Programme Manager

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 65,000; Part time

Job summary

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust in Blackburn is seeking an experienced Programme Manager (Band 8a) for the Blackburn with Darwen Trailblazer project, 22.5 hours per week. The role leads a large-scale, multi‑agency programme, overseeing planning, delivery of outcomes and stakeholder engagement, with a fixed-term end date 31 March 2028.

Flexible working and pro rata salary apply. Experience in managing complex programmes and building partnerships across organisations is essential,

Qualifications

• Master’s level education or equivalent experience in programme management.
• Experience leading complex programmes and multi‑agency partnerships.
• Strong governance, planning and reporting capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage large-scale, multi‑agency programme.
• Oversee design, planning and implementation of programme goals.
• Build strong partnerships and maintain effective stakeholder communications.

Skills

Programme management

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Education

Master’s level education

PRINCE2

MSP Foundation

Job description

Main area Programme Manager Grade Band 8a Contract 18 months (Fixed Term end date 31st March 2028) Hours Part time - 22.5 hours per week Job ref 351-CEN2532-LG-B

Site Daisyfield Mill Town Blackburn Salary £57,528 - £64,750 per annum, pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 22/09/2026 23:59

Our Vision is to provide the best mental health, learning disability, autism, community, and physical health services for the populations we serve.

As an integrated Trust, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) delivers a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Primary and secondary mental health care for children and adults, including specialist inpatient child and adolescent mental health provision, perinatal mental health, and forensic services with low and medium secure care.
• Specialist mental health inpatient care for individuals with learning disabilities, alongside specialist community support for children and adults with learning disabilities and autism, including intensive support.
• Extensive community physical health and well-being services for children and adults, covering prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and long‑term condition management.

The Trust was first established in 2002 and employs approximately 7,500 staff who provide care from more than 400 sites. The organisation offers opportunities for medics, mental health, general nurses, children’s nurses, allied health professionals, psychology, administration and clerical staff, apprentices and volunteers, as well as those specialising in learning disabilities and community physical health services.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and dynamic Programme Manager to lead the nationally recognised Blackburn with Darwen Trailblazer Programme – an innovative evaluation project designed to pioneer and transform mental health and wellbeing service delivery across our communities.

The Trailblazer is a unique collaboration between Sport England, Blackburn with Darwen Council Health and Wellbeing Service, University College London, and Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Talking Therapies (NHS TT). This programme aims to evaluate the implementation of an intervention model which combines evidence‑based psychological therapy with physical activity aimed at improving mental health outcomes for people accessing NHS Talking Therapies. The project has a strong focus on co‑production with local Blackburn with Darwen stakeholders and gaining insights into the sustainability and scalability of the intervention.

This role is not a remote‑working position and will require attendance at the designated workplace.

This is a fixed term role until 31st March 2028.

Main duties of the job

The Programme Manager will lead and manage this large scale, multi‑agency programme, ensuring delivery of outcomes aligned with strategic objectives. Working alongside the Associate Director of Operations and the Consultant Clinical Lead for Talking Therapies, you will oversee the design, planning, and implementation of the Trailblazer’s goals in line with best practice programme and project management methodologies.

A key aspect of the role involves building strong partnerships and maintaining effective communication across a wide network of stakeholders.

We are looking for someone who;

• Has proven experience in managing complex programmes or large-scale projects.
• Is confident leading multi agency partnerships and navigating diverse stakeholder environments.
• Demonstrates strong organisational, strategic planning, and problem‑solving skills.
• Brings a forward thinking approach to service innovation and evidence‑based practice.
• Is committed to supporting the delivery of integrated physical and mental health interventions.

Working for our organisation

LSCFT values diversity and inclusion, recognising that talent from varied backgrounds creates a flexible, creative, and effective workforce. We actively challenge discrimination and welcome applications from all, regardless of age, disability (including those with experience of accessing or caring for someone who has accessed mental health or learning disability services), ethnicity, gender, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.

Our aim is to reflect the communities we serve, so we particularly encourage applications from under‑represented groups. If you’d like to discuss your application, please ask.

We also welcome individuals with lived experience relevant to the role or service area, as your insight brings authenticity to our services.

LSCFT support flexible working, we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as term time, part time, compressed hours and flexi‑time.

The wellbeing of our people is at the heart of everything we do. We offer a wide range of resources, tools and support to help you thrive both in and out of work.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see attached the job description and person specification for more information about this role.

Person specification

Qualifications

• Educated to Master’s level and/or equivalent portfolio/programme/project experience
• PRINCE2
• MSP Foundation

Knowledge

• Knowledge, expertise and experience in programme management, service transformation and improvement methodologies
• Knowledge of looking at effective and efficient deployment of resources using a range of techniques
• Knowledge of the external environment including national and regional strategies, priorities and political agenda

Experience

• Experience of interpretation of highly complex business data and information to enable change delivery
• Experience in delivering successful outcomes at a senior level and in particular in relation to large scale programmes
• Experience of developing and documenting processes using process mapping, process improvement and change management methodologies
• Significant experience supporting and managing staff including coaching, mentoring and CPD

For all posts which require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check please be aware of the Disclosure and Barring Service Code of Practice, a copy of which is available by logging on to the DBS website. If the post is subject to DBS disclosure, a charge will be made to the successful candidate(s).

Employer certification / accreditation badges

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.