CIMSPA leads the way as the first sector body to comply with the UK Statistics Authority’s voluntary code of practice
In a landmark step for the sport and physical activity sector, the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) has become the first organisation in the field to align with the UK Statistics Authority’s voluntary Code of Practice for Statistics.
This achievement reflects CIMSPA’s ongoing commitment to professionalism, transparency and the responsible use of data – helping the sector make better decisions, plan effectively for the future and build trust through reliable insight.
Setting a new standard for transparency
One of the Code’s central principles is transparency – a value that lies at the heart of CIMSPA’s work. By voluntarily applying the Code, CIMSPA reinforces that workforce data must be open, honest and trustworthy.
In a landscape where information is everywhere, but accuracy isn’t always guaranteed, this move sets a new benchmark for how workforce data should be managed and communicated. It ensures that employers, educators and policymakers can rely on a single, credible source of truth to inform their planning and investment decisions.
Ed Humpherson, Director General at the Office for Statistics Regulation, said:
“I’m delighted to see CIMSPA embracing the Code in its work with the Workforce Observatory, leading the way for others in the sector to follow good practice. I’m also impressed by the team’s desire to use their data innovatively for wider public benefit.”
Building insight that makes a difference
By aligning with the Code, CIMSPA ensures that its workforce statistics meet the highest standards of quality, relevance and integrity. Sport and physical activity have always been data-rich industries, from performance tracking to participation trends, and this compliance ensures that the insights derived are accurate, meaningful and actionable.
Through its local skills project, CIMSPA is already helping employers, education providers and local authorities use data to match supply and demand across the workforce. Local skills accountability boards bring together voices from across communities to identify skills gaps and shape training opportunities that truly reflect local needs.
The local skills plans that the boards produce are designed to improve career pathways and workforce sustainability across every region of the UK – a clear example of data being put to work for public benefit. By interrogating insight and data, employers and sector organisations can be supported to make more informed decisions around the future shape of the sport and physical activity workforce.
Speaking a common data language
Phill Wright, Head of Insight and Impact at CIMSPA, explains why this step is so important for the sector:
“For the sport and physical activity sector to truly thrive, we must speak a common data language. Complying with robust data standards isn’t just a technical necessity – it’s a strategic imperative.
It enables us to generate reliable insights, measure impact consistently and drive evidence-based decisions across the workforce. As a professional body, it’s our responsibility to ensure that data is not only accurate and secure, but also meaningful – supporting collaboration, innovation and accountability at every level.”
Working hand in hand with local stakeholders, CIMSPA’s commitment to statistical integrity will enhance how the sector approaches recruitment, retention and staff development, as well as how it embraces technology to futureproof its workforce.
Data driving better policy
Accurate data drives effective policymaking – from shaping public health programmes to informing facility investment and workforce funding.
Through the Workforce Governance project, CIMSPA’s data has already supported national partners, including the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), in refining evidence, testing assumptions and prioritising workforce interventions where they are needed most.
As Steven Osborne, Lecturer in Sport Management and Development at Cardiff Metropolitan University and Chair of the Sport and Physical Activity Workforce Observatory, explains:
“CIMSPA has recognised the critical importance of effective, evidence-informed workforce planning and workforce development by establishing a new national research observatory and committing to supporting vital sector-led areas of research interest. Receiving this endorsement from the UK Statistics Authority gives stakeholders confidence that CIMSPA is building a trustworthy, valuable and high-quality national research and data framework that will underpin effective investment workforce decision-making for our sector.”
A collaborative future
CIMSPA’s compliance with the voluntary code opens new opportunities for collaboration with universities, government bodies and sector partners. The Sport and Physical Activity Workforce Observatory will make high-quality, ethical and accessible workforce data available to all, ensuring that the sector has the evidence it needs to grow sustainably and inclusively.
This shared framework for statistics will empower partners to co-develop research, innovate together and strengthen the workforce for the long term.
Leading with integrity
As the first organisation in the sector to align with the UK Statistics Authority’s voluntary Code of Practice for Statistics, CIMSPA has set a new benchmark for excellence. This milestone reflects not just compliance, but leadership – a proactive step towards a more transparent, informed and accountable future for sport and physical activity across the UK.
CIMSPA supports the professional development of the sport and physical activity workforce through professional standards, membership, events and sector-wide collaboration. Our commitment to trustworthy data and professional practice continues to drive quality, confidence and opportunity across the sector.