Programme Manager - School inclusivity and PE Networks

Role purpose

Leading the design and continuous improvement of a school-facing network programme that strengthens inclusivity, PE, play and physical activity. The role connects evidence, professional practice and the experiences of schools and young people to useful resources, training and peer learning that schools can apply in their own settings. It will help ensure that schools can access clear, practical support, share solutions to common challenges and build lasting confidence and capability, .

Key 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, knowledge and experience

• 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.

Personal qualities

• Inclusive and collaborative, with the confidence to build trust across schools, community organisations, public bodies and delivery partners.
• Organised and solutions-focused, able to manage competing priorities while maintaining quality and accurate records.
• Committed to widening participation and motivated to reducing barriers to sport and physical activity for underserved groups.
• Comfortable travelling and working flexibly when programme activity, events or partner engagement requires it.

Bot and Third-Party Applications

Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration. Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact [email protected] for assistance.

About us:

Working at ICF means applying a passion for meaningful work with intellectual rigor to help solve the leading issues of our day. Smart, compassionate, innovative, committed, ICF employees tackle unprecedented challenges to benefit people, businesses, and governments around the globe. We believe in collaboration, mutual respect, open communication, and opportunity for growth.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building an inclusive workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are committed to creating a culture where we embrace our differences in ideas and identities. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals.

Learn more about what we do and our commitment to inclusion.

The benefits of joining ICF:

Our people at ICF are our most important asset, so we invest in them from the moment they arrive. When you join our team, you’ll have access to a vast array of benefits to help you live your life well.

We offer a hybrid working policy, which will provide you with the flexibility to collaborate in the office, as well as in the comfort of your own home, ensuring you are able to successfully deliver the requirements of your role.

To support you, our employee wellbeing hub is designed to provide highly personalised support across a comprehensive range of wellbeing issues, such as mind, body, finances, community, career programs and HR support.

We enjoy celebrating success, which is why we have a competitive recognition program called ‘You Matter’, which awards points as a ‘thank you’ for your work achievements. These can be spent on a large variety of high-quality items, as well as online or high-street vouchers, all with zero tax payable by the employee.

ICF also offers a range of competitive benefits, which include:

• Single Private Medical Insurance cover with no restrictions on existing conditions.
• Dental insurance and an online GP service.
• 25 days annual leave, plus UK bank holidays (annual leave increases with years of service).
• Pension scheme with 5% of salary employer contribution
• Life assurance paying 4x annual salary and Group Income Protection paying 66% of salary for up to 5 years if you are off work on long-term sick.
• Enhanced parental leave policies, enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental pay.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair and equitable interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodations that involve the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at [email protected]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.