Job overview

The Head of Programmes will oversee the national delivery of the IPS Grow programme, a flagship initiative supporting the scale and quality of IPS services in mental health, primary care, and substance use settings across England. This role involves managing contract delivery, driving quality improvement, integrating delivery, workforce and data workstreams, and working closely with national partners such as NHS England and local authorities to embed best practice.

Role

  • Leading the operational delivery and performance of IPS Grow contracts to meet KPIs and quality standards.
  • Managing a team including Regional Managers and Leads, fostering a supportive and high-performing culture.
  • Driving technical assistance and quality improvement activities, including fidelity reviews and guided self-assessments.
  • Acting as a key liaison with stakeholders and supporting strategic relationships with Integrated Care Boards and local authorities.
  • Integrating different workstreams (delivery, workforce, data) to ensure a joined-up approach to service transformation.
  • Providing leadership support to the Director of Delivery and contributing to strategic initiatives such as race equity.
  • Promoting a culture of learning, inclusion, continuous improvement, and psychological safety within the team.
  • Representing Social Finance and the IPS model nationally and internationally.

Responsibilities

  • Operational oversight to ensure IPS Grow meets contractual KPIs and quality standards within timelines.
  • Line managing Regional Managers and indirectly overseeing Regional Leads and Support Leads.
  • Planning and overseeing Fidelity Reviews, Guided Self-Assessments, and technical support activities annually.
  • Ensuring teams have adequate resources and support for high-quality service delivery and wellbeing.
  • Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders including NHS England, DHSC, OHID, Integrated Care Boards, and local authorities.
  • Driving quality improvement processes and monitoring stakeholder satisfaction, resolving operational issues as needed.
  • Supporting a culture of team learning, reflection, and evidence-based practice using data.
  • Collaborating with Heads of Data Analytics and Workforce to integrate workstreams and ensure effective matrix management within regional teams.
  • Acting as Deputy for the Director of Delivery in meetings and Communities of Practice.
  • Leading initiatives to support IPS Grow strategy and priorities, including race equity.
  • Contributing to regional and national reporting for funders and stakeholders.
  • Continuously updating skills and knowledge by engaging with IPS experts nationally and internationally.
  • Reflecting on own practice and supporting connections between IPS Grow and wider Social Finance teams.

The person

  • Comprehensive knowledge and expertise in the IPS model, with credibility to lead at national and international levels.
  • Understanding of Fidelity Reviews, Guided Self-Assessments, and technical support in delivering high-fidelity IPS services.
  • Proven ability to influence and/or manage the performance of IPS services.
  • Strong relationship-building skills and experience in senior stakeholder management.
  • Commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion, learning, and continuous improvement.
  • Ability to lead complex programmes that deliver social change.