Programme Lead - King's Trust

East Surrey College / John Ruskin College; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in London is seeking a King's Trust Team Leader to lead a transformative youth development programme. The role involves planning, staff leadership, and collaboration with community partners to ensure impactful delivery. Applicants should have experience in youth programmes and strong project management skills. The position offers a supportive work culture with a generous benefits package, including a pension scheme and continuous professional development.

Benefits

Career average pension scheme (LGPS)

Employee assistance programme

Continuous CPD

Discounts on local services

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading youth development programmes or similar initiatives.
• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver, and evaluate the King's Trust Team Programme.
• Lead a small staff team and work with external partners.
• Ensure programme meets standards for quality and safeguarding.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Youth development experience

Education

Teaching or training qualification

Job description

Are you a confident, compassionate leader ready to inspire young people and shape futures?

John Ruskin College is seeking an experienced and driven King’s Trust Team Leader to lead the delivery of our transformative 12‑week personal development programme. This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of 16‑25 year‑olds, helping them build confidence, gain qualifications, and move forward into education, training, or employment.

About the Role

As Team Leader, you will take full responsibility for planning, delivering, and evaluating the King’s Trust Team Programme. You will lead a small staff team and work closely with external partners, community organisations, and employers to ensure every element of the programme, from residentials to community projects, is impactful, inclusive, and empowering.

You will also be responsible for recruitment, safeguarding, quality assurance, and reporting, ensuring that the programme meets both King’s Trust and college standards.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a confident programme lead who thrives on challenge and collaboration. You will need:

• Proven experience leading youth development programmes or similar initiatives
• Strong leadership and project management skills, with the ability to motivate both staff and learners
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
• A commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and high‑quality delivery
• Resilience, creativity, and a learner‑centred approach

A teaching or training qualification is desirable, but not essential; what matters most is your ability to lead with purpose and care.

What We Offer

At John Ruskin College, we’re proud to support our staff with a positive, forward‑thinking culture and a generous benefits package, including:

• Career average pension scheme (LGPS)
• Employee assistance programme
• Discounts on local services, retail and leisure activities
• Continuous CPD

Inclusion and Safeguarding

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to safeguarding the welfare of our students. All applicants will be subject to DBS checks and online screening in line with KCSIE 2025 and Safer Recruitment practices.

Closing Date: Monday 1st December 2025

Applications will however be shortlisted on a rolling basis and we reserve the right to interview and appoint before this closing date. We therefore encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment. As much as we would love to respond to all applicants, due to the sheer volume of applications we receive we are unable to respond to all unsuccessful candidates.

Please refer to the attached Job Description, Person Specification and Competency Framework and apply using the button below.

Orbital South Colleges Group are committed to Equal Opportunities, encouraging applications from all sectors of the community to reflect our diverse student population.

We are also committed to PREVENT and Safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Both College Campus are smoke‑free zones.

As part of our pre‑employment checks, successful candidates will be required to complete an enhanced DBS, references will be taken and evidence of all qualifications and awards will also be required before commencement of employment. Failure to do so may lead to offers being withdrawn.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK as we do not sponsor work permits, and work permits from other organisations are unacceptable as proof of right to work in the UK.