Dr Luciana De Martin Silva, Principal Lecturer in Sports Coaching at Hartpury University, has played a pivotal role in the revision of the national Coach Professional Standard for the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).
As a member of CIMSPA’s Specialist Expert Group (SEG), Dr De Martin Silva contributed expert insight that was instrumental in refining the new standard. Her recommendations have directly influenced key enhancements that will guide the future of coaching practice and education across the UK.
Andy McGill, CIMSPA’s Interim Head of Education and Career Development, said: “We’re extremely grateful for Dr De Martin Silva’s time and expertise during this review. Her feedback was invaluable and prompted several important revisions to the draft standard, many of which have been included in the final version. These changes will have a lasting impact across the sector, influencing how institutions structure their coaching programmes and helping to shape the next generation of professionals.”
Dr De Martin Silva reflected on the opportunity: “It’s been a privilege to contribute to a standard that supports coaches and enhances everyday practice. Knowing that our input can help strengthen the foundations of coaching across the sector is incredibly rewarding.”
The newly revised Coach Professional Standard serves as a national benchmark, providing clear and consistent expectations for competence across the sport and physical activity sector. It will be used by education partners including universities, colleges, awarding organisations, and private training providers to guide the design and delivery of qualifications and curricula, supporting thousands of students each year as they develop professional skills and careers in coaching.
This collaborative effort underlines Hartpury University’s continued commitment to shaping national standards, driving sector-wide improvement, and aligning education with professional practice. Hartpury University holds multiple CIMSPA-endorsed degree programmes, including BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching, BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning, BSc (Hons) Sports Management, and BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy, ensuring graduates enter the workforce with qualifications recognised for their quality and relevance.
Over the past three years, Luciana has served as an endorsement moderator for CIMSPA, a role that has given her valuable insight into the endorsement process. Her experience enabled her to offer informed guidance and support to colleagues, helping ensure that Hartpury’s curriculum continues to meet national benchmarks and reflect best practice across the sport and physical activity sector.
By setting a clear, ambitious, and achievable framework for coaching practice, the revised standard will:
· Increase professionalism – ensuring individuals entering or progressing in the sector demonstrate verified competence and expertise.
· Drive quality – enabling education providers to deliver consistent, high-quality training.
· Support workforce development – creating clearer pathways for career progression, attraction, and retention across the sport and physical activity industry.
