Dr Verity Postlethwaite

BA, MA, PhD, FHEA, CDMP

Pronouns: She/her
  • Vice-Chancellor Independent Research Fellow

Research groups and centres

Publications
ORCiD Google Scholar
Verity Postlethwaite

Please call the press office on 01509 223491 to arrange an interview with Dr Verity Postlethwaite. Bookings can also be made online at globelynx.com.

Verity joined Loughborough University in 2023 as part of the University’s prestigious Vice-Chancellor Independent Research Fellowship scheme. Her fellowship is based within the School’s Sport, Business and Society research and innovation theme. It focuses on the use of events as catalysts for social and community change in the UK, Japan, and Australia. Beyond research, Verity proactively contributes to the University’s research and innovation culture, with expertise in inclusive partnership building and translating research into publicly accessible formats. She is an active contributor to vibrant Loughborough University activities and networks, including the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, the Loughborough University Policy Unit, and the UNESCO Chair in Sport, Physical Activity and Education for Development.

Prior to joining Loughborough University, Verity completed an undergraduate degree in Politics (University of Nottingham), a postgraduate degree in International Law, Ethics and Politics (University of Birmingham) and a doctoral study exploring the governance of the ‘inspire a generation’ legacy aim connected to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games (University of Worcester). During her studies, Verity has cultivated opportunities to work abroad, be part of industry-based research projects and grow a network of collaborators. She has built these development and educational experiences through securing varying research, visiting fellowships and travel grants from a variety of funders including: the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Toshiba International Foundation, the British Society for Sports History, and most recently through a collaborative partnership with the Spirit of 2012.

In September 2024, Verity will deliver a public lecture titled: London 2012 to Paris 2024: How important is social legacy at major international events? Book now for this hybrid event.

Verity’s research is broadly focused on how events have been used in local, national, and international contexts as a catalyst for social changes associated with disability, gender, and geographic inequalities. Her research explores the governance, diplomacy, and policy processes involved in achieving social and community impacts through events. With an interdisciplinary research approach, she utilises a range of qualitative and quantitative methods to analyse the conceptualisations of legacy, sustainability, inclusion, and placemaking. A consistent thread throughout Verity’s eclectic research portfolio is the shared vision for creating equitable and inclusive opportunities for communities who are often marginalised or overlooked in governance processes. She currently leads on a ‘Learning Partnership’ project funded by Spirit of 2012, to use Spirit’s research and learning around inclusion and disability to create a digital learning resource.  

Verity has contributed to several university-based research and innovation projects, leading to the publication of journal articles, industry reports, and edited book chapters. She is a co-editor of two edited book collections which feature representation from scholars across different national contexts, disciplinary perspectives, and career stages: Handbook of Sport and  Japan (AUP, 2024) and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Politics, Representation and Management (Routledge, 2023). Coupled with these formal publications, Verity continuously looks to forge communication and impact pathways between research and industry, with a particular speciality in translating research into strategic thinking and policy formation. She has contributed to discussions and debate on a variety of topics in local, national, and international settings, including:

  • Invited contributor to the House of Councillors, Tokyo, Japan, for an ESRC funded event ‘Building Japanese research capacity around disability studies and sport to positively impact the lives of people with disabilities - 2020 and beyond’ (2019)
  • Invited Advisory Board member for a British Council Wales commissioned project ‘Wales and the soft power of sport’ (2019-2020)
  • Invited panel speaker to the Sport for Development Coalition Town Hall event, ‘Beyond the Games: How can sport for development contribute to an impactful legacy for major events’ (2022)
  • Invited panel speaker to the UKRIO Webinar Series event, ‘Research Culture: Environments & Accountability’ in association with GuildHE (2023)
  • Invited attendee to the co-hosted Global Observatory for Gender Equality and Sport and UNESCO working meeting in Paris, France (2023)
  • Co-hosted a Spirit of 2012 x Loughborough University Summit to bring together voices from across different networks to discuss and shape future debate on social and community legacy of events in the UK.
  • Associated editor for Sport in Society (2022 onwards)
  • Leadership group member for the UK Sports Development Network (2021 onwards)
  • Member of the panel for the British Society of Sports History, Lord Aberdare Literary Prize (2022 to 2025)
  • Research associate in the Japan Research Centre at SOAS University of London (2019 onwards)
  • Research associate and consultant for Counsel Ltd. (2020 onwards)
  • Inclusion Advisory Board member for the Northamptonshire Football Association (2024 onwards)

Featured publications