Governance Programme Manager

Governance Support Programme Manager

Fixed Term Contract – 12 months (Maternity Cover)

Salary: £38,100 per annum

Location:
Homeworking (with travel to London as required)

We’re looking for a Governance Support Programme Manager to join the Governance Team at Sport England. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who combines strategic thinking with practical delivery and wants to help shape how governance evolves across the sector.

As Governance Support Programme Manager, you’ll support the development and delivery of governance support programmes that help funded partners meet and embed the standards set out in the A Code for Sports Governance.

You’ll play a leading role in project managing key governance initiatives including the impact assessment of the Code helping us understand how it has shaped governance practice across the sector and whether its original ambitions continue to be met.

Working closely with colleagues across Governance, EDI, Legal and Investment teams, you’ll coordinate consultation processes, manage supplier relationships, develop implementation plans and ensure projects are delivered to time and budget.

A key focus of the role will also be supporting Tier 3 partners in developing and strengthening their Diversity and Inclusion Action Plans (DIAPs), ensuring governance and inclusion are aligned in practice.

• Designing and managing project plans across governance support work streams
• Acting as a key point of contact for governance support initiatives
• Coordinating internal and external stakeholders, including Boards and CEOs
• Supporting procurement and supplier management for commissioned work
• Developing communication plans to ensure clarity and engagement
• Identifying interdependencies across projects and managing risk proactively

This is a varied role offering meaningful responsibility, cross-organisational collaboration and the opportunity to influence governance standards nationally.

We’re keen to hear from people who bring sound judgement, strong relationship skills and a genuine commitment to improving governance and inclusion.

• Experience operating in a governance, regulatory, charity or public-sector environment
• Strong project and programme management skills
• Experience engaging directly with senior stakeholders, including Boards and CEOs
• The ability to build trusted relationships and influence effectively
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including presenting complex information accessibly
• Experience or interest in equality, diversity and inclusion work
• The ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing demands

You don’t need to come from a sport background. What matters most is your ability to deliver structured programmes of work and your commitment to supporting well‑run, inclusive organisations.

We value curiosity, pragmatism and a collaborative mindset and you’ll be supported to grow and develop in the role.

Apply by completing the application form and submitting your CV on our website, clearly demonstrating how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role in accordance to the person specification.

The recruitment process will include an assessment task and at least one interview.

Interviews will take place in person at our Canary Wharf office.

If you require any adjustments, we’re happy to support you.

Final date to receive applications:Sunday 1st March 2026.

Interviews:Wednesday 25th March 2026.

At Sport England, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of sport and physical activity – regardless of age, gender, background, bank balance or post code. We are an arm’s length body responsible for growing and developing grassroots sport and helping more people get active across England – around two thirds of our funding comes from players of The National Lottery, with the remainder coming from the Exchequer.

Our work is driven by Uniting the Movement, a 10‑year strategy focused on tackling inequalities and creating positive experiences of sport and physical activity for all. From funding local community initiatives to influencing national policy, we work in partnership with organisations and individuals who share our vision of an active nation where everyone feels able to take part and be active in a way that works for them.