Make it stand out.
The following projects have been highlighted to provide the scope of experience in delivering varied projects. The case studies below were project managed, delivered or partnered by our director.
basis partnership award
The collaboration between Leicester Nirvana and DMU initiated a groundbreaking project focused on assessing and reducing carbon emissions. The assessment revealed that 70% of the club's emissions come from energy usage, mainly gas and electricity while travel related emissions account for 27%. Through a travel survey involving club members, the club has taken significant steps toward understanding its environmental footprint.
Leicester Nirvana's innovative approach to sustainability has set new standards within the sports community. The club's commitment has led to noteworthy recognition, earning opportunities for interviews, podcasts, and partnerships with initiatives like the UN Football for the Goals campaign. This was prominently showcased at the "Green Goals" event during the Leicester Business Festival, emphasising the importance of knowledge sharing and inspiring other organisations within the sports sector to adopt eco-friendly practices. The release of their report, "Embedding SDGs Across Grassroots Football," outlines their net-zero policy and strategy aligned with the UN SDGs.
DMU students have become actively involved in club events, engaging with sustainability initiatives that enrich the club culture and raise environmental awareness.
Positive Impact on Sport
Leicester Nirvana's influence is enhancing the reputation of sport as a platform for sustainability. Located in a diverse area of Leicester, where over 40% of the population is from non-white backgrounds, the club champions the inclusion of underrepresented voices in the climate change debate, ensuring that sustainability initiatives address the needs of the entire community.
The “Field of Dreams” event at DMU, featuring saw presentations from Leicester Nirvana, the United Nations and the German club SG Eintracht Peitz. This event sparked important discussions on sustainability in sports, bringing together local academics, businesses, and both grassroots and professional football clubs.
The cultural exchange with German clubs has further solidified Leicester Nirvana's status as a leader in sustainability. Their initiatives have garnered attention through platforms like the Football and Climate Newsletter and the Global Sustainable Sport newsletter, broadening their reach and inspiring others in the sports community.
Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to sustainability, Leicester Nirvana is not just addressing local environmental challenges but also setting a precedent for grassroots clubs nationwide. Ivan’s leadership in project managing this exemplifies the potential of sport to drive sustainable development, showing how local clubs can significantly contribute to global environmental goals.
community leadership consultant and mentor
The Community Leader Programme, originally commissioned by Leicestershire's Violence Reduction Network (VRN), and now West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership, has emerged as a critical initiative designed to equip community leaders with the skills necessary to address complex social change. In collaboration with Jones Consulting, this programme adopts a whole systems approach to enhance community cohesion and safety by developing partnerships with public agencies such as Local Authorities, Violence Reduction Units, and the Police.
Objectives of the Programme
Enhance self awareness and confidence
Develop knowledge and skills to co produce asset-based projects and services with and for communities
Refresh techniques to better engage and empower young people
Develop expertise in targeting initiatives to reduce the factors that cause violence and build safer communities
Improve measurement and evaluation of the impact of support provided
Improve communication and influencing skills
Develop networks and relationships with other community leaders and public sector decision makers / funders
Support with coaching and a development plan to unlock full potential
Ivan’s role as a consultant and mentor within this programme supports the development of effective leaders who can effect meaningful change in their communities. In his capacity as a consultant supporting Jones Consulting, Ivan plays a pivotal role in delivering the Community Leader Programme across various cohorts and mentors community leaders throughout the training, helping them navigate the complexities of their roles and empowering them to make impactful contributions to community safety initiatives.
Whilst previously working at the VRN, Ivan developed the Community Leadership Programme specification, then procured and commissioned the programme to the successful organisation - in this case Jones Consulting.
active partnerships keynote
On a remarkable day in Birmingham, I had the honor of serving as one of the keynote speakers at the Active Partnerships Environmental Sustainability Event. The event gathered a diverse group of passionate individuals committed to advancing environmental sustainability and social empowerment, particularly within the realm of sports. This case study highlights the insights shared during my presentation, the collective spirit of the participants, and the importance of intersectionality in the conversation surrounding sustainability.
Inspiring Atmosphere
Participants included dedicated professionals from various sectors, all eager to connect, share, and challenge each other’s ideas. The atmosphere was charged with a shared purpose: to create meaningful change within their respective organisations and communities. Engaging in honest conversations about our collective progress and challenges was both refreshing and motivational.
Sharing Leicester Nirvana FC's Journey
During my presentation, I had the opportunity to highlight the journey of Leicester Nirvana FC as a case study in grassroots football, environmental sustainability, and social justice. I highlighted that taking a public health approach to sustainability in sport is not only effective but often necessary. By weaving together the narratives of environmental care and social equity, Leicester Nirvana is working to create inclusive pathways that empower diverse communities while addressing climate challenges.
Event Highlights
1. Embracing New Approaches: Participants exhibited a growing confidence as they explored and embraced new strategies for taking action.
2. Amplifying Underrepresented Voices: Powerful stories were shared that elevated the voices and experiences and highlighted that diverse perspectives are essential for crafting comprehensive solutions to environmental challenges.
3. Practical Tools and Frameworks: Representatives from organisations such as the British Association for Sustainable Sport, Sport Birmingham, and Active Lancashire offered practical tools and frameworks.
Conclusion
Ivan’s experience as a keynote speaker at the Active Partnerships Environmental Sustainability Event was both gratifying and enlightening. The commitment displayed by participants to address sustainability challenges in sport reinforces the notion that collaborative action can lead to meaningful change.
climate action - leaf project.
Leicester Nirvana is a key partner in the climate action £1.3 million LEAF project (Leicester Environment and Future), funded by The National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund. Spearheaded by De Montfort University (DMU), the project aims to empower grassroots community organisations, particularly in the city’s most deprived neighborhoods. This case study outlines the project's objectives, expected outcomes, and the role of Leicester Nirvana Football Club in driving community sustainability.
Project Overview and Objectives
The LEAF project is a three-year initiative designed to create a climate action hub in Leicester. In collaboration with five community partners, DMU will support local residents in reducing carbon emissions and provide training in carbon literacy for over 150 staff and volunteers. The initiative also seeks to engage at least 1,500 residents in sustainability activities, fostering a culture of climate awareness throughout the city.
Sustainable Initiatives and Community Engagement
Leicester Nirvana will lead several initiatives under the LEAF project, including drafting a white paper on sustainable practices in grassroots football and hosting community health and wellbeing sessions that offer nutritional guidance.
Additionally, the proposed “1,000 miles in my shoes” initiative encourages community members to engage in conversations that celebrate Leicester’s diverse cultural backgrounds, to create inclusivity and climate action dialogue.
Expected Outcomes and Impact
The LEAF project aims to produce meaningful outcomes for both Leicester Nirvana and the wider community. Training programs in carbon literacy will equip residents and volunteers with essential skills, facilitating the transfer of knowledge necessary for long-term climate action. The focus on inclusivity highlights the intersection of social justice and environmental action, ensuring diverse voices are represented in sustainability discussions.
Ivan is the project manager for Leicester Nirvana on the LEAF project, which marks a significant step toward a greener future for Leicester by bridging community-driven initiatives with grassroots sports. With the support of DMU and the UN, Leicester Nirvana aspires not only to achieve net-zero emissions but also to inspire a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens, laying the groundwork for a sustainable legacy that extends beyond Leicester.