The plan aims to create a thriving, inclusive and future-ready sport and physical activity workforce that empowers individuals, enables wellbeing within local communities and drives economic growth across Liverpool City Region.
In collaboration with local employers, education providers, local authorities, the health sector and employability-focused organisations, the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) have implemented a local skills plan for the sport and physical activity workforce in Liverpool City Region.
Developed by the Liverpool City Region Local Skills Accountability Board, the plan covers Liverpool, Knowsley, St Helens, Sefton, Halton and Wirral, and identifies key skills improvements, workforce challenges and priorities for the sport and physical activity sector in these areas.
Liverpool City Region is a devolved area of the UK; the area has its own decision-making powers and funding, which has been transferred from the national government to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. The area’s Chamber of Commerce have created local skills improvement plan which focuses on strengthening collaboration between local organisations, bridging skills gaps and empowering the workforce. The sport and physical activity local skills plan aligns to these areas by increasing collaboration between the local sport and physical activity sector, education providers and other key stakeholders.
With an estimated social value of £2.4 billion, sport and physical activity is identified as a priority sector for Liverpool City Region. The area currently faces challenges such as rising inequalities, an aging population and increasing physical and mental health concerns, with the benefits of physical activity being recognised at combined authority-level as more important than ever.
Growing demand for sport and physical activity services means that the area needs a future-ready, strong and sustainable workforce to strive forward and to help tackle the local challenges.
Local organisations across sport and physical activity, education and health have collaborated to create this bespoke plan to Liverpool City Region, which has four main recommendations:
- Create a range of clear pathways from education to the workplace which align to local sector demands.
- Develop clear progression opportunities with links to healthcare skills to support workforce retention.
- Instigate a shared commitment by sport and physical activity organisations to support health interventions and ease pressure on primary care.
- Foster a supportive work environment in organisations that enhances recruitment, retention, training and development, and sharing best practices across the region.
Dani Halsall, Workforce Development Manager (North West) at CIMSPA said:
“Seeing the Liverpool City Region come together collaboratively on this plan has been truly rewarding. We know that Liverpool’s community spirit is incredibly strong, and watching it come to life through discussions, the sharing of challenges, and the identification of opportunities has ensured that every part of the sector has been considered.
“This plan will support the development of a skilled workforce, shaped by strong links between education and local needs.”
Gemma Ireland, Active Lives & Sports Development at St. Helens Borough Council said:
“The new sport and physical activity local skills plan is a vital step forward for the Liverpool City Region, providing a clear and coordinated approach to strengthen our sector’s workforce.
The plan will help us build a more inclusive, resilient and future-ready workforce. This will not only strengthen our sector, but also support wider regional priorities of improving health, creating jobs and ensuring more people can access the benefits of an active lifestyle.”
Justine Blomeley, Chief Executive Officer at Merseyside Sport Partnership said:
“This plan gives us an opportunity to connect the sport and physical activity sector workforce to the devolution agendas, and at the same time focus in specifically on women and girls – removing the barriers and creating aspirations and career pathways that feel and look achievable.”
Darren Simpkin, Managing Director of Volair Limited said:
“This local skills plan has been drafted with a focus on joining all of the key elements needed to establish a comprehensive workforce skills attainment and development framework. This will provide employers like us with a clear and accessible pathway to attract and retain a well-trained workforce to contribute to the growth of our local sector.”
