Other Research
Sport Wales National Centre Users Survey:
This is a rolling biennial study of the views and characteristics of Sport Wales National Centre Users, be they elite athletes, the general public, governing body representatives or clubs. Research and Evaluation design the questionnaire, and analyse and report on the data. The findings are utilised by Sport Wales Management to improve the workings of the Institute.
Sport Wales National Centre Staff Survey:
Research and Evaluation undertook the analysis and reporting of a Sport Wales National Centre staff survey on behalf of Sport Wales’s Human Resources section. The results from this survey were presented to the Human Resources (HR) Manger and Sport Wales Directors, from which a series of actions were identified and taken to ensure that Sport Wales continued to be a responsible and professional employer. Research and Evaluation continues to work with the HR Manager to develop and undertake the survey on an annual basis.
Salary Sacrifice Scheme:
Sport Wales recently introduced a salary sacrifice scheme for the purchase of bicycles, through which Sport Wales staff can choose to forego part of their taxable salary in exchange for a bike. Research and Evaluation are evaluating the scheme for Sport Wales. The results will be used by Human Resources to inform its future development. It will also benefit Active Communities in developing an evidence base for workplace-based programmes for increasing levels of physical activity in Wales.
ICT Survey:
Research and Evaluation undertook data analysis and produced a report for Sport Wales’ ICT department in order to assess the impact of the ICT changes implemented as a result of the 2003-2006 ICT Strategy; measure current levels of services provided by the ICT department; and to inform the development of a new ICT Strategy for the period 2006-2009.
Review of Sport Wales Corporate Grant Forms:
Research and Evaluation ran a series focus groups across Wales with traditional and new partners in order to obtain participants’ views on how Sport Wales could improve the application process for Sportsmatch Cymru and Community Chest funding. The section was responsible for devising the interview schedule, methodology, analysis and reporting. The final report will feed into the development of new packs which will better facilitate applications from all eligible groups. This work was done in partnership with the Sport Wales Grants team, and Marketing and PR section.
Social Marketing:
Within the Sport Wales ‘Framework for the Development of Sport and Physical Activity’, social marketing was highlighted as a tool that the Sport Wales would utilise and develop. As a result, the Section has undertaken extensive desk-based research into social marketing and presented these findings to Sport Wales's Marketing and PR section, and the Active Communities Regional teams. These presentations have been designed to inform colleagues about what social marketing is, its benefits, global examples of successful social marketing, and the potential application of social marketing to their work.
Play Schemes: raising levels of physical activity?:
Facilitated by Cardiff Play Services, this empirical piece of research aims to explore qualitatively the contribution of ‘play’ to levels of physical activity among children. Using participant observation techniques, physical activity behaviour during summer play schemes was explored; in particular, the actions of, and interactions between, Play Workers and children, and issues concerning inclusion/exclusion and (non)participation. The data will be analysed and a report will be prepared for both Sport Wales and Cardiff Play Services.
Perceptions of Changing Room facilities and PE Kit among Secondary School Pupils:
The aim of this case study research project is to investigate secondary pupils’ perceptions of changing room facilities and PE kit. There is a lack of research specifically exploring these perceived barriers to sports participation; this research will contribute and develop current research in this area as well as provide practical information for schools and Sport Wales's Active Young People officers to facilitate sports participation.
