foundations and corporate partners

· Contribute to the development of partnership agreements and documentation

Reporting and planning

· Support delivery of income and fundraising plans through regular monitoring and reporting

· Track progress against agreed objectives and provide clear updates and analysis

· Contribute to income forecasting and financial tracking, working with colleagues in Finance and across the organisation

· Support the development and reporting of project plans (Project Initiation Documents) and associated performance measures

Systems, processes and knowledge management

· Use and help improve our CRM system (HubSpot) to manage relationships and track opportunities

· Maintain accurate records, documentation and reporting systems to support partnership activity

· Identify opportunities to improve ways of working and streamline processes across the team

Research and pipeline development

· Carry out research to identify potential partners, funding opportunities and sector trends

· Support the development of a strong and diverse pipeline of prospective partners

· Contribute to internal decision-making by providing relevant insights and analysis

General

In addition to the key tasks and responsibilities set out above, employees at this level are expected to:

· Produce specification requirements in line with procurement processes for outsourced activity

· Contribute to organisational risk and issues management processes.

· Support delivery of WorldSkills UK’s strategic priorities and annual business plan

· Ensure resources (staff, suppliers, partners, volunteers) are managed efficiently and effectively

· Contribute to a performance‑driven culture with robust monitoring, evaluation and reporting

· Demonstrate WorldSkills UK’s values in all aspects of the role, contributing to a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture

· Promote and comply with WorldSkills UK’s policies, including safeguarding, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion

· Carry out any other duty as may be reasonably assigned that is consistent with the nature of the role and its level of responsibility. Any significant changes will be made in consultation with the post holder taking account of their experience, skills and capability

This exciting new role offers the right candidate the opportunity to lead LBWP's programmes and services for Black and minoritised, i.e. Global Majority, women and children who are survivors of domestic violence and abuse. Our programmes team is expanding as we are providing new refuge and dispersed accommodation services as well as legal advice, counselling and ex-service user training and development support. 

This senior leadership role also involves developing and maintaining external parternships with key stakeholders, funders, strategic women's sector organisations and local community partners as well as overseeing programme budgets, facilities managment and service user engagement.

Essential skilss and experience include:

• Senior management experience within the voluntary, community, or public sector
• Proven experience of simultaneously managing complex, multi- programme delivery 
• Good understanding of specialist domestic violence and abuse services that support the specific needs of Global Majority women and their children
• Experience of working as part of a senior management team and working collaboratively to develop organisational strategy and operational plans
• Experience of managing and supporting line managers and multidisciplinary teams
• Experience of managing project budgets, reviewing management accounts and identifying issues with internal systems to improve them

London Black Women's Project is a specialist ‘by and for’ organisation providing refuge, supported accommodation, and wraparound support programmes for Black and minoritised (Global Majority) women and their children who are survivors of domestic violence and abuse. We work across London in partnership with London boroughs, the specialist women's DV sector, funders and community services to provide holistic wraparound support and advice. 

This is an exciting opportunity to direct our grant awarding as Programmes Director, 37.5 hours per week, based in Cornwall and able to work from CCF’s office in Bodmin at least two days a week.

Salary: £42,000-£45,000 per annum depending on experience

The Programmes Director is a key role within Cornwall Community Foundation (CCF) and is responsible for leading the development and management of CCF’s grant making programmes and measuring our impact.

At the Cornwall Community Foundation, we believe in a positive life in Cornwall for all, free from poverty and social isolation. Our aim is to change people’s lives for the better by helping local communities.

If you have previous knowledge of the voluntary sector, particularly in Cornwall, and are looking for a wide variety of responsibilities working to tight deadlines, we want to hear from you. We offer a friendly environment to work in and you'll be joining a team who really are making a difference in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Please download the application pack from the Cornwall Communitty Foundation website.

To apply for this post please send your CV and covering letter. (Incomplete applications will not be considered). CCF are committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion across our funding portfolio and staff team. We particularly welcome applications from people who identify as LGBTQ+, those with disabilities, those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and/or those from racialised communities.

Closing date 11 May 2026.

We are seeking an experienced and driven Director of Programmes & Impact with essential third sector experience to lead and shape our global programme function.
This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring that all funds raised are translated into effective delivery on the ground, supported by strong oversight, clear data, and credible impact.
You will own the full lifecycle of programme delivery — from partner management and implementation through to compliance oversight, data capture, and donor reporting. You will also play a key role in building the systems, processes, and structures that enable impact to be delivered and evidenced consistently as the organisation grows.
This role offers a high level of ownership and influence, with the opportunity to shape how The Zahra Trust delivers, measures, and communicates impact globally.

Stella Maris UK is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of International Programmes to drive delivery of our international strategy and strengthen our global network.

This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for building strong relationships with international partners, identifying programme opportunities, and securing sustainable funding from corporates, trusts and foundations. The role will oversee the development and delivery of high-impact projects, ensure effective grant management and reporting, and support capacity building across the global Stella Maris network.

The role requires regular international travel to build partnerships, support programme delivery, and represent Stella Maris at meetings, conferences and network events.

We are looking for a confident leader with a strong track record in international development, grant fundraising, and stakeholder management, alongside the ability to translate strategy into delivery.

Country Director – Scotland

We are seeking a talented individual to join our Leadership team and help sustain and expand our programmes across Scotland.

Position: Country Director – Scotland
Salary: £53,836 - £59,012
Location: Hybrid with travel to Glasgow office at least once a week
Hours: 35 hours per week, full time
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Wednesday 6th May 2026
Interview Dates: 13th May (online) and 18th May (Glasgow)

About the Role

This is an exceptional opportunity to join The Fostering Network as one of four Country Directors, working closely with the CEO to deliver organisational strategic objectives.

You will lead and manage our work in Scotland, making a vital contribution to improving the lives of foster families, children and young people in foster care, while supporting fostering services across the country.

Key responsibilities include:

· Overall management and leadership of our work in Scotland

· Driving forward the monitoring, impact and evaluation of our work

· Developing and maintaining key stakeholder relationships including government, fostering services and sector partners

· Overseeing the development and delivery of sustainable, impactful programmes

· Securing grants, fundraising and promoting our work across the sector

· Budget management and financial oversight

· Identifying opportunities for innovation and collaboration

· Growing membership and maintaining our position as the leading fostering charity in the UK

· Acting as safeguarding lead for Scotland

About You

We are looking for a strategic, collaborative leader with extensive experience of the fostering sector.

You will bring:

· In-depth knowledge of foster care practice and children’s social care

· Experience working within statutory local authority social services

· A track record of leadership, line management and delivering change

· Experience of strategic planning, programme delivery and budget management

· Strong experience working with government officials and key stakeholders

· Excellent communication and relationship management skills

· The ability to inspire trust and credibility across a wide range of audiences

· Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise effectively

You will also demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, and the organisation’s mission and values.

About the Organisation: The Fostering Network is the UK’s leading fostering charity and membership organisation, dedicated to empowering, enriching and supporting the relationships at the heart of the fostering community.

They work across all four nations of the UK to improve outcomes for children and young people in foster care and to support foster carers and services.

What’s on Offer

· 38 days leave including bank holidays

· Flexible and hybrid working

· Enhanced maternity, adoption and sick pay

· Employee Assistance Programme

· Pension and life assurance

· Family friendly policies and fostering friendly leave

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Director of Services, Head of Fostering, Assistant Director Social Care, Service Director, Head of Operations, Programme Director, Children’s Services Manager

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client Not For Profit People.

Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (excluding breaks)

Fixed term for 12 months in the first instance (subject to the successful completion of a 6-month probationary period)

We are recruiting to a brand-new role and are looking for an experienced, community-focused Programme Manager (Place) to lead Salford CVS’s Pride in Place activity in Pendleton and Peel Green. This is a key role focused on ensuring that strong, representative community voice, clear governance, and meaningful VCSE sector involvement are embedded from the outset.

Pride in Place is a national ten-year programme that places Neighbourhood Boards at the heart of local decision-making, with local authorities acting as the accountable body and communities expected to shape priorities and hold partners to account. In this model, Local Infrastructure Organisations (LIOs) like Salford CVS play an important enabling role - helping to connect local authorities with VCSE organisations, strengthening engagement, and ensuring a diverse range of community voices can participate fully.

As Programme Manager (Place), you will coordinate our work to support high-quality governance, inclusive engagement and strong local insight across both neighbourhoods.

A core part of your work will be ensuring that Pride in Place Neighbourhood Boards in Pendleton and Peel Green benefit from authentic, representative and evidence-driven community input. This includes leading the development of a community research programme, working in close partnership with VCSE organisations already active on the ground. Through these organisations, who often have trusted relationships with residents, established local networks and specialist knowledge of particular communities, you will lead on approaches that reach a wide range of voices, including those who are seldom heard. You will oversee our Trusted Voices and community researcher model, ensuring local people are recruited, supported and empowered to gather high-quality insight that reflects the diversity of each neighbourhood. This work will help create a rich, grounded understanding of community priorities, enabling transparent, accountable and well-informed decision-making across the programme.

The Programme Manager (Place) will bring clarity, organisation and coordination to this work. You will maintain oversight of our role within the wider programme, share insight with partners, identify gaps in engagement, and support the VCSE sector to participate meaningfully in Pride in Place structures and discussions.

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about community-led change, place-based working, and strengthening the voice and influence of local people and VCSE organisations. You will be joining a programme at a formative stage, helping to shape how communities in Pendleton and Peel Green participate in long-term neighbourhood investment and decision-making.

Benefits

• 28 days’ holiday - rising to 30 days (after five years), plus Bank Holidays (pro rata for part-time)
• Enhanced company sick and maternity pay, subject to terms and conditions of service
• Pension scheme - with 7% employer contribution (and 1% mandatory employee contribution)
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Membership of the Hospital Saturday Fund via an employer subsidised scheme (optional and non-contractual)
• RHS family membership (optional and non-contractual)
• Development opportunities - we support and encourage our staff to progress in their careers (including formal training)
• A supportive working culture - we respect and support one another to do the best we can

If you would like to apply for the position of Programme Manager (Place), please submit your application on our website via the apply button.

Closing date: Noon on Monday 27th April 2026.

Interview date: Friday 8th May 2026.

We reserve the right to review applications before the closing date should we get sufficient applications.

Please note late applications will not be accepted.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a strategic, faith‑driven leader to shape and scale programmes that are transforming children’s lives across the UK.

Children and young people across the UK are facing a growing mental health crisis. At Transforming Lives for Good (TLG), we believe the local church has a vital role to play in responding - offering early, relational and therapeutic support that can fundamentally change life trajectories for children and families. Our vision is fullness of life for every child, no matter what struggles they face.

As Director of Programmes & Impact, you will be a key member of TLG’s Core Leadership Team, with responsibility for the growth, quality and impact of our UK‑wide programmes, currently supporting around 5,000 children in partnership with more than 220 churches. You will lead a talented senior team, pioneer new and existing models of support, and ensure everything we do delivers deep, measurable and meaningful change in children’s lives.

We are seeking a senior leader who can lead programmes at scale, use insight and evidence to drive impact, and navigate change and complexity with confidence. You will model prayerful, emotionally healthy leadership, with a deep commitment to therapeutic, trauma‑informed practice firmly rooted in the life and mission of the local church.

TLG is a Christian charity and, as a team, we want to bring our faith to the work we do; as such, we are recruiting an individual with a strong and vibrant Christian faith. We would welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds to enable us to better reflect the needs of the communities we serve.

Hours: 30 - 37.5 per week (0.8 – 1.0 FTE)

Closing Date: Sunday 26th April

Initial Interviews: Friday 1st May – Online

Final Interviews: Tuesday 12th May – at our National Support Centre in West Yorkshire

As we approach our 30th anniversary, we are thrilled to announce a brand-new role that will help shape the future of our organisation. This is an exciting chance for a Brazelton-trained visionary with clinical experience in the infant and perinatal field to make a real impact.

You will bring your expertise in the Brazelton approach, the NBAS and/or NBO, to the forefront of our work, ensuring it continues to guide everything we do. Collaborating with our team and partners in the field, you will help implement a bold strategic plan and play a central role in developing innovative services for the future.

If you are passionate about the Brazelton approach, embedding relationship-centred care into services and want to be part of an organisation that values compassion, knowledge, and collaboration, this role is for you.

Responsible to

The Director

Responsible for

Strategy implementation, service development, programme development and partnerships

Base

Hybrid with some in person meetings at 66 Devonshire Rd, Cambridge CB1 2BL 

Salary

£49,000 to £57,000 pro rata depending on experience (Band 7 AfC)

Working hours

22.5 hours per week (equivalent to 3 days per week)

Background

The Brazelton Centre UK aims to support the transition and adjustment to parenthood, focusing on the development and mental health needs of both babies and parents. Holding the baby in mind, the Centre, which is research and practice based, enables health professionals to facilitate relationship building between parents and their newborn at a time that is experienced as a major life event. The philosophy of the organisation is one of enabling effective service development, appropriate clinical intervention and sharing of expertise.

The Centre, established in Cambridge in 1997, is a training organisation for health professionals and researchers who work with babies and parents.We offer training courses in the Newborn Behavioural Observations System (NBO) and Neonatal Behavioural Assessment Scale. (NBAS). Brazelton Centre UK is one of four Centres in the world, teaching the NBO and NBAS, and the most active.Brazelton UK works in partnership with other organisations on training, surveys and research, including third sector organisations, universities, NHS trusts and organisations providing support for the under-fives. Almost 6,000 practitionershave undertaken the UK training courses in both the NBO and NBAS.

The Centre currently has a staff of 7 from different professional groups, in a range of roles, with 10 Trainers across the UK, able to teach specific courses as required. 

The charity has a Board of Trustees.The Strategy and Service Development Lead will report directly to the Director and be ultimately accountable to the Board of Trustees.

The Brazelton Centre UK has developed a new Strategic Plan for 2025–2030, setting out ambitious goals to increase reach and impact, expand research activity, develop new training programmes and increase engagement with parents.

This new post has been created to support the Director and Trustees in delivering this strategy and to lead the development of new programmes, partnerships and services that support the Centre’s mission.

This is a part-time post in the first instance and may entail some travelling in the UK and abroad for meetings. 

Key Responsibilities and accountabilities:

Strategic development and implementation

·Support the Director and Board of Trustees in the implementation of the Brazelton Centre UK’s strategic plan.

·Lead the coordination and delivery of strategic initiatives designed to increase the reach, impact and sustainability of the Centre’s work.

·Identify opportunities for innovation and development of services that support professionals working with babies and their families.

·Work collaboratively with the Director and staff team to translate strategic priorities into practical implementation plans and measurable outcomes.

·Monitor progress against strategic objectives and provide regular updates to the Director and Trustees

Service and programme development

·Lead the development of new programmes, services and initiatives in line with the BCUK’s strategic goals.

·Support the development of new training programmes and educational resources for health professionals and practitioners working with parents and babies.

·Work with colleagues, trainers and partners to design, pilot and evaluate new initiatives including antenatal and postnatal programmes.

·Work with the Director, staff team and trainers to support the development and implementation of online learning modules, webinars and digital educational resources that enhance the BCUK’s training and educational offer.

·Contribute to the development of digital resources that support professionals trained in the NBO and NBAS, including resources designed to strengthen implementation and reflective practice.

·Ensure that all programme development reflects current evidence and best practice in infant mental health, early development and parent–infant relationships.

Partnerships and collaboration

·Develop and maintain strong partnerships with external organisations including universities, NHS services, local authorities and voluntary sector organisations.

·Contribute to the development of professional networks and initiatives that support practitioners trained in the NBO and NBAS.

· Support the Director in identifying opportunities for collaborative projects, research partnerships and service innovation.

· Represent the Brazelton Centre UK in meetings, networks and events as appropriate.

· Promote collaborative working with partners in order to strengthen the Centre’s profile and maximise opportunities for impact.

Research and evaluation

·Support the Director and R&D Manager with the development of research collaborations and evaluation projects which strengthen the evidence base for the Brazelton approach.

·Work with academic and clinical partners to develop evaluation frameworks that demonstrate the impact of Brazelton Centre UK programmes and training, and support dissemination of learning and research findings.

·Assist in the identification of opportunities for research funding and collaborative projects.

Governance and organisational development

·Support the Director and Board of Trustees in the development and review of organisational policies, strategies and governance processes.

·Work closely with the Director to support the effective operational functioning of the Brazelton Centre UK, helping to ensure that organisational priorities and work programmes are delivered effectively.

·Provide leadership and coordination of agreed areas of organisational activity, working with the Director to support the management and development of the Brazelton Centre UK staff team.

·Support the Director in the development of staff objectives, work plans and monitoring of progress against agreed priorities.

·Contribute to the coordination and oversight of the delivery of programmes, projects and training activities to ensure they meet organisational standards and strategic objectives.

·Work collaboratively with the Director and colleagues to support the effective coordination of the Brazelton Centre UK Trainers and related initiatives.

· Ensure that work undertaken within the role reflects the values and principles of the Brazelton Centre UK.

General

This job description describes the major responsibilities and accountabilities associated with the post of Strategy and Service Development Lead.It is not intended to be exhaustive and it should not be assumed that other duties of a similar level/nature appropriate to the role of Strategy and Service Development Leadare excluded simply because they are not itemised.

Similarly, it should be recognised that the duties of the post may alter due to changes in legislation or policy or the business needs of the charity.Where such changes occur, training may be given where reasonable to enable the post-holder to undertake the new or varied work.

The Strategy and Service Development Leadis a key advocate for The Brazelton Centre UK and is expected to display the highest levels of personal and professional integrity at all times and to always act in a way which reflects positively on the organisation. 

Further details about the Centre can be found on the Brazelton Centre UK website.

For more information about the post and informal discussions, please contact Inge Nickell, Director of the Brazelton Centre UK.

Please refer to the attachment for person specifications. 

Right to Work in the UK: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.Proof of eligibility to work in the UK will be required from candidates who are shortlisted for interview.

Interview date is on the 30th June 2026 in Cambridge in person. 

“The go-to organisation for a public health perspective”.

(Senior UK Government official)

The Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) is the representative body for Directors of Public Health in the UK. It has a rich heritage, with its origins dating back more than 160 years and is a collaborative organisation working in partnership with others to maximise the voice for public health.

We are now seeking a new Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through the next phase of its evolution, maintaining and building upon its established reputation and influence. The role requires a wide-ranging set of skills, capabilities and experience, proven leadership and credibility at the highest level. The successful candidate will have strong negotiating and influencing skills, and the ability to work independently, with board-level accountability, and be expected to develop and sustain extensive national networks across local authorities, the NHS, the voluntary sector and central Government. Possessing an adaptability in working practice together with a self-motivated, proactive approach that performs well under pressure, the successful candidate will be educated to Masters level with ongoing study in public health. In addition, they should have senior management training or equivalent experience and a clear record of continuing professional development. Experience should include at least five years in the public health environment, including in policy development, plus a minimum of three years in operational, financial and resource management.

Accountable to our Board of Trustees and the wider membership, the new CEO will develop the strategic direction of the Association and lead the organisation to deliver a rolling medium-term Strategic Business Plan, balanced budgets and effective governance in compliance with company and charity law. An ability to prioritise planned and reactive work programmes to meet the needs of our membership is required, alongside the sourcing and delivery of timely bids for external funding together with the management of staff and resources to ensure value for money and staff wellbeing.

The post holder will support the President, Vice‑President, Board and ADPH Council by applying public health knowledge through teaching, coaching, publishing and presenting as appropriate, maintaining a personal programme of continuing professional development, and be expected to uphold the Association’s values of members first, excellence, collaboration, inclusion and professionalism. Occasional travel, throughout the UK, and flexibility for occasional evening or weekend work will also be necessary.

To apply, submit a CV and a covering letter outlining your leadership experience, strategic achievements and vision for supporting Directors of Public Health across the UK.