Claire Jenkin

Dr. Claire Jenkin is a Senior Lecturer in Sport Development at the University of Hertfordshire, School of Life and Medical Sciences, Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography. Previously, she held academic roles at Victoria University (Melbourne, Australia) and has worked in community sport sectors, including Zambia and London.

• Research Focus: Sport for Development (SfD), Sports Diplomacy, Community Sport Participation, Older Adults, Women and Girls, Sport for Social Change, Racial Trauma in Football.
• Teaching: Coordinates modules such as Insight and Evaluation in Sport Development, Global Perspectives of Sport Development, and Facilities and Funding in Active Communities. Contributes to Physical Activity and Sport Policy, Research Methods, and supervises Work Experience and Dissertation projects.
• Industry Engagement: Co-Chair of the UK Sport Development Network, advisory board member for British Council Wales, and editorial roles in journals like the Journal of Sport for Development and Sport Management Review.
• Public Engagement: Provides consultancy for organizations such as Just (FTSE 100) and collaborates with the Sport for Development Coalition.

Research Trends: Claire's work bridges academic inquiry with practical application, emphasizing sports diplomacy (e.g., operationalization in Japan, UK/Australia comparisons), SfD program evaluation (desistance from crime, older adult participation), and inclusivity across gender, disability, and health. Her publications span policy reviews, case studies, and critical evaluations of sport-based interventions.

Education: Holds a BA (Hons) in English and Sport Science from Loughborough University, an MSc in Sociology of Sport from Loughborough, and a PhD in Sport Management from Victoria University, focusing on Active and Healthy Ageing through Sport.