Local skills plan 2025 to 2028
This local skills plan for Greater Manchester sets out the key actions that sector stakeholders within the region are committed to delivering.
Created by using a range of insight and data, the plan reflects the current needs of education providers, employers and other key organisations in the sport and physical activity sector in Greater Manchester.
It aligns with broader regional strategies and initiatives to contribute to a healthy and active community supported by a representative, inclusive and skilled workforce.
The plan is divided into the following recommendations:
Promote career opportunities
Establish and highlight career pathways and opportunities that enable individuals from a wide range of backgrounds to join the sport and physical activity sector workforce.
Upskill the workforce
Identify and address local sector learning and development needs by connecting employers and education providers as well as highlighting and sourcing funding.
Enhance overall impact
Enhance the impact of Greater Manchester’s movement, sport and physical activity workforce through ethical practice, a data-led approach and alignment with professional status.

Supported and funded by Sport England and the National Lottery

Local skills accountability board
The Greater Manchester Sport and Physical Activity Sector Local Skills Accountability Board (LSAB) is a collaboration between employers, education providers and other skills and sector partners.
It is managed by the sector’s chartered professional body – CIMSPA. The project is supported and funded by Sport England.
The board’s work is now centered on delivering its sport and physical activity sector local skills plan – Greater Manchester: 2025-2028.
Board leads
Chair: Jon Keating, Head of Business Operations and Company Secretary, GM Active CIC
Vice Chair: Dr Eoin Murray, Head of Sport, University Academy 92 (UA92)
Board member organisations
Board geographical area
The Greater Manchester Local Skills Accountability Board area covers:
- Bolton Council
- Bury Council
- Manchester City Council
- Oldham Council
- Rochdale Borough Council
- Salford City Council
- Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
- Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
- Trafford Council
- Wigan Council
