Sport England

Overview

We are an organisation committed to creating opportunities for people get involved with sport and physical activity. We promote and invest in sport and are responsible for delivering the Government's sporting objectives.
Working through nine regional offices in tandem with their regional sports boards, our knowledge base and expertise in sports development drives our work with Government, Local Authorities, Health Professionals, National Governing Bodies, Teachers, the voluntary sector and the commercial sector. We are a distributor of lottery funds, and since 1994 we have invested over £2.5bn into capital and revenue projects ranging from small sports clubs through to Wembley Stadium and infrastructure to support the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
We share best practice, set standards, build partnerships and promote the benefits of sport, which include healthier living, social inclusion and crime prevention.

We also continuously monitor the impact of our investment programmes, conduct ongoing research into participation levels and manage the Sport England website which brings together information about activities, clubs, events and resources.

We believe sport has the power to change people's lives.

People

Derek Mapp Chair
Stephen Baddeley Chief Executive (acting)
Mihir Warty Director of Policy & Performance

Employment opportunities

There are approximately two Planners in each Region, with two more working at the Main Office in London, who have more than five years post qualification experience. In addition a number of the regions also have a Technical Planning Post which is aimed at those who are currently studying for a planning qualification. The overall Planning work sits with Investment within Sport England, and is tied up with distribution of lottery funds with regard to capital projects. The main role of the Regional Planners is to help implement the Framework for Sport and Regional Plans for Sport through the planning system. This includes responding to planning applications on playing fields (which Sport England is a statutory consultee on), supporting local authorities in terms of strategically planning for sport e.g. PPG17 assessments and securing funding into sport through planning obligations. This brings them into regular contact with local authority planners, leisure and education officers as well as developers. At the main office, the planners help develop new tools and guidance on sport and planning, and work with other Government departments and bodies to help implement Sport England's objectives, such as DCLG and the redrafting of PPG17. The Planning function has been particularly innovative with its work on Planning Obligations and strategic need analysis through the Active Places project. In addition to Planning function, there are also employment opportunities in other related fields, including research, local government policy and architecture/surveying.

Training & development at Sport England
Colleagues at Sport England have different skills and career ambitions. To match these and the needs of the organisation, Sport England provides an extensive induction programme to all new starters as well as a comprehensive e-learning resource.  External courses may also be offered. Colleagues across the organisation can apply to receive financial support to study a variety of professional and education qualifications (subject to eligibility criteria). We also provide a comprehensive performance management framework which includes probationary reviews, annual performance appraisals and regular management sessions. There are a variety of roles offering a range of development opportunities.

Employment policies

Sport England is committed to diversity and equality and this commitment underpins all of our work.  Sport England offers an attractive benefits package to all colleagues which includes 30 days holiday, a generous contributory pension scheme, a range of health related benefits (including providing financial assistance to colleagues who undertake regular sporting activities in the form of monthly allowances) and season ticket/bike loans.  We also offer enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and sick pay subject to qualifying criteria.