Programme Lead - Inclusive Schools & Active Play Network

ICF; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Dental insurance

25 days annual leave

Pension scheme (5% employer)

Life assurance 4x salary

Income protection 66%

Job summary

ICF is seeking a driven programme designer to lead the school-facing network programme, focusing on inclusivity, PE, play and physical activity. You will connect evidence and professional practice with schools, translating insights into practical resources, training and peer learning that schools can apply locally.

The role involves shaping the programme model, working with partners to test and share effective approaches, and ensuring safeguarding and accessibility are embedded throughout.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in education, school sport, PE, enrichment, youth development or school improvement programmes.
• Experience assessing high-quality learning materials, professional development or practice improvement resources.
• Strong facilitation, relationship management and influencing skills across schools, community providers, networks and national partners.
• Ability to analyse research, feedback and monitoring information and convert it into usable solutions.
• Experience managing staff, suppliers and partner-delivered work and maintaining consistent quality.

Responsibilities

• Support development of the programme model, annual delivery plan and contribute to shaping the quality assurance approach for school and practitioner support.
• Convene communities of practice and learning networks, enabling schools and partners to test, adapt and share effective approaches.
• Collate and disseminate sector best‑practice toolkits, guidance, self‑assessment tools, training and digital resources
• Gather insight from schools, pupils and sector specialists and turn findings into practical programme improvements.
• Manage delivery partners, subject matter experts and programme staff, setting clear briefs, milestones and acceptance criteria.
• Monitor reach, engagement, inclusion and outcomes, and present learning to funders, policy stakeholders and senior leaders.
• Ensure children and young people’s voice, accessibility and safeguarding considerations are embedded throughout programme design and delivery.

Skills

Education experience

Facilitation

Relationship management

Data analysis

Programme management

Job description

ICF is seeking a driven programme designer to lead the school-facing network programme, focusing on inclusivity, PE, play and physical activity. You will connect evidence and professional practice with schools, translating insights into practical resources, training and peer learning that schools can apply locally.

The role involves shaping the programme model, working with partners to test and share effective approaches, and ensuring safeguarding and accessibility are embedded throughout.