CIMSPA extends sector training needs insight with new “Raising the Bar” research programme and stakeholder group
We’re announcing a new partnership today with Future Fit Training – taking the “Raising the Bar” research work, which has sought to raise the standards and quality of training in the sector since 2014, to the next level.
Sport England have asked CIMSPA and Future Fit to collaborate on this project as part of their sport and physical activity workforce development strategy.
The revamped Raising the Bar project will continue to research employer and training provider views on the validity and impact that current training and development strategies have on the sport and physical activity workforce, and explore how this insight can be leveraged into action.
The project will bring together a wide-range of employers and training providers across the sport, health and fitness sector within a new CIMSPA Raising the Bar Stakeholder Group.
Its aim will be to foster a more collaborative culture among key organisations leading training and education inside the sector, to commit to collective improvement and to share knowledge and resources.
CIMSPA and Future Fit Training will convene regular gatherings of the stakeholder group and challenge these organisations to share best practice and foster innovation.
Speaking about the new initiative, Tara Dillon, CEO, CIMSPA said: “It is employers who have the highest influence on ensuring the positive impact of our professional workforce on activity levels. The work of our Raising the Bar Stakeholder Group will provide real solutions to the most pressing training challenges, and ensure the continued effectiveness of Sport England’s investment in our sector’s people development.”
Elaine Briggs, Head of Education, Future Fit Training, said: “We are delighted to be working with CIMSPA, supported by Sport England, to bring to life the issues we have highlighted over the years in our ‘Raising the Bar’ report and find solutions in order to improve the quality of training and education and shape the future of our workforce.”
Stuart Armstrong, Head of Coaching, Sport England, said: “As part of our desire to strive for a more customer focused workforce that is recognised for its professionalism, it is fantastic to be working in partnership with CIMSPA and Future Fit Training to take “Raising the Bar” to the next level.”
Four key areas of focus for the stakeholder group will be:
- How the training industry can be at the forefront of improving sector workforce diversity.
- How the sector can modernise its approach to learning and development.
- The role that the training industry can play in improving ongoing learning and development.
- How the sector can recruit more young people into apprenticeships.
Previous findings of “Raising the Bar” research reports have identified key skills gaps amongst sport and physical activity professionals including a lack of commercial acumen, limited social skills and impaired ability to change behaviour.
To find out more about the CIMSPA Raising the Bar Stakeholder Group, click the button below.
To view the 2018 Raising the Bar report, go HERE