Head of Programmes - IPS Grow

Head of Programmes - IPS Grow

We are looking for a Head of Programmes to lead the national delivery of IPS Grow – a flagship programme supporting the scale and quality of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services across England. This is an exciting opportunity to drive operational excellence, lead a high-performing team, and collaborate with national partners to embed evidence-based employment support in mental health and substance use services.

Position: Head of Programmes - IPS Grow
Location: London/Hybrid (hybrid working model)
Hours: Full-time
Salary: £75,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Monday 14 July 2025 at 9:00am

Zoom interviews: Wednesday 23 July 2025

About the Role

As the IPS Grow Head of Programmes, you will lead the operational delivery of this nationally significant initiative. Your leadership will ensure fidelity to the IPS model, support continuous quality improvement, and drive collaborative relationships with stakeholders across health, employment, and social care systems.

You will play a key role in integrating delivery, workforce, and data workstreams to ensure a joined-up approach to service transformation. Working closely with NHS England, DHSC, OHID, and local authorities, you’ll help shape best practice and create systemic change.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Programme Delivery

• Lead contract performance and delivery across all IPS Grow services
• Oversee the work of Regional Managers and wider delivery teams
• Ensure planning and delivery of Fidelity Reviews and technical assistance support
• Manage relationships with national funders and strategic stakeholders

Quality Improvement

• Champion fidelity and technical excellence in IPS delivery
• Maintain and improve systems, documentation, and policies
• Ensure satisfaction across partners and providers, learning and adapting where necessary

Strategic Integration

• Integrate delivery, workforce, and data workstreams
• Collaborate across internal teams to drive a multi-disciplinary approach to service improvement

Leadership and Culture

• Act as Deputy to the Director of Delivery – IPS Grow
• Promote a learning culture across the programme and team
• Lead cross-organisational projects aligned with strategic goals, including equity and inclusion

About You

You will bring significant IPS expertise and the ability to lead complex programmes at scale. You will have strong operational and stakeholder leadership experience, ideally working across health, employment or social care.

You will have:

• Deep knowledge of the IPS model and quality improvement practices
• Proven leadership within IPS or related services at a national or regional level
• Excellent relationship-building and senior stakeholder engagement experience
• Confidence in leading cross-functional teams and integrating complex delivery structures
• A strategic mindset, grounded in values of inclusion, equity, and evidence-based practice

About the Team

IPS Grow is a national programme designed to support the expansion of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services in mental health, primary care, and drug and alcohol teams across England. The programme is led by Social Finance in partnership with the Centre for Mental Health. It is funded by NHS England and Improvement (NHSE/I), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID).

About the Organisation

Since 2007, the organisation has helped to pioneer a series of programmes to improve outcomes for individuals with complex needs. These innovations, including the impact bond model, have mobilised more than £500 million globally. With sister organisations in the US, Israel, the Netherlands and India the organisation has network of partners across the world.

IPS Grow is delivered in partnership with the Centre for Mental Health and funded by NHS England, the Department for Work and Pensions, and OHID.

We work on issues including mental health, homelessness, domestic abuse, and employment. Our 120+ staff are a mix of strategists, analysts, researchers, and designers – united by a passion for change.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We actively encourage applications from under-represented and minoritised groups, including those with lived experience of the social issues we are working to address. We are an equal opportunities employer and support a range of flexible working options.

The application process uses Applied, a platform designed to reduce bias in recruitment. You will be asked to respond to situational questions to demonstrate your skills and experience.

You may have experience in roles such as: Programme Director, Head of Operations, Head of Delivery, IPS Lead, National Service Manager, Senior Mental Health Programme Manager, or NHS Programme Lead. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.