Meet our members: Jason Fergus FCIMSPA(ch)
We welcome Jason Fergus FCIMSPA (ch), to discuss his career in the sport and physical activity sector.
Could you briefly outline your background and current role?
“Since 2012, I have been director of Active Essex, one of the biggest Active Partnerships in the country. In addition to this I lead on the Essex Local Delivery Pilot (ELDP), using whole system change to tackle population levels of physical inactivity. Prior to this I was Director of East London County Sport Partnership for three years leading strategic planning to capitalise on the Olympics coming to London in 2012.”
What are your future ambitions and goals?
“For me, the ELDP has been a game changer, helping us understand the importance of system collaboration and system change. We know the crucial role our communities play and have adopted the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) model, to ensure we work with our communities and local people. It would be great to see this scale replicated across the county and indeed nationally, by sharing our learning.”
What does it mean to be part of the sector’s only Chartered Institute?
“I am privileged to be a part of the sector’s only Chartered Institute and believe it’s critical to support. The institute helps show the strength and depth of our sector and the impact that it can have on residents’ lives. I truly value being a part of the institute and sector, which I love working in and have done for many years.”
How has being a CIMSPA member supported you to achieve or progress towards these goals?
“I really value being a part of a national institute. The work of CIMSPA contributes to our sector, our achievements, and our learnings. It is important to have professional support of an institute to ensure our sector thrives in Essex.”
What one thing or piece of advice would you recommend to others currently in or entering a role like your own?
“One thing that has been reemphasised during the Covid-19 pandemic is the importance of our communities. People are our assets, and we must all ensure we can develop alongside them. Covid-19 shone a light on communities and its key to our work, ensuring workforce are upskilled, working with to create further opportunities and ‘doing with’ by building and co-designing with communities and residents.”
How are you preparing yourself for those new opportunities and changes?
“A huge rational for me to become a Fellow is to take the opportunity to reflect on my career and invest in my own personal developments as a person and as a member of our sector. Leading by example is important, so I want to support our powerful chartered institute for the sectors progression.”
Since being a CIMSPA member what has been the biggest benefit to you?
“We have just launched our People, Culture, Skills framework and wanted to show the sector partners in Essex that CIMSPA is an important part of that narrative. I hope that I can help to encourage and inspire others to get involved with the institute.”
Do you have any advice for those thinking of applying for membership?
“Don’t think about it, just do it. We’ve been given a chartered institute that is highly recognised, and we all must support our sector and CIMSPA. I will continue to be a member due to the importance I believe it holds.”
Summary
Jason is just one of thousands of CIMSPA members whose dedicated career represents the commitment, passion and devotion to sport and physical activity. CIMSPA, our members, and partners are working together to bring recognition and respect to our profession, and this continues to be possible because of our members, like Jason.
If you would like to get involved or submit your own blog, please contact communications@cimspa.co.uk for further details and requirements.