Hartpury University and partners are using funding from Sport England to evaluate different approaches to supporting physical activity and narrowing inequalities in communities across the country.
The National Evaluation and Learning Partnership for Place is a four-year evaluation programme led by experts at Sheffield Hallam’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) and supported by Hartpury University, Collaborate CIC, Coventry University, and Substance Ltd. It aims to understand and explain the barriers and opportunities for physical activity, as well as how these vary based on local contexts.
Factors such as personal characteristics, home/work life, the places people live, and broader social trends influence levels of activity among individuals. This evaluation will examine all these factors and assess the ‘whole system approach’, which has been integrated into communities through previous funding into physical activity programmes by Sport England.
The programme will also involve community insight and experiences from residents and workers in different places to understand what drives physical activity and supports change in their areas, adopting a ‘place-based’ approach.
This marks the continuation of a successful collaboration between Sport England and its evaluation partners, who have worked together over the past three years to share expertise and experience in developing innovative ways to evaluate programmes aimed at reducing inequalities in physical activity levels and improving population health.
The team has previously led the evaluation of 12 pilot areas, and this new evaluation will examine an additional 68 places.
Associate Professor Dr Kev Harris from Hartpury University said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this opportunity to work with Sport England and Place Partnerships and will work collaboratively to explore how and why whole system approaches work in place. This will build on the learning we have already co-created with a wide range of stakeholders involved in place-based approaches to tackling physical inactivity, and we will aim to create an environment that builds evaluative thinking into the mindsets of everyone involved.”
Research at Hartpury
Hartpury University is a hub for staff and student research projects. The institution’s research is rooted in practical applications, aiming to address real-world challenges and contribute to positive advancement within industry.
Hartpury fosters collaboration with businesses, policymakers, and community organisations to ensure its findings are both relevant and transformative. The Hartpury Sports Business Hub is known for its student and staff-led consultancy projects as well as assisting business with placements and knowledge exchange.
Research submitted as part of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 process was recognised as ‘world-leading’ and ‘internally excellent’. Hartpury University also ranks 4th in the UK for Sports Science according to The Guardian University Guide 2025.
