When we talk about tackling inequalities in movement, physical activity, and sport, we know there are no quick fixes or easy answers. But how do we truly understand if the changes we are making in our communities are working – and more importantly, how and why they are working?
To explore this, we recently launched the LCR Evaluation & Learning Ambassador Programme, delivered in partnership with the National Evaluation & Learning Partnership (NELP) and Sport England.
This programme is designed for anyone working at a Place or Liverpool City Region (LCR) level who wants to develop their evaluation and learning skills.
Our core belief? Evaluation and learning IS the work, not an add-on.
It’s about building relationships, trust, and the right conditions so we can learn, adapt, and improve together.
To truly embrace a new way of thinking and emphasise relational working, we knew we couldn’t just sit in a traditional boardroom. That’s why we hosted our very first session at The Reader in the beautiful surroundings of Calderstones Park.
The Reader’s ethos is all about creating spaces where people can connect, feel at ease, and find collective meaning through discussion.
To keep the energy high and the conversations flowing, we made sure everyone got an ice cream, and we even took sections of the session outside for “walk and chat” reflective discussions under the trees. It provided the perfect psychological safety and relaxed environment needed to spark honest reflections.
Our first session focused on an Introduction to Place-Based Systemic Working.
Historically, evaluation has often asked a simple question: “Did it work?” Think of a traditional, linear project delivery, like dropping a vending machine into a location and expecting a predictable output.
Place-based systemic evaluation challenges us to ask richer questions: “What works, for whom, in what contexts, and why?”
Instead of the vending machine approach, we discussed the analogy of a gardener. We aren’t just planting seeds and walking away; we are tending to the soil, removing stones, ensuring drainage, and nurturing existing plants so that the whole ecosystem can thrive.
In our world, this means changing the everyday conditions, environments, and policies in a local area so that choosing to be physically active becomes the easiest choice for everyone.
Following the session, we invited live reflections from our new E&L Ambassadors.
A few themes emerged right away:
Over the next four sessions, our Ambassadors will be diving deeper into the practicalities of this work, covering:
We are incredibly excited to see how this first cohort of Ambassadors takes these tools back to their respective places and organisations to tell better stories about their work.
While this current cohort is full, we are always looking to expand our network of system-thinkers. If you are passionate about reducing physical activity inequalities and want to be part of future iterations of the E&L Ambassador Programme, please register your interest by emailing us at admin@merseysidesport.com.
Web Design by Twentytwo
