The plan aims to enable the sector to play a pivotal role in transforming the lives of communities in Lancashire by recruiting, training, supporting and retaining a representative, inclusive and skilled workforce.
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) and Active Lancashire have implemented a local skills plan for the sport and physical activity workforce in Lancashire.
Developed by the Lancashire Local Skills Accountability Board, the plan covers Blackburn, Blackpool, Burnley, Chorley, Fylde, Hyndburn, Lancaster, Pendle, Preston, Ribble Valley, Rossendale, South Ribble, West Lancashire and Wyre, and identifies the key skills improvements, workforce challenges and priorities for the sport and physical activity sector in these areas.
With a diverse and ageing population, Lancashire is facing growing health inequalities and economic challenges. As we know, sport and physical activity has proven physiological, psychological and social benefits, putting the sector at the forefront could be an important key to tackling these challenges.
This plan comes timely with the launch of Skills England’s new roadmap for the next phase of Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs). Originally implemented to make the skills system more responsive to employers, the new direction involves them moving towards being drivers of change in how local training is designed, funded and delivered. This sport and physical activity local skills plan will complement this next phase, offering sector-specific challenges and recommendations.
The Lancashire 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 Lancashire local skills plan outlines how we can support the local sport and physical activity workforce to deliver inclusive, high-quality physical activity opportunities across the area. Created in collaboration, the plan has three recommendations:
- Create development opportunities that are fit for purpose to upskill a diverse workforce to professional standards and support professionals throughout their careers.
- Enhance collaboration between education providers, employers and CIMSPA, while exploring new opportunities beyond the sector.
- Create opportunities for the sector to positively impact the health of our local communities and boost economic prosperity.
Dani Halsall is the Workforce Development Manager for the Northwest at CIMSPA:
“This plan shows just how powerful genuine collaboration can be. When we sit around the table with a shared purpose, we’re not just shaping a skills plan – we’re shaping the future of our local sector.
“Seeing organisations, practitioners, and community voices come together has strengthened my belief that we can achieve so much more when we work as one. This process has reinforced how important it is that our local workforce feels supported, valued, and prepared to make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Andrea Pollard, Fundraising Lead for Lancashire Mind and Chair of the local skills accountability board said:
“The creation of the local skills plan marks a pivotal moment for Lancashire’s sport and physical activity sector.
“By aligning training with real employer needs and fostering collaboration across education, health and community partners, we’re not just building a stronger workforce – we’re investing in the long-term health, wellbeing and economic prosperity of our region.
“I’m honoured to have played just a small part of bringing this plan to life and grateful to have worked alongside other passionate, dedicated people who really want to make a difference to build a brighter future for all.
Adrian Leather, Chief Executive of Active Lancashire said:
“The local skills plan is a significant milestone in shaping a stronger, more skilled workforce for our sector. It reflects a shared commitment to creating clear, inclusive pathways into training and employment, helping people of all ages and backgrounds develop the skills they need to thrive.
“This plan isn’t just about addressing current gaps, it’s about building a sustainable future for sport and physical activity across our communities. By connecting people with opportunities, supporting local employers, and developing skills that meet both current and future needs, this plan will help us deliver lasting impact across Lancashire.”