Member update – CIMSPA represented at cross-government forum
On 26 September 2016, CIMSPA CEO Tara Dillon attended a landmark cross-governmental meeting, held under the title of “how sport can help deliver wider government objectives.”
The meeting examined how sport and physical activity can help deliver against a range of government objectives in relation to communities, public health and wellbeing, including the government’s apprenticeships agenda. Specific focus was given to the work being led by Sport England and CIMSPA on developing the sport workforce.
One of the key goals of this series of meetings is the sharing of ideas and approaches between departments, with the meeting chair keen that government and its delivery agencies fully understand how the sport and physical activity sector can assist/impact across multiple agendas.
This is an important meeting for CIMSPA members to note, and a further illustration of how the sector’s chartered institute is well-positioned at the highest level to shape the debate around skills and workforce development in our sector, for the benefit of all members.
Reporting back from the day, Tara Dillon commented: “This forum is exactly the kind that CIMSPA needs to have a seat around the table at. On the day, our hosts reiterated the clear mandate that CIMSPA has on issues relating to workforce development in the sector, a mandate which we are now harnessing to professionalise our sector and increase the status of those working in it.”
The meeting was hosted by DCMS and led by Andrew Honeyman, head of health, workforce and diversity. Alongside CIMSPA, representatives from Sport England, Street Games, Public Health England, Youth Justice Board, Sport and Recreation Alliance, Department of Health, Department for Education, Cabinet Office, Home Office, Department for Communities and Local Government, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department of Work and Pensions were present.
We’ll keep members updated as to CIMSPA’s involvement in future high level, cross-governmental meetings.