John Balding is a highly respected researcher and academic, best known as the co-founder and long-serving Director of the Schools Health Education Unit (SHEU), originally based at the University of Exeter. For over four decades, he dedicated his career to understanding and improving the health, well-being, and lifestyles of young people through extensive survey research and data analysis. His work, involving millions of young people, has provided invaluable insights into trends concerning substance use (smoking, alcohol, drugs), mental health, diet, exercise, sexual health, and risk-taking behaviours. These findings have significantly influenced health education policies, school curricula, and public health practices in the UK and have been cited internationally. Professor Balding has been a consistent advocate for listening to young people's voices ('pupil voice') to inform effective interventions and support systems.
John Balding's work history includes a series of influential roles in various companies. Here is a detailed list of his professional journey:
Co-founded the Schools Health Education Unit (SHEU) in 1977 and served as its Director for many years, establishing it as a leading independent research unit dedicated to monitoring young people's health behaviours and lifestyles in the UK.
Spearheaded and managed extensive, often annual, surveys of schoolchildren (e.g., 'Young People In') across the UK, creating one of the largest and most consistent datasets of its kind, tracking trends in youth health and behaviour over several decades.
His research findings and numerous reports have consistently informed and influenced national and local government policies, educational strategies, and public health initiatives related to youth well-being and health promotion in the UK.
A strong and early advocate for the importance of 'pupil voice' – actively gathering and valuing young people's own perspectives, experiences, and concerns regarding their health to shape relevant and effective support and education.
Authored and co-authored a vast number of influential research reports, academic papers, and articles, making complex data accessible and actionable for educators, policymakers, health professionals, and the public.
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Emoderation Limited, now part of The Social Element, was a pioneering global social media management agency specializing in online content moderation, community management, and customer engagement. Founded in 2002, it provided services to ensure brand safety and positive online interactions for major global brands across various digital platforms. After its acquisition and integration, its expertise contributes to The Social Element's broader offerings in social media strategy, management, and moderation.
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