sportscotland recognises the need for robust and reliable research data to inform our decision making processes and to evaluate policy. The sportscotland Research Unit (part of the Policy Team) provides this input using commissioned research, application of existing research and, from time to time, in-house research. Where appropriate, research is undertaken jointly with other agencies.
Research Unit
Jon Best
Senior Research Manager
Direct line: 0131 472 3284
email: jon.best@sportscotland.org.uk
Kristi Long
Research Manager
Direct line: 0131 472 3218
email: kristi.long@sportscotland.org.uk
Kirsty Noble
Research Manager
Direct line: 0131 472 3232
email: kirsty.noble@sportscotland.org.uk
Eilidh Nicolson
Research Manager
Direct line: 0131 472 3218
email: eilidh.nicolson@sportscotland.org.uk
Research Publications
A full list of sportscotland research publications is available by clicking on the link in the ‘see also’ section to the right, with short summaries and PDFs, where available. The sportscotland library catalogue can be accessed by clicking the link on the left.
Current Projects
- Annual Sports Participation Data. Since 1987, sportscotland has been gathering data about levels of participation in sport in Scotland. The data is gathered by way of a household survey, using an annual sample of approximately 6,000 residents in Scotland. During 2003/04, sportscotland increased the sample size to approximately 30,000 residents – this approach has allowed participation in sport to be analysed at a local authority level. A report for 2001 and tables for 2002 are available from the Research Unit, and the 2003/04 results and those to the end of 2006 will be available shortly. Contact for further information: Jon Best or Eilidh Nicolson.
- Active Schools Evaluation. sportscotland has commissioned a research team led by Loughborough University to carry out an evaluation of its investment in the Active Schools initiative. The evaluation started in autumn 2004 and will continue for at least three years. For those involved in Active Schools, the Community of Practice website provides regular information on the evaluation. Contact for further information: Jon Best.
- Clubgolf Evaluation. Clubgolf, Scotland’s Junior Golf Strategy, was initiated in 2002 to provide opportunities for children throughout Scotland to participate in golf. An evaluation of the programme is now being undertaken to assess progress and provide guidance for the future. It will report at the end of 2007. Contact for further information: Kirsty Noble.
Tendering Process
Most of sportscotland’s research is undertaken by consultants and academic researchers and is commissioned through a standard process of inviting expressions of interest (through this website and through our list of consultants) and then shortlisting a small number to prepare a full tender. If you wish to be added to our list of research consultants and have appropriate experience please contact Kirsty Noble or Eilidh Nicolson. Please include contact name, name of organisation, address, email, telephone, fax and website, if available.
Further information on the standard commissioning procedures is available via the link opposite