Sean Harris
Stanway,Essex
Summary
Experienced professional specializing in sport development strategy, stakeholder and partnership management, and community engagement. Skilled in budget and funding management alongside monitoring and evaluation processes. Proven ability to drive impactful community initiatives and establish sustainable partnerships.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Active Wellbeing Manager
British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS)
National
2021.10 - 2026.03
- Lead the national Active Wellbeing strategy, designing and delivering programmes that reduce inequalities in sport and physical activity participation.
- Develop and implement inclusive participation models aligned to national strategies, with a strong focus on underrepresented groups.
- Manage partnerships across Higher Education institutions, national organisations, and sector stakeholders to deliver large-scale programmes.
- Programme manage the UNIversal Gym programme and deliver the technological evolution of the scheme.
- Designed and launched an Active Wellbeing Accreditation framework, supporting organisations to embed inclusive and sustainable delivery.
- Lead on research tender and implementation, translating findings into practical programme improvements and policy influence.
- Manage and report on Sport England funding, ensuring KPI delivery, impact measurement, and continuous improvement.
- Deliver national workshops, resources, and networks to build workforce capability and improve programme quality.
- Key Achievement: Influenced national approaches to inclusive sport delivery across the HE sectors
Parklife Development Officer
Essex County FA / London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
2017.06 - 2021.10
- Led the football and physical activity development of a the Parsloes Park facility, aligning community needs with strategic football provision.
- Designed and implemented the programme of use to maximise usage of 3G and grass pitches, increasing participation across diverse communities.
- Compiled the funding bid to the London Marathon Charitable Trust and produced the football development
- Built and maintained partnerships with County FA, Local Authority, community groups, and non-traditional stakeholders.
- Delivered extensive community consultation (100+ organisations), ensuring inclusive and accessible programming.
- Developed pathways linking recreational football to structured participation and club engagement.
- Acted as a key advocate for inclusive football provision, influencing investment and strategic direction at regional and national levels.
- Key Achievement: Significantly increased engagement from underrepresented groups through targeted programming
Senior Football Development Officer
Essex County FA
2015.10 - 2017.06
- Led football development across five local authority areas, aligning delivery to FA National Game Strategy priorities.
- Developed inclusive football pathways, with a focus on disability football and increasing participation opportunities.
- Managed and supported a team of staff, driving workforce development and high-quality programme delivery.
- Built strong relationships with clubs, leagues, and partner organisations to improve standards and participation.
- Managed budgets and reporting processes to ensure effective delivery and accountability.
Football Development Officer
Essex County FA
2012.11 - 2015.10
- Delivered grassroots football programmes in partnership with clubs, leagues, and community organisations.
- Supported the growth of participation through local initiatives and development planning.
Regional Community Sports Manager / Sports Officer
Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL)
2011.01 - 2012.01
- Delivered community sport programmes and supported facility operations.
- Developed early experience in programme delivery, engagement, and operational management.
Education
Master of Arts - Sport Management
London Metropolitan University
2009.09 - 2010.09
Bachelor of Science - Sport & Exercise Science
University of Essex
2006.10 - 2009.07
Skills
- Sport development strategy
- Stakeholder and partnership management
- Community engagement
- Budget and funding management
- Monitoring and evaluation
Certification
- Prince2 Project Management – Practitioner
- School for Social Entrepreneurs – Measuring Social Value – June 2026
- Mental Health First Aid
- Sport England’s Leading for Renewal
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Talent Identification roles within the Women & Girls international pathway
- Experience working within football Academy environments
- Volunteer for the Anthony Nolan Charity through their Hero Project
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Active Wellbeing Manager
British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS)
2021.10 - 2026.03
Parklife Development Officer
Essex County FA / London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
2017.06 - 2021.10
Senior Football Development Officer
Essex County FA
2015.10 - 2017.06
Football Development Officer
Essex County FA
2012.11 - 2015.10
Regional Community Sports Manager / Sports Officer
Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL)
2011.01 - 2012.01
Master of Arts - Sport Management
London Metropolitan University
2009.09 - 2010.09
Bachelor of Science - Sport & Exercise Science
University of Essex
2006.10 - 2009.07