Head of Inclusion (Sport) – England Talent Pathways

Sport England’s Talent mission is in summary, that England should be the best place in the world to be recognised as having sporting potential.

We are striving to do so through the development of a contemporary, world leading system, which is consistently developing globally successful national teams that truly and authentically represent the whole nation. However, recent evidence continues to imply that our talent system is becoming more expensive and risks continuing to be inaccessible and exclusive.

We want our talent system to be the ultimate meritocracy where ability and dedication are the key success factors, not money or background.

This role is dedicated to ensuring that these aspirations become a reality, ensuring that there is equality of opportunity and access to the system for all those with the potential and ability, regardless of background or circumstances.

Reporting to the Strategic Lead, Talent & Performance and working closely and collaboratively with other colleagues across the organisation directorates; as the post holder, you will lead the development, implementation and communication of our strategy and aspirations with regards to talent inclusion in line with our strategic ambition to tackle inequalities. You will help shape and influence wider equality, diversity and inclusion plans offering a talent pathway strategic perspective.

You will be passionate about inclusion and the power of sport and work with colleagues across the organisation and within our partners to transform our sporting system. You will work with colleagues to identify barriers and gaps and commission research, develop and implement strategies, form impactful partnerships and design innovative programmes and interventions.

You will oversee the identification, development and successful delivery of; several projects and pilots, utilising a substantial budget specifically targeted for ensuring that:

• Accessible sports organisations and state education environments are better equipped to identify and develop potential.
• Accessible sports organisations, state education environments and National Governing Body (NGB) pathways are better networked and connected to one another.
• NGB talent pathways are accessible and inclusive.
• Athletes are progressing better because development environments are more inclusive, delivering positive experiences and promoting positive mental health.
• Athlete support networks are more aligned and holistically focused, specifically ensuring that athletes families/care-givers from less affluent backgrounds have the support and resources they need to realise their potential.

Together, we will strive for equality of opportunity and access, promote inclusion and increase the diversity of athletes within talent pathways, the workforce that supports them and ultimately within high performance teams.

Role Purpose

To contribute to the development of a contemporary, world-leading Talent system. You will be responsible for overseeing talent inclusion investment, supporting and ensuring operational effectiveness and providing the internal and external leadership to translate Uniting the Movement into our talent strategy and talent inclusion plans.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Must have significant experience within or hold relevant qualifications in sport or community services sectors (or related disciplines), preferably both.

• Ability to provide critical review and challenge on a wide range of unique projects and programmes and to assimilate the information to develop successful system wide strategies, solutions and plans for implementation.

• Experience of delivering successful projects and programmes with a focus on reaching and positively impacting people from a wide range of backgrounds, preferably within a sporting, sports performance, or athlete development context.

• A proven ability to build strong networks and relationships with key external individuals and partner organisations and drive positive results.

• Experience of working cross organisationally to commission insight or research; transferring the insight into policy and practice.

• Excellent planning and organisational skills, ability to prioritise own workload and the commitment and tenacity to meet challenging timescales in a dynamic environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex messages at a high level and in different formats.

• Experience of managing budgets and programme management.

Desirable

• Experience and knowledge in managing the design, content creation, delivery and evaluation of programmes and initiatives with a focus on inclusion, sport, sport for development, performance sport or athlete development pathways.

• Knowledge of the key elements contributing towards an effective Talent Pathway e.g. the environment, culture, coaching, support services, competition, club and player development etc.

• A passion for and experience and understanding of the challenges of tackling under-representation and the development of equality, diversity and inclusion practice within any sector.

• An awareness and understanding of the talent and performance sport landscape in England and the UK.