The plan aims to support the recruitment and retention of a skilled, diverse and resilient workforce that inspires lifelong participation in sport and physical activity, and contributes to Sheffield’s health, wellbeing and economic growth.
In collaboration with local employers, education providers, local authorities and employability-focused organisations, the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity have implemented a local skills plan for the sport and physical activity workforce in Sheffield.
Developed by the Sheffield Local Skills Accountability Board, the plan covers the city centre, surrounding areas and part of the Peak District National Park.
Underpinned by a rich sporting heritage, Sheffield sees sport and physical activity much more than just recreation. For every £1 invested in community sport, over £4 is generated in economic and social value, which contributes to public health savings, social cohesion and employment.
The Sheffield Local Skills Accountability Board brings together local organisations to match supply and demand in the sport and physical activity sector, to help ensure that the sector workforce can deliver health, economic and social benefits to the country as a whole.
This bespoke sector document aligns with the South Yorkshire Local Skills Improvement Plan 2023 to 2026, which focuses on current and future skills requirements and priorities, ensuring that technical education aligns with employer needs.
The Sheffield local skills plan outlines how we can support the local sport and physical activity workforce to deliver inclusive, high-quality active opportunities across the area. Created in collaboration, the plan has three recommendations:
- Support employers to embed a more diverse workforce that reflects Sheffield’s communities.
- Highlight and support career pathways in the sector through collaboration with education and employers.
- Build a connected work placement framework linking young people to local employers for career readiness.
Ryan Kirby is the Workforce Development Manager for Sheffield at CIMSPA:
“I’m really proud of how organisations across Sheffield have worked together to develop this skills plan.
“The collaborative approach is now embedded and already making a positive impact, strengthen the workforce and creating real opportunities for communities across the city and beyond.”
Chris Bailey, Chief Executive Officer of the Sheffield United Community Foundation and Chair of the Sheffield Local Skills Accountability Board said:
“This skills plan is a bold, collaborative step towards building a workforce that truly reflects Sheffield’s diversity and ambition.
“By aligning education, employers and community partners, we will create inclusive pathways into sport and physical activity careers, strengthen local health and wellbeing, and unlock economic opportunities across the city. It’s more than a plan, it’s a commitment to making Sheffield a healthier, more active and thriving place for everyone.”
Douglas Blackwood, People and Skills Development Manager at Yorkshire Sport Foundation said:
“The plan is written by Sheffield for Sheffield; it outlines how we can better support our sport and physical activity workforce, and how it can develop to meet future demand.
“Not only is this plan vital for our sector, it is also a key step to unlocking the vast opportunities of our sector in tackling wider societal challenges such as economic inactivity, productivity and long-term health conditions.”
Beth Brown, Operations Manager at the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (Sheffield) said:
“This extensive cross-sector collaboration ensures that the plan reflects the needs and priorities of the city. The shared understanding that has been developed will support its effective implementation and long-term impact.
“By providing a clear framework for workforce development, the plan will help our system with recruitment, retention and skills development, building a stronger, more resilient workforce and contributing to our shared mission of creating a happier, healthier Sheffield.”