Leadership Practice-Focused Research: Sport England Place-Based Approach 2026

Sport England is seeking a qualified supplier to produce an applied research report exploring place-based leadership practices in physical activity. The research will examine how distributed and collective leadership works across different place partnership contexts to address physical activity inequalities. The successful supplier will analyse insights from existing and new Sport England Place Partnerships and Place Universal Offer areas, then synthesise findings into practical tools and resources for leaders at all levels—including policy makers, practitioners, volunteers, and communities. Required deliverables include identifying best practice models, illustrating how collaborative leadership influences decisions, and providing actionable recommendations for strengthening Sport England's leadership support. Applicants must have demonstrated expertise in sport and physical activity systems, place-based working, systems change, leadership development, and the ability to produce high-quality written outputs. Experience at strategic and community leadership levels is essential, as is the capacity to integrate national evidence, local learning, and lived experience. Applications must include a CV, cover letter (4-5 pages) detailing relevant experience, understanding of the commission, proposed methodology with diversity and inclusion considerations, optional output suggestions, timeline, and examples of previous related work. Deadline: 9am Friday 26 June 2026.