Government backs CIMSPA in new Sports Strategy
The government has backed the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) in its new Sport Strategy, stating that the organisation will be supported by Sport England, the agency responsible for grassroots sport, to professionalise the workforce.
Produced by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, the Sporting Future strategy says: “Sport England will support the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity, in developing and implementing a single, clear and rigorous set of standards for all sport and exercise professionals, with a similar clear and rigorous system for assessment, and awarding and validating qualifications, starting in January 2016.”
The partnership with Sport England will build on CIMSPA’s work with employers in the sector throughout 2015 to develop a workforce that is fit to tackle the high levels of inactivity in the country. The Chartered Institute will also work with other partners including partners the Sport and Recreation Alliance, National Governing Bodies, SPORTA, ukactive, LGA and CLOA, to develop a measurable strategy to ensure the workforce can meet the demands of this new strategy. Key areas of focus will include increased participation, accessibility and the importance of sport in delivering social outcomes. On the front-line workforce, the focus will also be on entry level coaching, which directly enables engagement in sport and physical activity.
“CIMSPA welcomes this clear and concise report and in particular a vision of joined-up thinking in terms of sport and physical activity working towards an active nation. Joint services, strategies and outcomes can only mean more effective results. We all have the same goals; this report encourages collaboration, professionalisation and measurement. This is a great steer for our sector,” says Tara Dillon, CIMSPA CEO.
To achieve the highest levels of quality among sport and physical activity professionals, recruitment practices will be open, transparent and available to all. There will be a skills framework developed for each level from 1 to 9, covering both paid and voluntary, back-office and frontline roles. The higher education and further education sectors will play a big role in achieving this by ensuring graduates have the right skill set for employers.
In addition to the wider goals of the strategy, physical well-being, mental well-being, individual development, social and community development, and economic development will be key drivers.
A better training offer, with clear career pathways, with the goal of retaining the most talented in the industry will also be developed. Sport England and the wider physical activity sector will continue to develop a workforce strategy working with CIMSPA towards a clear skills framework including good quality CPD provision.
Download ‘Sporting Future - A New Strategy for an Active Nation’ HERE