Alumni

Lucy Palfreyman

Career Path: Sport England Senior Research, Evaluation and Learning Manager (October 2021- Current) / Business Development Consultant and Grant Writer (January 2023 – Current).
Location: Newcastle, UK

My career has been driven by a passion for understanding and addressing societal challenges through research. After completing my studies in BSc and MRes Sport and Exercise Science, I began building expertise in research methodologies, this included volunteering to support with health and life sciences research at Northumbria University's Health and Life Sciences Department.

Whilst volunteering I managed business operations for Swim City GB, a growing swim school in Sunderland. These early post graduate experiences allowed me to operationalise my skills in designing research, analysing data, project management, and working with and developing positive working relationships with others, all which I'd learnt during my degree.

I then transitioned into roles that combined my interests in physical activity and social impact, first as a Research and Insight Manager for RISE - an organisation based in the North East who work to tackle inequalities in physical activity - and then as a Senior Research, Evaluation, and Learning Manager at Sport England.

Alongside my career in research and evaluation, I have pursued part time business development and grant writing, supporting small local voluntary community sector organisations to secure funding and deliver meaningful projects which support their local community. My career journey reflects a commitment to both evidence-based decision-making and creating positive, lasting change in communities.

What are you doing now?

Currently, I work as a Senior Research, Evaluation, and Learning Manager at Sport England, where I lead on research and evaluation projects that inform both local and national strategy and policy to increase physical activity and reduce inequalities. My role involves designing and managing large-scale research and evaluation projects, collecting, analysing and sharing insight, and working collaboratively across sectors to ensure learning from our research and evaluation activities drives impactful change.

In addition to my work with Sport England, I am also a part-time Business Development Consultant and Grant Writer. In this role, I help small, voluntary community sector organisations secure funding and develop their strategic plans to deliver impactful projects within their local communities. This includes writing grant applications, running workshops to help them uncover what their organisational priorities are, and providing advice to support them to better address their community needs.

These dual roles allow me to blend my passion for research and evaluation with practical support for grassroots and community-focused initiatives within the area which I live.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

I chose to study at Northumbria University because of its reputation for academic excellence and its focus on practical, real-world learning. When visiting the university I met lecturers and students and they all were engaged and passionate about what they were studying and learning. The supportive faculty and access to great facilities (E.g., labs, gyms, classrooms, library) created an environment where I felt empowered to explore my interests and develop the foundations for a career focused on making a difference. I also fell in love with the city and the people. The location of the university made it an ideal place to not only gain academic qualifications but also build skills and networks that have been invaluable in my career.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

Studying at Northumbria was a great experience that combined a variety of learning methods, including lectures, seminars, lab sessions and team projects. This mix of opportunities made it at really enjoyable experience as I was able to learn about theoretical concepts in lectures and then in the next session apply them in practical settings during group work and discussions. The emphasis on collaboration and working together helped me develop key skills such as relationship building, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, which have been essential in my career. Northumbria’s focus on applied learning and opportunities to engage with real-world challenges made my time there both rewarding.

How connected was your course with industry?

My course at Northumbria was connected with industry, offering a range of opportunities to gain practical experience and insights into the professional world. Many of the lecturers were leading researchers in their fields, bringing knowledge and real-world expertise into the classroom. Their connections to industry and active involvement in research ensured that the content was both relevant, timely and forward-thinking, and at times included guest lectures from coaches, sports clubs and other industry professionals. Additionally, within my cohort, there was the opportunity to become a Northumbria Sport Science or Strength and Conditioning intern. This provided hands-on experience working with elite athletes, helping to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice.

What was the best thing about your course?

The best thing about my course at Northumbria was the balance it struck between academic rigor and practical application. The opportunity to learn from leading researchers who were passionate about their fields was incredibly inspiring, as their expertise brought the course content to life.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

The university's emphasis on developing both academic and transferable skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, prepared me to navigate complex challenges in my career. The constructive feedback and support from staff encouraged a mindset of continuous improvement, which has been crucial in my roles since graduating.

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now throughout your career?

Despite not going into a 'Sport Science' profession (e.g., coaching, physiology etc.,) the skills and knowledge I gained during my course at Northumbria have been fundamental to my career, with several standing out as invaluable in my current roles. Critical thinking and problem-solving were deeply embedded in the course, enabling me to analyse complex situations, evaluate evidence, and develop effective solutions— these are skills I rely on daily in my current roles.

Research design and research methods were core components of the program, giving me the ability to structure and conduct reliable and valid research projects, gather and analyse data, and translate findings into actionable insights.

Academic writing was another key area, my time at Northumbria taught me to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively, which has been vital. Lastly, the emphasis on teamwork fostered strong collaboration skills, preparing me to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and across interdisciplinary teams. Together, these skills have provided a solid foundation for my career so far.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?

What I enjoyed most about my time at Northumbria University was the vibrant and supportive university community. The mix of academic challenges, practical experiences, and opportunities to work with other students created an environment where I could grow both personally and professionally.

Beyond the academic experience, the friendships I made at Northumbria are something I truly treasure. Many of the people I met during my time there have become lifelong friends, and the shared memories of revising for exams, late-night study sessions, and campus events (such as St Patrick's day!) will always hold a special place in my heart.

What advice would you give somebody who is considering studying at Northumbria?

If you're considering studying at Northumbria, my advice would be to embrace every opportunity the university offers. The combination of world-class teaching, practical learning experiences, and strong industry connections provides an incredible foundation for both your personal and professional development. Take advantage of internships, placements, and projects—they’re invaluable for applying what you learn in real-world settings.

Engage with your lecturers and peers; the teaching staff are not only experts in their fields but are also approachable and willing to support your journey.

Finally, don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone. Get involved in extracurricular activities, network with other students, and explore everything the University, and the wider city and region has to offer. The more you immerse yourself in the experience, the more you'll gain from your time there.