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The national charity and leading voice for disabled people in sport and activity

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EFDS welcome three new Engagement Officers

This year, the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) received national partner funding from Sport England to support the increase of disabled people in sport. Part of this funding is to support County Sports Partnerships to deliver more opportunities for disabled people, through NGB programmes and other offers. To help achieve this, EFDS have appointed three Engagement Officers and today welcomes them to the family.

Tom Webster, who previously worked for Badminton England as the National Disability lead, will be our North Engagement officer and will be responsible for the North East, North West and Yorkshire Regions.

Mark Fosbrook, who previously worked for Sport Across Staffordshire CSP as their County disability Lead, will be our Midlands/South West Engagement officer and will cover the East and West Midlands and South West Regions.

Jon Whittingham who previously worked for Middlesex FA as their Disability lead will be our South Engagement officer and cover the East and South East Regions.

These three positions will work closer with CSPs to:

  • Build stronger working partnerships with disabled people’s organisations that support National Disability Sports Organisations (NDSOs) to increase their membership and engage with new audiences and groups.
  • Support and understand the landscape at county level with County Sports Partnerships.
  • Support the development of an effective disability sport engagement infrastructure- supporting the delivery of sub-national interventions.
  • Utilise resources to ensure good practice and CSPs undertake an "improvement journey" (likened to equality standard)

By working within these key areas, the Engagement officers will achieve the following outcomes:

1. Participation – More disabled people trying sport, leading to regular participation

2. Local insight and intelligence - Understanding the needs of the market

3. Improved communication and market reach – Connecting with disabled people

4. Improved co-ordination - Connecting and organising effective planning and delivery of provision

5. Better advice and guidance - Providing technical expertise on disabled people in sport

6. Increased advocacy of disability sport - Making the case for disabled people's participation in sport

7. Workforce development - Building capacity in the workforce

8. Funding and investment - Increasing financial resources

 

For more information on the Inclusive Sport programme and how EFDS can help your sport, please contact Ray Ashley or call 01509 227750.