Research Fellow – Evaluation of Whole System Place Based Approaches to Tackling Physical Inactivity

About the Role

• Sport England have made investments into multiple places across England to tackle physical activity inequalities by taking a ‘whole-systems’ and ‘place-based’ approach (WSA / PBA). Simply put, this approach addresses barriers and opportunities to physical activity at a range of difference levels – from individual to infrastructural and rooted in the distinctive mix of local characteristics.
• Sport England’s ten-year strategy ‘Uniting the Movement’ commits to deepening the approach in places with established WSAs and PBAs and expanding the place-based approach with further investment into new places. There is a need to identify the impact made by the WSAs and PBAs and illustrate which conditions lead to which impacts, in which circumstances. This will be supported by a whole system realist approach consisting of supporting places across the country to build learning into their evaluation approaches.
• Hartpury University have an exciting and growing area in the evaluation of WSAs and PBAs to tackle societal issues such as physical inactivity and health inequalities. We are pleased to advertise the opportunity to join our multi-disciplinary research team across a consortium consisting of Sheffield Hallam University, Coventry University, Collaborate and Substance to explore the impact of Sport England’s investment into whole-system place-based approaches.             

About You:

• Confident managing the day-to-day running of a research evaluation project, including liaising with clients and multiple stakeholders
• Experience in research design, data collection and analysis, training delivery, and contributing to evaluation reports and academic publications
• Strong qualitative interviewing skills and experience in using systematic approaches to data analysis and reporting
• Confident working with quantitative data and using statistical analysis techniques
• Ideally have experience using relevant data analysis software or programming languages, such as NVivo, SPSS, R, or similar tools
• Knowledge or experience of realist evaluation and complexity-informed approaches, particularly in participatory or real-world settings
• Open, collaborative approach to learning and sharing knowledge
• Organised, with excellent planning skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively
• Opportunities to support teaching and learning provision, interest or experience in this area is welcome

We offer a fantastic package of staff benefits including:

• Hybrid working
• 35 days annual leave entitlement
• Wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous pension scheme (TPS)
• Employee Discounts Scheme
• Onsite fitness facilities
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Support for continuous professional development
• Flexible working opportunities available
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity leave

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.  All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks. 

Click here to view the full Job Description and Person Specification

The closing date for receipt of applications is Tuesday, 5^th August 2025.

Interviews will be held on Friday, 29^th August 2025.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy before the specified closing date should we receive sufficient applications or in order to respond to business needs. In order to avoid missing an opportunity to apply please submit your application as early as possible.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK.

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