Rethinking Impact Funding Through Innovation for Sport England
We helped embed a blueprint for continuous improvement and learning.
Context
Rethinking the Playbook
Sport England’s Movement Fund was already helping improve physical activity and community health across England—but the organisation saw an opportunity to strengthen its impact by embedding a more innovative, evidence-led approach to how the fund operates.
Studio Zao partnered with Sport England to co-develop a practical Innovation Blueprint. The goal: make the Fund a self-improving system—one that integrates user insights, clear learning loops, and strategic iteration into its everyday delivery.
Approach
We supported Sport England to take a bold step toward becoming a continuously learning and innovating organisation.
Creating a Culture of Ongoing Learning
We developed a tangible improvement model aligned with government best practice, incorporating agile tools like sprints, retrospectives, and feedback loops. Teams were empowered to work cross-functionally, blending delivery, design, and digital disciplines.
Putting Applicants at the Centre
To break down access barriers and improve support, the blueprint embedded new ways to listen to applicants’ needs earlier and more effectively. Teams can now tailor advice and provide stronger end-to-end guidance.
Strengthening Evaluation and Strategic Thinking
We introduced a clear monitoring and evaluation framework to help teams learn from both success and failure. New metrics now link activities to long-term outcomes, ensuring Sport England can identify and act on innovation opportunities.
Designing for Repeatability and Scale
The Innovation Blueprint offers a repeatable, scalable method for continuous improvement. It provides a shared language, measurement system, and practical tools to help teams stay aligned, adaptive, and confident in their approach.
Impact
Sport England now has the tools and structure to evolve its funding delivery—ensuring its grant-making becomes more agile, user-informed, and impact-driven. The Movement Fund has moved from fixed programme to dynamic system—positioning Sport England as a confident leader in innovative public funding.