Delivering positive health outcomes for young people in disadvantaged communities: Performance Management within Non Profit Sports Organisations (NPSOs)

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship to start in October 2016. The studentship will be based in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University.

Sporting Future (DCMS, 2015), is the UK government’s new strategy for Sport and Physical Activity and, unlike previous strategy which was primarily concerned with increasing levels of sport participation and physical activity, the latest stratgey focusses on the achievement of five key outcomes: physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, individual development, social and community development and economic development. The strategy makes it explicit that funding decisions for stakeholders seeking to achieve these outcomes will be made on the basis of their success in achieving these outcomes through sport and physical activity.

It is envisaged that delivering the aspirations of Sporting Future will, increasingly, be the responsibility of Non Profit Sports Organisations (NPSOs) including National Governing Bodies, Charities, Social Enterprises and Community Interest Companies. Utilising a mixed-methods approach this study will examine how NPSOs in the UK respond to the opportunities and challenges presented by the current economic and political climate. In particular the study will examine the implications for performance management as the performance dimensions of NPSOs continue to expand, with increased pressure from multiple stakeholders to perform effectively.

The studentship is for three years and is intended to start in October 2016. The studentship provides a tax free stipend of £14,296 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate (£4,121). International (non EU) students may apply but the total value of the studentship will be used towards International tuition fees.

Students will normally need to hold, or expect to gain, at least a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in Sport Management, Business Studies or similar. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage: Youth Sport in Disadvantaged Communities, Non Profit Sports Organisations, Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods, Action Research.

General information about the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences can be found at: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/ssehs/

For informal enquiries about the project, please contact: Dr Carolynne Mason, Lecturer in Sport Management by telephone: 01509 226378 or by email: [Email Address Removed]

To apply, please complete the online application using the following link: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/

The closing date for applications is Monday 8th August 2016

Interviews will take place week commencing Monday 15th August 2016

Please quote the following reference when applying: SSEHS/CM/PD

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