Ref: SSEHS/CM26
Equality, diversity and inclusion are critical issues to address in sport at national, regional and global levels, as evidenced across the policy, practice and research landscape. The lack of diversity in leadership roles and wider workforce presents major rights issues (legal, labour, civil, human rights) and greater diversity is needed to enable sport to tackle diversity issues more widely in the field.
Previous research has explored diversity in sport e.g., among participants, fan groups, and coaches (Borland, & Bruening ,2010, Anders et al., 2023; UNESCO Sport and Gender Equality Game Plan, 2024) and within workforce/leadership at some national levels, in individual sports or on specific diversity issues (Burton, 2015; Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies, 2025). However significant structural challenges persist.
Only 27% of the world’s largest sports federations are chaired by women and women are significantly underrepresented in sport and exercise science research (UNESCO Sport and Gender Equality Games Plan, 2024). Recent research indicates that women continue to face inter-related and inter-sectional barriers and facilitators in their roles in sport (Rankin-Wright & Hylton, 2020, Dadswell et al., 2023).
Attempts to develop leadership programmes and initiatives to address this lack of diversity are fragmented with approaches lacking in method, scope, and scale. Significant gaps remain in terms of impact measurement of these individual, existing programmes due to a lack of joined-up evaluation which prohibits collective action, efficient learning, structured evaluation, and continued improvement, and hence such efforts often fail to address the complexities of the root causes of inequity and discrimination.
This study seeks to advance understanding of, and contribute to, international policy on, increasing and enhancing diversity in sport leadership and recruitment. It is founded on a unique partnership between UNESCO (specifically UNESCO Sport Section) and Loughborough University. The study will also benefit from Loughborough University’s very strong research track record and infrastructure which will ensure the effective delivery of this research (e.g. UNESCO Chair, Women in Sport, Policy Unit
Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead
Carolynne Mason c.l.j.mason@lboro.ac.uk
https://www.lboro.ac.uk/schools/sport-exercise-health-sciences/people/carolynne-mason/
Name of secondary supervisor
Sabrina Furtado
https://www.lboro.ac.uk/schools/sport-exercise-health-sciences/people/sabrina-furtado/
Entry requirements
A 2:1 or 1st class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a sport related and/or social science subject.
A Merit or Distinction postgraduate degree in a sport-related subject, social science and/or research methods.
Evidence of the following is highly desirable:
- Strong understanding of social justice
- Experience of working within the Sport Industry and/or Sport for Development Sectors
- Expertise in qualitative research methods
- Excellent interpersonal and rapport building skills
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).
Funding information
The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £21,805 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Due to funding restrictions, this is only available to those eligible for UK fees.
- Bench fees required: No
- Closing date of advert: 27th April 2026
- Start date: October 2026
- Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time 3 years
- Who is eligible to apply?: UK Only
How to apply
All applications should be made online. Under Campus, please select Loughborough and select Programme SSEHS. Please quote the advertised reference number SSEHS/CM26 in your application.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents. The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.
Project search terms
Sport Development, Sport Management, Women in Sport, Leadership, Social Justice, Equality and Diversity
Email Address SSEHS
ssehs.pgrapplications@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk
Visit the position announcement at the Loughborough University website.
