The plan aims to enhance connectivity across Gloucestershire to provide training, skills and opportunities for the local sport and physical activity workforce that support regional health and economic priorities.
In collaboration with local employers, education providers, local authorities 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 Gloucestershire.
Developed by the Gloucestershire Local Skills Accountability Board, the plan covers Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, Tewkesbury, Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds, and identifies the key skills improvements, workforce challenges and priorities for the sport and physical activity sector in these areas.
Facing an ageing population, Gloucestershire has a higher proportion of over-65s than the national average, which is forecasted to grow. With activity levels tending to decline with age, as well as older adults requiring greater support from health and care services, it’s vital to have a workforce skilled in engaging this demographic – in which sport and physical activity can play a critical role.
Sport and physical activity participation has generated over £1.24 billion in social value across the county; engagement in activity and movement boosts physical and mental wellbeing, reduces isolation and builds stronger communities.
The Gloucestershire Local Skills Accountability Board brings together local organisations to match supply and demand in the sport and physical activity sector, to help ensure that the sector can deliver health, economic and social benefits to our nation.
The Gloucestershire local skills plan outlines how we can support the local sport and physical activity workforce to deliver inclusive, high-quality physical activity opportunities across all six areas. The plan also has a strong focus on creating career pathways in the sport and physical activity sector, helping to tackle the wider challenge of the rising unemployment rate in the UK. Created in collaboration, the plan has four recommendations:
- Establish robust pathways between education providers and employers to address skills and recruitment gaps.
- Increase connectivity with employability services across Gloucestershire to support local people who are not in education, employment and training into sport and physical activity roles.
- Develop skills within the sport and physical activity workforce to help support the health priorities of Gloucestershire.
- Provide support and training to enable career progression and staff retention.
Toby Hodder is the Workforce Development Manager for Gloucestershire at CIMSPA:
“The Gloucestershire local skills plan has been developed by a dedicated group of organisations, united in their commitment to strengthen the local sport and physical activity sector.
“Although this plan is at the beginning of its journey, I’m excited about the impact that it can, and will achieve. Empowering the local sport and physical activity workforce to continue its outstanding contribution to regional priorities in skills development, employment and health.”
Michael Tambling, Head of Sport, Outdoor Adventure and Uniformed Public Services at Hartpury College and Co-Chair of the Gloucestershire Local Skills Accountability Board said:
“The Gloucestershire local skills plan is a bold and timely blueprint for unlocking the full potential of our region’s sport and physical activity workforce. At Hartpury, we’re proud to be part of a movement that places education at the heart of community transformation.
“By nurturing driven, future-focused individuals—ready to make a meaningful impact in the industries they wish to pursue—we’re not just preparing students for jobs, we’re preparing them to lead. This plan ensures our curriculum is shaped by real-world demand and that our learners are equipped to inspire healthier, more active lives across Gloucestershire.”
Sarah Lee, Head of Department for Sport at Hartpury University and Co-Chair of the Gloucestershire Local Skills Accountability Board said:
“It has been a real privilege to work collaboratively with industry, support services and other educational providers to bring this local skills plan to life. As an educational provider this plan guides how we can strengthen the skill development and career pathways of individuals who are eager to establish fulfilling careers within the sport and physical activity sector.
“Together, with the other contributors, this plan shows our commitment to workforce development and retention and the value that we are placing locally on supporting communities to have access to sport and physical activity opportunities, promoting more positive health outcomes along the way.”
Darren Morris, Club Manager at East Glos Club said:
“As an employer in the sport and leisure industry, we have many roles covering sports coaching, grounds, customer service and hospitality. The skills plan will help promote our industry to the future workforce.
“The local skills accountability board has pulled together an excellent group of local stakeholders from several sectors with local knowledge and understanding to enable the delivery of the skills plan, which will no doubt assist future generations pursue a career in the physical, sport and health industry.”
Alice Turner, Active Lifestyles Lead (South West) at Sense said:
“As a national disability charity, Sense are thrilled to have been involved in the development of the Gloucestershire local skills plan, to ensure that we are developing a truly inclusive workforce and supporting disabled people to develop key skills required to pursue sports leadership and employment opportunities.”