Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
Programme Lead – Year of the Child (Project 150)
The closing date is 12 April 2026
Fixed Term | 12 months | Internal Applications Only
Join Us for a Landmark Year at Sheffield Children's
In 2026, Sheffield Children's will celebrate 150 years of creating healthier futures for children and young people – a milestone shaped by generations of innovation, compassion, and unwavering commitment.
From our pioneering beginnings in 1876 to the specialist, world-leading services we provide today, the spirit that founded Sheffield Children's is still at the heart of everything we do.
We remain firmly focused on the needs, voices and futures of children and young people – just as we were 150 years ago.
About the Role
This role puts you at the heart of our 150th anniversary and Year of the Child programme – leading work that strengthens partnerships, champions children's health, and delivers real impact across South Yorkshire.
You’ll coordinate activity across the Trust and partner organisations, ensuring the programme is aligned, well governed, and delivered to a high standard.
You’ll lead multi-agency workstreams, support policy and advocacy activity, drive innovation initiatives, and ensure children and young people's voices shape every part of the programme – helping to create a lasting legacy for the future.
Main duties of the job
Reporting into the Communications and Marketing Director, some of your responsibilities will include:
* Lead and coordinate the Trust's 150th anniversary and Year of the Child programme, ensuring all activities are well planned, aligned, and delivered to a high standard.
* Influence & Advocacy Support policy and advocacy work that strengthens our leadership in children's health and drives positive change across the region.
* Bid & Funding Proposal Development Develop and support bids, proposals, and investment cases that help secure resources and drive innovation.
* Stakeholder Engagement Build strong, collaborative relationships across the Trust, South Yorkshire partners, and wider networks to support programme delivery.
* Event Planning & Activity Delivery Plan, coordinate, and deliver key events and engagement activities that celebrate the Trust's 150-year legacy and amplify the voices of children and young people.
About us
At Sheffield Children's, our purpose is clear: to provide healthier futures for children and young people. Our three strategic aims are Outstanding Patient Care, Brilliant Place to Work, and Leaders in Children's Health.
We work with partners across local, regional, and national levels to deliver physical and mental healthcare in both acute and community settings. Many of our clinicians are nationally and internationally recognised for their expertise.
We’re proud that 73% of colleagues would recommend Sheffield Children's as a place to work, placing us among the top five NHS trusts in England – and the top-ranked trust in the North East and Yorkshire – in the latest NHS Staff Survey.
Our nearly 4,000 colleagues bring our CARE values – Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence – to life every day, creating a kind, welcoming environment where patients and families feel safe and supported.
As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2026, we’re excited to keep building our leadership in children’s health, improve experiences for patients and staff, and focus on our communities and population health.
We also offer excellent benefits to support your wellbeing, with generous annual leave and pension schemes, health and wellbeing programmes, and exclusive discounts – helping you thrive at work and beyond.
Job responsibilities
For more information on the main responsibilities for this post, please refer to the job description and person specification.
*** This role has been assigned the occupation code 2440 using the CASCOT coding tool. To check the eligibility of this code for sponsorship and right to work please visit - UKVI web address https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations-and-codes
Diversity Statement
At Sheffield Children’s, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports everyone’s success. We prioritise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our recruitment practices, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ members.
Recognising that inclusivity is an ongoing effort, we review our processes and welcome feedback to enhance our practices. A diverse team strengthens our organisation and the quality of care we deliver. For ideas on how we can improve, please contact our Recruitment Manager at scn-tr.recruitment.team@nhs.net. Together, we’re building a workplace where everyone belongs.
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Person Specification
Qualifications & Training
* Educated to degree level, supplemented by postgraduate training/experience and continued professional development, to Master's level or equivalent
* Project Management Qualification or evidence of training
* Evidence of continuous professional development
Experience
* Proven experience in project or programme management within a complex organisation
* Experience of working with multiple stakeholders across organisations, including public, voluntary, and community sectors
* Experience producing high quality briefings, reports, or analysis for senior audiences
* Experience of coordinating budgets and resources effectively
Knowledge & Skills
* Awareness of the political landscape affecting children and young people, including national policy drivers, local and regional strategies
* Strong analytical and problem solving skills, able to identify risks and develop solutions
* Ability to balance competing interests and perspectives, finding common ground and facilitating consensus across diverse partners
* Outstanding communication skills, able to present complex information clearly and adapt messages for different audiences
* Skilled in stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and building collaborative relationships across diverse groups
* Ability to analyse information, identify implications, and present clear recommendations
* Ability to travel independently across Sheffield and South Yorkshire
Personal attributes
* Commitment to Sheffield Children's vision of healthier futures for children and young people
* Passion for amplifying the voice of children and embedding their perspectives in decision making
* Collaborative, inclusive, and respectful approach to working with colleagues and partners
* Demonstrates resilience, adaptability, and focus in managing complex programmes
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Address
Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust
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