Home / About us / Our people / Jo Welford Jo WelfordInspector Dr Jo Welford joined the SGSA in October 2023 following a 16-year career in research, evaluation and policy. Jo led the independent research into the management of persistent standing and the evaluation of the early adopter programme that informed the 2022 policy change to permit licensed standing at football grounds subject to the all-seater policy. She has previously led research on the accessibility of sports stadia, the role of supporters in football governance and the professionalisation of women’s football. Club responsibilities Cambridge United FC Cheltenham Town FC Lincoln City FC Norwich City FC Peterborough United FC Swindon Town FC Lead responsibilities Data and evidence Sustainability