Keynote speaker #3 – Verity Postlethwaite

Verity Postlethwaite is an early career researcher with a wealth of experience in both industry and higher education, encompassing research, teaching, and administration. Her primary interests lie in how sport and other cultural entities are utilized at local, national, and international levels to influence societal governance, particularly focusing on inclusivity. Her research is connected to a broad international network of governing bodies across various organizations. This includes strategies and programs related to placemaking, international sporting events, sport and cultural policy, and sport diplomacy.

Verity has contributed to national and international policy and governance research for a decade, including studies around diplomacy, workforce, clubs, youth policy and equality.

Verity holds a BA (Hons) in Politics from the University of Nottingham, an MA in International Law, Ethics, and Politics from the University of Birmingham, and a PhD from the University of Worcester, where her research focused on the legacy of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. She has collaborated with institutions like Toin University of Yokohama and the University of Manchester and has been supported by funders such as the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and the Toshiba International Foundation.

She joined Loughborough University in 2023 as part of the Vice-Chancellor Independent Research Fellowship scheme. Her fellowship, within the School’s Sport, Business, and Society research theme, examines the role of events as catalysts for social change in the UK, Japan, and Australia. Beyond research, she actively contributes to the University’s research culture, with expertise in inclusive partnership building and translating research into accessible formats. She engages with various Loughborough University networks, including the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport and the UNESCO Chair in Sport, Physical Activity, and Education for Development.

Notable contributions include:

  • Equality and Sport Research for sportscotland (April to September 2020)
  • County Governance Project for the Lawn Tennis Association (October 2020 to July 2021)
  • Groundskeeper Volunteering Development Plan for the Football Foundation (December 2021 to June 2022)
  • Structure Review of Archery in the UK for Archery GB (March 2021 to present)
  • Japan and Sport Symposia Series, culminating in May 2023
  • UK Sports Development Network Leadership Group member, advocating for student and early career voices
  • Associate Editor for the Sport in Society journal
  • British Society of Sports History member, serving on the Lord Aberdare Literary Prize judging panel (2023-present)

Industry and media contributions include:

  • Co-author of a UK Parliament inquiry submission on major cultural and sporting events
  • Contributor to the Financial Times article, “Commonwealth Games Looks to Change Track as it Struggles for Relevance in Crowded Field”
  • Author of an article in the sportanddev “Sport and Democracy” series, “The Diplomatic Opportunities and Challenges Presented by International Sports Events: A Snapshot from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup”

In September 2024, Verity will deliver a public lecture titled “London 2012 to Paris 2024: How Important is Social Legacy at Major International Events?”

We are extremely happy to have Verity’s diverse expertise at the FISU World Forum in Zagreb and are sure to find active engagement in the fields of sport, governance, and inclusivity of all of you.