Local skills plan 2026 to 2029
This local skills plan for the Tees Valley 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 space in Tees Valley.
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:
Create entry routesÂ
Create clear, supported entry routes into the sport and physical activity sector to meet employer demand and improve workforce recruitment and retention across Tees Valley.Â
Support education, training and progressionÂ
Align education provision with local workforce needs to support progression, upskilling and long-term careers in the sector.Â
Develop a representative, diverse and inclusive workforceÂ
Develop a workforce that reflects Tees Valley’s communities by providing opportunities to underrepresented groups and supporting access to careers in the sector.Â
Align with the healthcare sector
Strengthen the impact of Tees Valley’s workforce on local health and wellbeing priorities by collaborating with healthcare sector partners as well as embedding professional status and targeted training into workforce development planning.Â
Supported and funded by Sport England and the National Lottery
Local skills accountability board
The Tees Valley 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 centred on delivering its sport and physical activity sector local skills plan – Tees Valley: 2026–2029.
Board lead
Chair
Darren Humphreys MCIMSPA, Director of Operations, Tees ActiveÂ
Board member organisations
Board executiveÂ
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Board member organisationsÂ
Board geographical area
This local skills plan is for the Tees Valley region, setting out priorities and actions for the sport and physical activity workforce across the area. The plan focuses on employers, education providers, partners and stakeholders operating within the Tees Valley Combined Authority landscape. Â
The Tees Valley region comprises the following local authority areas: Stockton-on-Tees, Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, and Redcar and Cleveland.Â
The plan reflects the shared workforce challenges and opportunities across these areas while recognising local differences in provision, employer size, community need and health outcomes. It is designed to support collaboration across borough boundaries, ensuring a coordinated approach to recruitment, training, progression and professional standards for the sport and physical activity workforce.
