Researchers within the sport and physical activity sector now have the opportunity to claim their CIMSPA professional status and gain the recognition they deserve.
An influential role
The role of research within sport and physical activity casts a wide net, with key areas including improving health through exercise, mental wellbeing, reducing inequalities in participation and applied sport science. The contributions that researchers continue to make to the sector are helping to drive forward practices and shape the future of the profession.
With the role researchers play in disease prevention and tackling public health issues, CIMSPA understands the influence that this stakeholder has on both sector developments and the health of the nation and therefore the value that they hold. With that in mind, the new professional status pathway of CIMSPA Researcher has been developed and launched to acknowledge this.
A moment of recognition
The new membership category provides the opportunity for researchers to be recognised for their knowledge, skills and expertise and allows a clearly defined pathway within the professional status framework. This professional status differs from the others, though. Rather than being aligned to a CIMSPA professional standard, it is aligned to the Sport and Physical Activity Workforce Observatory SAFE principles framework and therefore applicants will be assessed against these criteria.
Steven Osborne, Principal Lecturer Professional and Workforce Development at Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, shared:
“As chairperson of the Sport and Physical Activity Workforce Observatory, I am very pleased to see the introduction of the new CIMSPA Researcher membership category, as it acknowledges the growing number of research and insight professionals who generate and analyse research and data to benefit our sector.
“To reinforce public trust in our sector leaders and decisionmakers, we need evidence and research produced with ethical assurance, methodological rigour and transparency. By developing this specialist membership, CIMSPA and the sector are sending a strong signal that we value the impact these specialist roles have on our work. It shows that we intend to keep investing and developing further capabilities to support the people who turn valuable insight into public value.”
Introducing Data Lab – a bespoke platform for CIMSPA Researchers
Developed specifically with researchers in mind, the new Data Lab platform aligns with the launch of the CIMSPA Researcher professional status pathway. It acts as an essential tool for professionals to both extract and deposit data which they or their peers can utilise in their work.
Data Lab has been designed to be a trusted hub for insight and evidence on the UK’s sport and physical activity workforce. The platform brings together comprehensive datasets, research findings and workforce intelligence in one accessible, ethically governed space. CIMSPA Researchers will be able to utilise the data to enable the sector to make more informed decisions, strengthen policy and deepen their understanding of the people and organisations driving the sector.
Phill Wright, Head of Insight and Impact at CIMSPA, reflects on the gravity of what the recognition of researchers means for sector:
“Launching the Researcher member category is an important milestone for CIMSPA because high‑quality insight is the engine of a professional, future‑ready sector. By formally recognising researchers with CIMSPA membership, we’re strengthening the evidence base that underpins workforce planning, development, sector policy and organisational learning. At the same time, the introduction of Data Lab creates a powerful new home for turning research, data and lived experience into actionable intelligence.
“Together, these developments build a vital bridge between research and practice. They are ensuring that emerging knowledge and robust insight directly shape the standards, programmes and support we provide. This is an investment in stronger evidence, deeper collaboration and better outcomes for the communities our sector exists to serve.”
Are you a researcher in the sport and physical activity sector?
The new Researcher membership category provides a clear career pathway within the occupation, from Provisional Accredited Researcher to Chartered Senior Researcher. Join now and gain the recognition you deserve.