At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Best Start in Life programme and drive meaningful transformation for communities.
- Company: Bracknell Forest Council, a stable and supportive workplace.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, hybrid working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to improving outcomes for families.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and strong partnership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking for an exceptional Programme Manager to lead the delivery of the Best Start in Life programme. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and drive meaningful system‑wide transformation. You will bring strategic vision, strong partnership management skills and proven experience of leading complex programmes, ensuring services are aligned, integrated and delivering lasting impact for our communities. This role is full time on a fixed term / secondment basis for one year.
At Bracknell Forest, we pride ourselves on being a council that is stable and well‑managed where our employees can thrive in a supportive environment. We understand the importance of a healthy work‑life balance and offer a variety of flexible working practices, including options for remote working and arrangements that allow you to work from home, dependent on the needs of the service.
You will join a supportive and forward‑thinking Early Help Service within the People Directorate. The team is ambitious, collaborative and committed to improving outcomes for children and families through strong partnership working and innovation. Based at The Rowans Family Hub in Bracknell, you will work flexibly across the borough alongside colleagues in early years, social care, health, education and the voluntary sector to deliver integrated, high‑quality services, with opportunities for flexible and home working.
Key Responsibilities- Lead delivery of the Best Start in Life programme, ensuring alignment with national guidance, statutory duties and local priorities.
- Drive system‑wide integration across partners, embedding Family Hubs, Families First and SEND reforms.
- Lead strategic planning, commissioning and procurement of high‑quality, preventative services.
- Establish robust governance, performance monitoring and reporting to senior leaders and partners.
- Provide leadership and support to partners and stakeholders, strengthening workforce capability and delivering measurable outcomes for families.
- 28 days annual leave increasing to 33 days after 3 years’ continuous service, with the opportunity to buy up to 10 and sell up to 5 days.
- Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work‑life balance.
- Paid employee volunteering scheme.
- Local government pension scheme, with life insurance cover.
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme (subject to eligibility).
- Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits (terms and conditions apply).
- Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing.
- Inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks and a sports and social club.
Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check as part of our pre‑employment checks process. We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK. Candidates requiring sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on the relevant criteria. We do not guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case‑by‑case basis.
Equal Opportunities: Bracknell Forest Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Best Start in Life Programme Manager (12 month fixed term contract) in Bracknell employer: Bracknell Forest Council
Bracknell Forest Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and stable work environment where employees can thrive. With a strong focus on work-life balance, the council provides flexible working options, generous leave entitlements, and opportunities for professional development, all while fostering a collaborative culture dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Best Start in Life Programme Manager (12 month fixed term contract) in Bracknell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Best Start in Life programme. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Bracknell Forest Council's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you're not just interested in the role, but that you genuinely care about making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with leading complex programmes and driving system-wide integration. We want to hear how you can make an impact right from the start.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Best Start in Life Programme Manager (12 month fixed term contract) in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leading complex programmes. We want to see how your strategic vision aligns with the Best Start in Life programme!
Showcase Partnership Skills:Since this role involves strong partnership management, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with various stakeholders. We love seeing teamwork in action!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bracknell Forest Council
✨Know the Programme Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Best Start in Life programme. Familiarise yourself with its goals, key stakeholders, and how it aligns with national guidance. This will show your genuine interest and help you articulate how your experience can contribute to its success.
✨Showcase Your Partnership Skills
Since this role involves strong partnership management, prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with various stakeholders in the past. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a measurable impact on service delivery or community outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Vision
Be ready to discuss your strategic planning experience. Think about how you've led complex programmes before and be prepared to share your approach to ensuring alignment with local priorities and statutory duties. This will illustrate your capability to drive meaningful transformation.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the team dynamics. Inquire about the current challenges the Early Help Service faces or how they measure success for the Best Start in Life programme. This shows your proactive mindset and eagerness to contribute.
