Location: Walker’s Hall
Morning Workshop
From Practitioner to Specialist - Gaining Status Through Upskilling
Chaired by Natasha Eason – Associate Director for Education and Careers, CIMSPA
Aaron McCulloch – Co-Owner and Director, Your Personal Training
Julian Berriman – Director of Education and Standards, Study Active
Professionals who specialise in supporting specific populations such as people with long-term health conditions, diverse communities, and pre and post-natal clients, are increasingly in demand. By undertaking accredited training aligned with the sector’s professional standards, practitioners can enhance their credibility, stand out in the sector, generate demand for their services and move towards greater recognition as trusted, skilled specialists.
This session will explore the pathways to professional recognition through specialist training and CPD. Delegates will gain insights into how upskilling can lead to stronger partnerships, more diverse employment opportunities, advanced professional status, and more meaningful impact in their communities. Featuring practical examples, this workshop will offer a clear route from practitioner to advanced specialist.
Afternoon Workshop 1
Releasing the Power of our Professionals – Recognising Excellence
Chaired by Spencer Moore – CSO, CIMSPA
Jamie Townsend – National Health and Fitness Manager, Serco Leisure
Bushra Ali MCIMSPA (Ch) MSc – Chartered Activity and Health Practitioner, Pine Fitness
Rowan Morgan-Ruffley – Personal Trainer Practitioner and Managing Director, RMR Rehabilitation
Recognising and showcasing the professional expertise and specialist skills of those working across the sport and physical activity sector is vital to unlocking our full potential. By formally acknowledging the professionalism within our workforce, we not only raise standards but also strengthen credibility, influence, and collaboration particularly with health, education, and community partners. Elevating professional status is key to building trust, attracting investment, and scaling the life-changing impact our sector delivers every day.
This session will explore how embracing professional status, through alignment with recognised standards and accredited training, can benefit individuals, employers, and the sector as a whole. It will highlight the role of professional recognition in supporting career progression, quality assurance, and cross-sector collaboration. With real-world examples and practical guidance, delegates will gain insight into how accreditation is becoming a cornerstone of workforce development and why it matters now more than ever.
Afternoon Workshop 2
Employer Insights and Lived Experience - Building a Diverse, Skilled Workforce through Apprenticeships
Paul Thompson – Director of People and Learning, Coach Core Foundation
Becki Fitzgerald – Workforce Skills and Apprenticeship Lead, Coach Core Foundation
Peter Bewley – CEO, Epic Partners
At a time when the sector is working hard to attract and retain the next generation of talent, many employers still face challenges in engaging young people from diverse and under-represented backgrounds. But there are powerful examples of what works – particularly when wraparound support, lived experience, and strong local partnerships come together to create meaningful pathways into the workforce.
This session will share insights from recent employer research alongside real stories from apprentices and employers in Leicester and the wider East Midlands. Delegates will explore how inclusive apprenticeship models are helping to address equity gaps, support progression, and unlock the potential of young people often overlooked by traditional recruitment approaches. With practical takeaways from both employers and apprentices, this session will equip attendees with ideas to strengthen their own recruitment, mentoring, and workforce development practices.