Hartpury University master’s student Estella Maloney-Danvers has been appointed by Hockey Wales to carry out a consultancy project that will explore and improve equality, diversity and inclusion practices within their organisation. Estella, an MSc Sports Management student, was hired for the project as part of the Hartpury Sports Business Hub (HSBH).
As part of the project, Estella will investigate the internal culture of Hockey Wales at the organisation level, exploring leadership practices, development and the implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) practices across all levels. Recommendations will then be considered by those within Hockey Wales as part of their continuous improvement.
The HSBH provides students and staff the opportunity to engage with key local and regional sports organisations to carry out live briefs and real-world research consultancy. Businesses benefit from having access to a postgraduate student for research, evaluation, and consultancy purposes. This ultimately boosts resources, provides valuable insights and intelligence, and saves money.
Hannah Bevan, Director of Relationships at Hockey Wales, said: “We’re really embracing the opportunity to have Estella on board, supporting Hockey Wales in an area that’s really important to us. It’s been a great engagement to date, helping to shape what the research will look like and thinking holistically about how it will support the progression of Hockey Wales moving forward.
“The opportunity that has allowed Estella to support our organisation is an invaluable experience that we know will provide us with significant long-term benefits.”
The Hub has already established several positive collaborations with organisations including Active Essex, CIMSPA, and Sport England. Bream RFC also recently welcomed their first student consultant for an exciting “low energy” clubhouse project.
“When looking for a postgraduate course, gaining the relevant industry experience was extremely important to me,” said Estella.
“The Hartpury Sports Business Hub has provided several opportunities for me and my peers to do just that. Practical experience and industry connections are vital and being able to gain an opportunity through the hub and be introduced to a real-world organisation that are specifically seeking help has made it easier to form relationships and feel like I’m making a real impact with the work I’m doing. I think the skills I’ll continue to learn through being a part of the hub are priceless and it adds another dimension to my skillset as a new graduate.”
She added: “Sport is a melting pot for highlighting inequality in society and influencing change. There’s still a long way to go within the sports industry to tackle inequality, but organisations and individuals acknowledging their impact and taking accountability for the roles they play in this movement, is a great start. Hockey Wales are leading the way with their commitment to an environment where talent, skills and ideas from all walks of life can flourish.”
The MSc Sports Management degree has been designed to meet modern industry demands, focusing on the application of theory to practice across a range of sports management and business settings.
Hartpury University has been ranked number one in the UK by full-time postgraduate students in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2021. The institution ranks number one in the UK for its postgraduate sports degrees, achieving 100 per cent student satisfaction, against a sector average of 81 per cent.
