Showcasing the power of our workforce in parliament
We were delighted to be part of a National Sector Partners Group (NSPG) event this week at the Houses of Parliament, to introduce new MPs to the significant benefits of our sector and how we can help government deliver on key agendas.
Along with colleagues from Active Partnerships, the Local Government Association, Sport for Development Coalition, Sport and Recreation Alliance, ukactive and Youth Sport Trust, we shared insight with politicians and sector influencers about how making the UK the most active nation in Europe would have huge benefits for the health, wellbeing and economic sustainability of the nation.
The event was hosted by Kim Leadbeater, MP for Spen Valley, and former personal trainer and lecturer in physical health.
Kim shared her passion for the sector and her strong belief in the power of physical activity to change lives and address some of the key issues that communities are facing.
Stephanie Peacock MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth), spoke at the event about how important it is to her that people have access to quality sport and physical activity opportunities. The Minister shared that she had been privileged to see some great sporting performances at the Olympics but highlighted the importance of the sector outside of elite sport:
“I recognise that physical activity doesn’t just happen at traditional sports clubs or elite events. You all represent different areas of the participation ecosystem and you are stronger than the sum of your parts. I want to place on record my thanks for the work that you all do to sustain our gyms, public swimming pools, school playgrounds and community clubs. We are all working to achieve the same goal – to forge a healthier, fitter nation.”
“As you all know, physical activity is able to contribute an immense saving to the NHS by preventing 900,000 case of diabetes, and 93,000 cases of dementia every year. I am committed to working with the department for health and social care to champion the role of physical activity in preventative health and ensure that it is a key part of the governments health mission. The sport and physical activity sector is an essential ingredient to drive forward the system change needed to embed sport and physical activity in the health system and deliver meaningful impact across the country. Our collective challenge is to address deep rooted inequalities to reduce disparities in participation.”
“We need a strong evidence to prove that our interventions are working. I am committed to continuing to strengthen the relationship between the national and local delivery to further support Sport England’s place-based and needs led approach to empower local communities.”
On behalf of the NSPG, Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive and chair of the NSPG highlighted how the sector is woven into communities and the important role that activity plays in connecting families and wider communities, helping people to lead fulfilling lives. Huw explained how the NSPG is representing the sector in being unapologetic in its ask of government to meet the ambition to make the UK the most active nation in Europe, highlighting that there can be no economic growth without improving the health of the nation.
Tara Dillon, CEO of CIMSPA said,
“This was a great opportunity at the very start of the new parliament to put our sector and the phenomenal work of professionals spearheading sport and physical activity across the country, at the forefront of policymakers thinking.”
“We were delighted to have the opportunity to share with MPs how our sector workforce positively impacts their constituency and discuss how that can be scaled to support wider populations.”
“We were joined by professionals and employers who were able to share with MPs their work not only in addressing local health and economic priorities but also in engaging communities and promoting inclusivity.”
“It was also great to have education and training providers join us to highlight how skills development and endorsed, quality assured qualifications are equipping our workforce to meet future needs.”
“It was brilliant to hear the commitment from the Minister to connect our work more closely to other departments within government and for her to recognise the importance of continuing support for the place-based approach, integral to which is the local skills development work that CIMSPA is leading.”
“We are looking forward to working with MPs and the government to accelerate the power that our profession has to be the catalyst for addressing some of the country’s biggest challenges.”
Kirk Gibbons, Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor, one of the professionals that joined us on the day, said:
“I’ve worked in this industry for over 30 years, and I’ve never known an event like this, where everybody has come to collaborate as one. This is what has been needed for a long time.”
“We’re ready – we’ve always been ready. Now is the time to push that button and all continue as one.”
Bally Bhogal, Dance Fitness Instructor and Owner of BBX Fitness also attended the event to highlight how important her work is with fostering local communities:
“I’ve been really impressed with the diversity of organisations that have come here today. What’s surprised me is the enthusiasm of everyone to get behind this campaign.”
“Everyone has been really open and engaged – I really do get a sense that things are going to happen.”
Find out more about the National Sector Partners Group (NSPG).
Photo credits: Alick Cotterill