At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformational change for families in Bradford through the Families First Partnership Programme.
- Company: Bradford Children and Families Trust, dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Generous leave, excellent pension, health support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a team that values trust, respect, and meaningful relationships.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on families while working in a diverse and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading change and knowledge of children’s services preferred but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 53384 - 60593 £ per year.
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Full Time / Permanent
Working Hours: 37
Location: Bradford
Closing Date: 06/09/2026
Job Category: Early Help & Transformation
Region / Division: Bradford
Business Unit: Early Help & Prevention
Salary: Grade Special A - Special B, - £53,384 - £60,593, permanent, 37 hours per week, Hybrid, 2 days per week based at Sir Henry Mitchell House.
Working for the Bradford Children and Families Trust offers the opportunity to work with some great people who are passionate about delivering change in a city whose culture offers as much diversity as its geography. You can make a real difference to families and children and be an active part in delivering the service Bradford families should receive. We are fully committed to equal opportunities and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Building on the work that we have already begun, you will:
- Work within our teams and with multi-agency stakeholders (Police, Education, Health, etc.) to facilitate change and improvements for children, young people and families by managing the implementation of the Families First Partnership Programme.
- Design, coordinate, oversee and execute a multi-agency delivery plan to ensure our organisation delivers:
- an integrated Family Help Service,
- multi-agency child protection teams,
- robust family-based decision making,
- changes to the case management system to support the reforms.
- Ensure that Children’s Services are set up as a single integrated system that supports the wellbeing of, and protects, all children from significant harm, inside and outside of the home.
- Ensure the programme is delivered in line with national statutory guidance for the Families First Partnership Programme by April 2027.
- Work closely with key partnerships including Health, Police, Education and the voluntary and community sector.
- Oversee budget of any grant funding, monitor progress of the delivery plan and lead associated evaluation activity.
- Manage the project support officers allocated to the programme.
You will need to demonstrate a clear understanding of the reform agenda, and ideally will have experience of leading change of this scale previously. Given the pace of the programme, it would be beneficial to have a background in children’s services.
Using strong programme and project management skills and understanding, the role will provide day-to-day coordination and management of the project, applying the most appropriate methodologies and approaches to meet project needs and ensure success.
The role will work closely with senior managers within Children’s Services, across our organisation’s services, and with external partners, reporting progress of the delivery plan to governing boards and government departments.
Our strategic vision and values are upheld across the Trust, fostering a reliable and supportive environment for both staff and the children in our care. Our approach is rooted in restorative and relational practice, fostering trust, mutual respect, and meaningful relationships with children, families, and professionals.
You’ll also:
- Provide professional leadership and direction to key workstreams, including workforce culture and development, policies and procedures and communication and engagement, to ensure that Children’s Services are set up as a single integrated system.
- Have oversight of the maintenance, coordination and monitoring of both the Department for Education's implementation plan and Bradford children and families trust programme and project plans.
- Support governance and equality frameworks, systems and processes, undertaking risk management activity for the programme and ensuring the delivery team and workstream leads are organised and remain within budgets and programme timescales.
To be successful in this role you will need:
- Extensive experience in a similar role, leading and delivering transformational change.
- Deep knowledge of the Families First reform agenda and ideally some experience working within children’s services; however, this is not essential.
You’ll also be joining an organisation that truly values its people, offering a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance, including:
- Generous annual leave - 31 days rising to 34 with service, plus bank holidays.
- Excellent Local Government pension.
- Family-friendly policies and enhanced parental leave.
- Health & wellbeing support, including Occupational Health and counselling.
- Professional development and career progression opportunities.
Bradford Children and Families Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment. If shortlisted, you will be required to disclose relevant information regarding criminal history prior to interview. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check including a check against the Children’s barred list, will be carried out on preferred candidates.
To arrange an informal discussion, please contact Samantha Sirisambhand, Samantha.sirisambhand@bradfordcft.org.uk
Closing Date: 6th September
Programme Manager (Families First Partnership Programme) in Bradford employer: Bradford Children and Families Trust
Bradford Children and Families Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for both staff and the young people in their care. With a strong focus on professional development, employees are encouraged to grow and advance their skills while making a meaningful impact in the community. The Trust fosters a collaborative work culture that values compassion and commitment, making it an ideal place for those passionate about improving the lives of children and families.
Contact Details:
Bradford Children and Families Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager (Families First Partnership Programme) in Bradford
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Bradford Children and Families Trust, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Bradford Children and Families Trust and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager (Families First Partnership Programme) in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Bradford Children and Families Trust and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bradford Children and Families Trust
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Bradford Children and Families Trust, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Bradford Children and Families Trust.
