Every day, the sport and physical activity workforce changes lives by improving physical and mental wellbeing, reducing pressure on health and social care, and building stronger, more connected communities.
However, a vital question remains – how do we prove that impact in ways that resonate with policymakers, funders, and the wider public?
At the CIMSPA Conference, we’re delighted to be welcoming Will Watt, founder of State of Life, to share his pioneering approach to answering this challenge.
About Will
Will founded State of Life in 2020 with a mission to make social impact measurement accessible, practical and usable across sectors. Backed by senior leaders including David Knott (Office for Civil Society) and Lord Gus O’Donnell, the platform quickly became a trusted tool during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping organisations evidence their value when it mattered most.
Under Will’s leadership, State of Life has become a leading voice in wellbeing economics. Its methodology is recognised at the highest level of government, having been formally endorsed in HM Treasury’s Green Book guidance for policy evaluation. Will’s distinctive style, direct, pragmatic and rooted in clarity, helps cut through complexity and bring evidence to life.
The session – Measuring What Matters
Will’s keynote, Measuring What Matters – Connecting the Dots to recognising the true value of physical activity, will explore how we as a sector can better measure, communicate and evidence the difference we make.
Delegates will gain insight into how the State of Life approach can help the workforce articulate its impact across a broad spectrum, including:
- Health and wellbeing – demonstrating how physical activity improves quality of life, prevents illness, and reduces health inequalities.
- Economic impact – showing how it eases demand on public services, boosts productivity and skills, and supports pathways into sustainable work.
- Opportunities for all – evidencing the difference we make for young people, those out of work, and communities that are too often left behind.
- Social value – highlighting how physical activity strengthens belonging, reduces isolation, and creates fairer access to opportunities.
This is more than a technical discussion. It’s about equipping our sector with the language and tools to make impact visible, secure investment, influence policy, and reinforce our place as a driving force for a healthier, more inclusive and economically resilient society.
Whether you are working on the frontline, leading a local service, or shaping strategy at a national level, this session will provide practical takeaways on how to evidence the true value of your work. It’s an unmissable opportunity to learn from one of the country’s leading voices on social impact and wellbeing economics.
Part of a bigger conversation
This session is one highlight in a rich programme built around this year’s conference theme Connecting the Dots. The theme reflects a simple truth that progress doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s the connections between health and activity, between education and careers, between local practice and national strategy, that enable us to drive real change.
Alongside Will Watt’s keynote, delegates will hear from inspirational speakers across health, education, community and workforce development. Sessions will explore:
- Movement as medicine – the role of physical activity in prevention, rehabilitation and mental wellbeing.
- Inclusion and accessibility – how we create spaces and opportunities where everyone feels they belong.
- Workforce pathways – connecting education and employment to build a strong, skilled and future-ready sector.
- Innovation in practice – sharing case studies and strategies that are making a difference on the ground.
Connecting the Dots presents the chance to come together, learn, and take collective action for the future of our sector.
Book your place today and be part of the movement to measure what really matters and to connect the dots that will shape the future of the sport and physical activity sector and workforce.
Very limited tickets remain, book your place now
Wednesday 24 September 2025
King Power Stadium, Leicester