Programmes Manager

We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated Programmes Manager to manage the Lifelong Learning Programmes delivery staff team and oversee the day-to-day running of our Lifelong Learning Programmes for learning-disabled adults across Yorkshire.

We’re at an incredibly exciting time as an organisation. Driven by the voices of our participants, we have established our future direction, which features three key developments: co-production, social connection, and reflection. The Programmes Manager role will be key in maintaining and developing the quality of our Lifelong Learning Programmes in line with our organisational development.

Person Specification

As a value-led employer our priority is to recruit people who share our outlook and vision. A strong applicant will be able to demonstrate all of the following:

• A strong commitment to Purple Patch Arts’ values, the Purple Patch Approach, and the future direction of the organisation
• A creative and dynamic approach to work
• Experience delivering interactive group learning using creative methods
• Experience of writing a Scheme of Work
• Experience of working with people with learning-disabilities
• Experience of working alongside services and support networks of people with learning disabilities
• Experience of line managing a dynamic and diverse team
• Experience of managing serious incidents and safeguarding concerns
• Experience of evaluation using accessible, creative methods
• Experience of facilitating reflective practice models
• Experience of co-production and co-facilitation
• Experience of team working within an office environment
• Ability to work from own initiative and problem solve independently
• A compassionate and accessible approach to communication
• A positive attitude to development and change
• Excellent communication skills in-person and via phone and email
• Strong administration skills
• Excellent organisational skills and time management, and the ability to work to deadlines
• Proficient in excel, word and outlook packages
• The ability to work within policies and procedures
• Willingness to work flexibly and travel in order to meet the needs of the organisation
• Strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and to making the world a better place for learning-disabled people
• Car owner / driver (or willingness to make this commitment)

While not essential, being able to demonstrate any of the following will strengthen your application:

• Qualifications in the arts, creative practices and/or accessible and inclusive learning
• Knowledge and experience of using Kolb’s Model of Experiential Learning
• Knowledge and/or experience of the challenges learning-disabled people face

This position is subject to an enhanced DBS Check, the cost of which will be met by Purple Patch Arts.

How to apply:

Purple Patch Arts is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We are a Mindful Employer and a recognised Disability Confident Committed employer, promoting rewarding and meaningful employment opportunities for everyone. It’s important to us that you feel comfortable bringing your whole self to work and warmly welcome applicants identifying as disabled, neurodiverse, LGBTQI+, from all faiths, cultures, ethnicities, ages, and genders. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. A copy of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy is available on our website.

You can download the application documents below.

Details for how to submit your application form are included in the job description. The deadline is 9am on Tuesday 5^th May 2026. Unfortunately, applications received after this time cannot be considered.

Equal Opportunities Monitoring:

We would be grateful if you could also complete our anonymous Equal Opportunities monitoring form when applying: https://forms.gle/uQqeJErSDPLUpMdeA

Please note that the data gathered will only be used to assess the success of our recruitment campaign in reaching a diverse range of candidates.

Contact: 

If you have any questions, need this information in a different format or have any other access requirements, please contact us by emailing megan@purplepatcharts.org or ringing 07510 330105.

Documents:

Programmes Manager Job Description

Programmes Manager Application Form

Note: If you don’t have Microsoft Word, please open the document in an alternative editor (for example, Google Docs) and download the completed form to send to us.