The Welsh Professional Development Board releases The Vision for the Welsh Sport and Physical Activity Workforce
The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) and the Welsh Professional Development Board has published a strategic plan to elevate the sport and physical activity sector in Wales.
Created by professionals working in the sector in Wales, the Vision for the Welsh Sport and Physical Activity Workforce sets out a plan to ensure that the sector is in the best position possible to support the Welsh government’s priorities around health, economic development, skills and wellbeing.
The sport and physical activity sector positively impacts the population’s physical and mental health. Physical activity levels in adults and children are key indicators to population health and wellbeing within the Public Health Wales Outcome Framework.
With approximately 54,000 professionals working in the sport and physical activity sector in Wales, either in a voluntary, part-time or full-time capacity, the Vision aims to bring workforce planning, development and management to forefront of the solution to raise the profile of the sector.
Available in both English and Welsh, The Vision for the Welsh Sport and Physical Activity Workforce has 7 missions:
- Improved workforce planning at a local level
- More diverse and inclusive workforce
- Better sector reputation
- Effective use of insight and data
- Recognised and valued workforce
- Aligned holistic education system
- Robust businesses and resilient organisations
Established by CIMSPA, the Welsh Professional Development Board comprises of leaders and supporters of sport and physical activity in Wales, who represent the sector to steer the national conversation for workforce planning, workforce development and workforce management.
Robyn Lock, Workforce Development Manager for Wales at CIMSPA said:
“It’s fantastic to see the Vision for the Welsh Sport and Physical Activity Workforce brought to life, after the collaborative efforts of the Welsh Professional Development Board.
“Our workforce is what makes the sport and physical activity sector so special, and they play such an important role in improving the Welsh population’s health and wellbeing.
“This document gives the Welsh sector a voice. We hope this will in turn help to drive further investment, support and recognition for the sport and physical activity workforce in Wales.”
Chris Emsley, Chair of the Welsh Workforce Professional Development Board and Senior Lecturer (Sports Development and Coaching) at University of South Wales said:
“CIMSPA’s work is really gaining momentum here in Wales, and having a vision for the sport and physical activity workforce in our country provides some realistic, yet challenging aspirations to aim for.
“Now it’s about the whole sector understanding these and working together to make them a reality.”
Clare Jefferies FCIMSPA (Chartered), Director of Operations at Portal Training said:
“For the training and education sector, this document provides an opportunity to ensure all training and education programmes are not only aligned with the future needs of the sector, but more collaborative and focused with a range of stakeholders.
“The Vision will provide more data and insight that organisations such as ours can act upon to help the sector learn and thrive.”
Steph Makuvise, National Programme Manager at the Black Swimming Association Wales said:
“Having a shared vision for the Welsh sport and physical activity workforce means we can actively contribute to a common purpose: building a robust and supported workforce that offers opportunities to everyone at every stage of their career in the sector.”
Find The Vision for the Welsh Sport and Physical Activity Workforce document here:
The Vision for the Welsh Sport and Physical Activity Workforce
