Programme Lead

3Pillars Project CIO; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in the criminal justice sector is looking for a Programme Lead in Nottingham. This pivotal role involves implementing sport-based mentoring initiatives, particularly the Rugby Academy, to support young men in custody. The successful candidate will drive significant positive outcomes, collaborating with a dedicated team and stakeholders to create impactful programmes while demonstrating core values of respect and determination.

Benefits

Birthday Off

Ongoing professional development opportunities

Pension scheme

Progression pathways

25 days Holiday plus Bank Holidays

Qualifications

• Experience in programme coordination within charitable/custodial settings.
• Passion for supporting young men in custody and personal growth.
• Strong organisational and logistical skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver all in-custody programmes, particularly the Rugby Academy.
• Facilitate ongoing mentoring and post-custody support to participants.
• Engage effectively with prison authorities for programme access.

Skills

Programme coordination

Mentoring

Communication

Project management

Education

Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field

Tools

MS Excel

MS Word

Canva

Secure cloud storage platforms

Job description

Organisation 3Pillars Project CIO Salary £37,000 Location Nottingham, with regular travel to custody settings across the Midlands Contract type Permanent (Full time) Closing date 11 July 2025 Job Description Programme Lead

Location: Midlands, UK (primarily Nottingham) , with regular travel to custody settings across the Midlands region and occasional travel to London/South.

Application deadline: 12pm Friday 11 July 2025
Introduction

3Pillars Project is seeking a dedicated and dynamic Programme Lead to join our expanding team. In this pivotal role, you will spearhead and oversee the implementation of our in-custody initiatives, primarily focusing on the Rugby Academy , and support post-custody programmes across the Midlands area. You will play a pivotal role in driving positive outcomes for young men in custody, utilising the transformative power of sport-based mentoring , fostering meaningful relationships with our beneficiaries, and maintaining strong partnerships with our contractual stakeholders. If you are passionate about making a difference, adept at building relationships, and have a strong commitment to supporting young men in custody, we encourage you to apply. This role presents an excellent opportunity for a dedicated individual to make a meaningful impact within the criminal justice system and contribute to the positive transformation of young men in custody.

Background

Our purpose We enable people in the criminal justice system to find hope, opportunity, and community.

Our mission We are on a mission to develop the most effective sports-based mentoring programme for individuals in custody and post-release.

Through the power of sport, particularly rugby, we empower people to thrive beyond prison by building resilience, self-discipline, and a sense of belonging. We believe that everyone deserves the chance to rebuild their lives, and we are dedicated to providing the tools, support, and encouragement to do this.

Our Values

Each of us are unique; Each person we meet has lived a different life and has a different set of opportunities before them.
Respect; We have to respect everyone we meet for them to respect us.
Courage; Changing our lives means taking a risk which requires courage.
Determination; Making change stick is hard work and takes determination.
Truth; Only I can change my life. No one else can do it for me and I can’t do it for them.

The Position

As the Programme Lead, you will work collaboratively with another regional Programme Lead to coordinate all 3Pillars Project activities within custody settings in the Midlands region, with a particular focus on the Rugby Academy. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you will work alongside another regional Programme Lead and a dedicated team of coaches and mentors to plan, organise, and deliver the Rugby Academy courses in various custodial settings across the Midlands region. Crucially, your role will be pivotal in maintaining engagement with apprentices beyond the Rugby Academy, actively supporting their transition into the Fit For Future programme, and providing essential post-custody support.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:
Collaborate with another regional Programme Lead to coordinate and deliver all in-custody programmes, particularly the Rugby Academy, across the Midlands.
Plan, organise, and deliver Rugby Academy courses within prisons and YOIs, ensuring high engagement, curriculum adherence, and clear exit routes for participants.
Liaise effectively with prison authorities and relevant departments to facilitate smooth programme access, delivery, and follow-up.
Cultivate strong relationships with Rugby Academy apprentices, providing ongoing support and facilitating their transition onto the Fit For Future (FFF) programme.
Support the provision of ongoing 1:1 mentoring and tailored post-release support to FFF participants, focusing on stability, growth, and achieving personal goals.
Facilitate "meet at the gate" initiatives, accompanying graduates upon release and assisting with initial key appointments.
Coordinate and actively recruit participants for regular reunion sessions and invite eligible graduates to residential development excursions.
Responsibly refer graduates to appropriate external support organisations for housing, substance misuse, mental health, or employability needs.

Utilise Outcome Stars to measure and track graduate progress, engaging them in goal setting and review.
Contribute to programme design, monitoring, evaluation, and risk management, ensuring effective delivery, accurate record-keeping, and the development of impactful case studies.
Secondary Responsibilities and Duties:
Contribute to fundraising and stewardship, with particular attention to corporate partnerships that add value to the participants directly through work experience and insight.
Produce marketing collateral and project literature in line with programme requirements i.e. Pillar to Post magazine for apprentices.
To participate in training relevant to the post.

Qualities and Attitude:
Thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, and demonstrate flexibility to work across various areas of the charity.
Exhibit strong project management skills, driving initiatives forward effectively while working collaboratively within a team.
Maintain a positive, proactive approach to challenges, demonstrating resilience and problem-solving skills.
Embody and uphold 3Pillars Project values at all times, serving as an excellent role model for the men we work with.
Be energised by innovation and change, adapting to the evolving needs of the organisation.
Communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues across the team.

Qualifications and Skills:
Essential:
Demonstrated experience in programme coordination or management, preferably within the context of charity/custodial settings or similar environments.
Proven track record of successful programme delivery.
Passion for working with young men in custody and a genuine commitment to supporting their personal and social development.
Strong organisational and logistical skills, with the ability to plan and execute activities effectively within custodial settings.
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, essential for building rapport with participants, prison staff, and other stakeholders.
Capacity to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team, while also being able to work independently and take initiative.
Ability to pass relevant background checks, including Enhanced DBS and prison service clearance.
Experience in a coaching or mentorship role, with a focus on enabling individuals rather than taking actions on their behalf.
Experience working with individuals in prison or other comparable groups.
Proficiency in IT systems, including MS Excel, MS Word, Canva, and secure cloud storage platforms.
Familiarity with various phases of post-custody support, including resettlement and community integration.
Experience in organising and facilitating group events, such as reunion sessions or residential trips.
Ability to responsibly signpost individuals to external support services (e.g., housing, substance misuse, mental health, employment) and maintain ongoing contact.
Proficiency in using outcome measurement tools to track individual progress.

Desirable:
Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field.
Hold a full, clean UK driving licence
Previous experience in sports coaching or mentoring, particularly within the context of rugby or similar sports.
Understanding of mental health issues and trauma-informed approaches to working with vulnerable populations.
Familiarity with safeguarding principles and protocols, including relevant training or certification.

Terms and Conditions:
Wage: £37,000
Hours: 37.5 per week
Contract: Permanent (6-month probation)
Location: Nottingham, with regular travel to custody settings across the Midlands region and occasional travel to London
Culture & Benefits: Birthday Off, Ongoing professional development opportunities, Pension scheme, Progression pathways, 25 days Holiday plus Bank Holidays.
Start Date: August 2025 (Flexible for the right candidate)


We actively support the recruitment of and employ people who have been in custody. We will not discriminate on the basis of a criminal record, but given the nature of our work, applicants must be able to work with children, demonstrated by an Enhanced DBS check. Applicants should also be able to gain prison service clearance in order to enter prisons. This may be delayed if the applicant has served a custodial or suspended sentence.

This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and will be subject to ongoing review.

HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please submit your Curriculum Vitae and a Covering Letter (no more than 2 pages) to [e-mail]. In your covering letter, please address the following:
Why you are interested in working for 3Pillars
Choose 3 of the responsibilities which you have most experience in and describe that experience.
Choose 1 responsibility which you have least experience in and describe how you would tackle it.
Describe how your qualities and attitudes reflect those on the specification.
Please specify where you saw the role advertised. See more information here: https://www.3pillarsproject.com/vacancies How to apply HOW TO APPLYTo apply, please submit your Curriculum Vitae and a Covering Letter (no more than 2 pages) to [e-mail]. In your covering letter, please address the following:Why you are interested in working for 3PillarsChoose 3 of the responsibilities which you have most experience in and describe that experience.Choose 1 responsibility which you have least experience in and describe how you would tackle it.Describe how your qualities and attitudes reflect those on the specification.Please specify where you saw the role advertised.