POLICY RESEARCHER / STRATEGIST
Specialising in Culture Sport & The Creative Economy
/ 1982 — 2024
AVAILABLE FOR FREELANCE
PROJECTS IN SEPT 2024
info@charlesfreemanprojects.com
Policy Researcher & Strategist
To contact me Please Connect on Linkedin
I am an experienced policy researcher & strategist, specialising in Culture Sport, The Creative Economy and Neuroinclusion.
I have worked in consultancy, higher education and local government. I was a Senior Regional Development Manager at Sport England, I then became Executive Director of Culture South East , where I strived to embed the interests of Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) Sector in Regional Government.
I am currently a freelance consultant and researcher. Recent projects have focused on the Creative Economy, Place Shaping, Cultural Planning, Neuroinclusion, Skills and Employability.
I am Neurodivergent (Dyslexic and Dyspraxic) and have a particular interest, in the way neurodivergent people, participate in the workforce and society more generally.
In 2023 Solent University awarded me Honorary Doctorate in Media , for my work in developing the creative economy and promoting neuroinclusion.
What I Do
Cultural Planning
My work focuses on the way sport, culture, and the historic environment adds value to development, promotes social inclusion and attracts talent to the local economy. I have also worked to develop policy to secure developer contributions in order to fund cultural infrastructure.
My current work is focused on leading the culture and creative industries work programme for the Partnership for South Hampshire. I have also delivered a range of consultancy projects.
Culture, Sport, Creative Industry
I have 30 years of experience of driving innovation by using tried and tested methodology from one field in new contexts. My work has focused on growing the creative economy, ensuring the cultural sector has voice which can influence local policy, and promoting inclusion and diversity.
Key work include
Project Managing Creative Network South
Establishing the Hampshire and Solent Film Office.
Education & Skills
Education and skills are key to breaking down barriers to employability and are crucial if issues relating to lack of diversity are to be addressed in the cultural, creative, and sports sectors.
Key work Include
Providing research and advice to support the – Hampshire and Solent LSIP
Acting as a business advisor and supporting the design and development of the Ravensbourne University Self Employment, Entrepreneurship and Diversity (SEEDS) programme. The first Higher Education Entrepreneurship programme designed for and by Neurodivergent People.
Neuroinclusion.
As a neurodivergent person I am fascinated by issues relating to neurodivergence and employment. Projects have focused on apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, skills and opening pathways to employment.
NDnomics Blog written in partnership with Tumi Sotire
NDnomics is a Blog Series, which views issues which impact on the neurodivergent community, through the lens of economics.
I am a volunteer board member of
Dyspla – An award winning, arts organisation which celebrates the neurodivergent aesthetic.
Making Theatre Gaining Skills – An innovative training organisation, which uses theatre production skills, to create pathways to inclusion.
Neurodiverse Sport – Is leading organisation championing neuroinclusion in sport.
Thames Valley Tennis – Thames Valley Tennis is a CIC, which focuses on delivering inclusive, affordable tennis coaching in the Slough area.