Designing a programme to build digital capabilities across National Sports Governing Bodies and increase sports participation.
About the Project
A 18-month engagement with Sport England, leading the service design and delivery of the Innovation and Digital Accelerator programme. This initiative aimed to build digital capabilities across National Sports Governing Bodies (NGBs), driving increased sports participation in alignment with the 2022 Commonwealth Games objectives.
Situation
Sport England launched the Innovation and Digital Accelerator programme in May 2022 as part of their £35m Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games legacy commitment.
The initiative, run by CAST, provided £6.5 million in National Lottery funding to 22 National Sports Governing Bodies (NGBs). It aimed to enhance digital capabilities, develop innovative solutions, and improve participation rates in sports, particularly focusing on under-represented groups and addressing inequalities in areas with low activity levels.
Task
As the Programme Design & Delivery Lead, I was responsible for the design, and delivery of the programme, focusing on supporting NGBs in developing their digital capabilities and creating innovative solutions to engage more people in sports.
This involved a wide range of responsibilities from programme conception to implementation of support services and digital coaching.
Approach
In supporting Sport England's Innovation and Digital Accelerator programme, I designed a comprehensive support framework that included budgets, timelines, resource allocation, and risk assessment.
I developed a flexible programme offering both broad digital support and tailored interventions to meet the unique needs of each NGB. This involved conducting user research and facilitating workshops to enhance digital capabilities and drive innovation, ultimately aiming to increase participation and address inequalities in sports.
Results
The Innovation and Digital Accelerator programme significantly enhanced digital capabilities across participating National Sports Governing Bodies (NGBs).
It fostered the development of user-centred digital products and services, increased collaboration among NGBs, and created sustainable digital strategies.
The programme's success contributed to Sport England's Commonwealth Games legacy goals, laying a foundation for continued digital innovation in the sports sector and improving participation rates, particularly among under-represented groups.
Due to client confidentiality, I can’t share project assets publicly but can provide access to select visuals upon request.