1st Edition

Implementing Sport Policy Organisational Perspectives on the UK Sport System

Edited By Marc Keech, Iain Lindsey, John Hayton Copyright 2024

    This book critically examines the roles and contributions of different organisations in the implementation of sport policy in the UK and, therefore, provides an important guide to the complexities of implementing sport policy and of achieving policy goals through, and for, sport.

    Presenting analytical chapters by leading sport researchers alongside shorter commentaries by practitioners working in the field, this book outlines the uneven path between policy planning and real-world outcomes. Adopting a multi-level analysis, this book examines the interlocking structures and challenges of organisations, from grassroots voluntary sport to national governing bodies and professional clubs, and considers the most important issues affecting UK sport policy today.

    This is fascinating reading for any student, researcher or practitioner working in sport policy, sport for development, sport management, sport coaching, physical education and related areas of policy such as public health, community development, social policy, public policy and education.

    1 Introduction

    IAIN LINDSEY, MARC KEECH AND JOHN HAYTON

    2 National Sports Agencies

    PIPPA CHAPMAN

    Practitioner Reflection and Insights: Andy J Reed OBE

    3 National Governing Bodies of Sport

    MATHEW DOWLING AND SPENCER HARRIS

    Practitioner Reflection and Insights: Ian Freeman

    4 The Active Partnerships

    MARC KEECH AND JACK WILKINSON

    Practitioner Reflection and Insights: Maxine Rhodes

    5 Local Authorities and the Implementation of Sport Policy

    JANINE PARTINGTON, STEPHEN ROBSON AND LOUISE MORBY

    Practitioner Reflection and Insights: Katy Bowden

    6 Public Health Agencies and Policy Implementation in Sport and Physical Activity: Re-thinking Partnerships and Priorities

    PHIL BROWN AND AARON BEACOM

    Practitioner Reflection and Insights: Dwain Morgan

    7 Implementation of Equality Policies: From Legislation to Lived Practices

    LAUREN KAMPERMAN AND A. J. RANKIN-WRIGHT

    Practitioner Reflection and Insights: Kirsty Clarke

    8 Sporting Charities and Non-sporting Community Agencies

    KATE MORI

    Practitioner Reflection and Insights: Kevin McPherson

    9 Schools

    HELEN IVES

    Practitioner Reflection and Insights: Alan Watkinson

    10 Voluntary Sports Clubs

    ANDREW ADAMS

    Practitioner Reflection and Insights: Daniel Edson

    11 Professional Football Clubs and Policy Implementation and Enactment

    JIMMY O’GORMAN

    Practitioner Reflection and Insights (1): Steve Williams and Louise Edwards

    Practitioner Reflection and Insights (2): Paul Morrison

    12 Conclusions: Learning Lessons from Implementing Sport Policy

    JOHN HAYTON, IAIN LINDSEY AND MARC KEECH

    Biography

    Marc Keech is Principal Lecturer at the University of Brighton, UK, teaching and researching Sport Policy and Sport Management. Marc has acted as a consultant and researcher for a range of organisations for 30 years. A Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Marc was the Higher Education (HE) representative on the national CIMSPA (the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) Professional Development Board from 2018 to 2020. He has been the HE representative on the Professional Development Committee for Community Sport since 2021.

    Iain Lindsey is Associate Professor in the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Durham University, UK. Iain’s research has primarily examined sport policy and development, especially youth sport policy in the UK and the use of sport for development in Africa. This research has been undertaken at both global and national levels as well as in a variety of local and community contexts. Iain’s research is underpinned by theories and methodologies from the fields of political science and international development.

    John Hayton is Assistant Professor in Sport Development in the Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation at Northumbria University, UK. John’s research has coalesced around the policy, delivery and management of sport in and by the non-profit and voluntary sector. John has published widely in areas such as sport volunteering, sport-based interventions, austerity and sport, and the role and management of non-profit organisations in the delivery of sport, physical activity and physical recreation.