Program Manager

Spring Into Action CIC; Accrington; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Spring Into Action CIC in East Lancashire is seeking a Programme Manager to lead the Meet N Match programme, delivering inclusive services that help people with learning disabilities and autistic adults build friendships and social connections.

You will manage staff, develop partnerships, contribute to funding applications, monitor outcomes and KPIs, and ensure safeguarding and quality across all activities, with occasional evenings, weekends, and travel.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading and managing community programmes.
• Strong understanding of person-centred approaches and inclusive practice.
• Experience supervising staff and managing performance.
• Experience developing partnerships and networks.
• Experience contributing to funding applications or income generation.
• Understanding safeguarding and compliance in service delivery.
• Experience monitoring outcomes, KPIs and reporting to stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Meet N Match programme to deliver inclusive services.
• Develop partnerships and collaborative service models.
• Contribute to funding applications and income generation activities.
• Monitor outcomes and KPIs; produce reports for stakeholders.
• Ensure safeguarding and quality across all activities.
• Manage staff teams, supervision and performance.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

Partnership development

Funding applications

Safeguarding

Data monitoring

Job description

Company Description

Spring Into Action CIC is a community-focused organization dedicated to ensuring that every individual, regardless of ability, feels valued and empowered to participate fully in life. The organization promotes positive, healthy relationships and strives to foster equity and inclusion across all its activities. Spring Into Action CIC supports the development of essential life skills, helping individuals to grow in confidence and independence. Through friendly, fun, and enriching services, the organization creates opportunities for people to access the community, build lasting friendships, and enjoy meaningful social connections.

Role Description

The Programme Manager will provide leadership for the Meet N Match programme, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, inclusive services that support people with learning disabilities and autistic adults to build friendships, develop relationships and increase social connections. Meet N Match is our friendship and dating agency, supporting people to develop friendships, relationships and greater independence. Alongside relationship support, the programme delivers a range of inclusive social events that reduce social isolation and create opportunities for people to build meaningful connections. Now in its tenth year and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, Meet N Match continues to respond to a growing demand for high-quality relationship and social opportunities.

Person specification

Experience & Knowledge

• Proven experience leading and managing community programmes.
• Strong understanding of person-centred approaches and inclusive practice.
• Experience managing staff teams, including supervision and performance management.
• Experience developing partnerships, networks or collaborative service models.
• Experience contributing to funding applications or other income generation activities.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and compliance in service delivery.
• Experience monitoring outcomes, KPIs and producing reports for stakeholders.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate services or programmes.
• Strong communication skills including report writing and presenting.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver strategic objectives.
• Analytical skills to interpret data and drive improvement.

Values & Personal Attributes

• Commitment to inclusion, equality and rights-based practice.
• Passion for improving the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people.
• Collaborative, proactive and solution-focused approach.
• Ability to work flexibly, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Commitment to continuous learning and development.
• Experience in friendship, relationships, or social inclusion services.
• Experience developing accreditation, quality assurance or membership models.
• Knowledge of commissioning or local authority partnership structures.
• Experience scaling or replicating service models.
• Experience developing earned income or social enterprise models.
• Safeguarding Level 3 training or equivalent.
• Experience representing organisations at regional or national level.
• Familiarity with VCFSE or charity sector environments.

This role offers a fantastic chance to be part of a thriving organisation based in East Lancashire.

As some travel is involved, a a valid driving licence is essential.

We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.