A new plan aiming to enhance connectivity, skills and opportunities across Gloucestershire’s sport and physical activity workforce has been launched, with Hartpury University and Hartpury College playing a leading role in its development.
In collaboration with employers, education providers, local authorities and organisations focused on employability, the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) has coordinated the implementation of a local skills plan designed to support regional health, economic and community priorities.
Developed by the Gloucestershire Local Skills Accountability Board, which is co-chaired by Hartpury’s Michael Tambling (Head of Sport, Outdoor Adventure and Uniformed Public Services at Hartpury College) and Sarah Lee (Head of Department for Sport at Hartpury University), the plan identifies key workforce challenges and skills gaps across the areas of Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds.
Gloucestershire has a higher-than-average proportion of residents aged 65 and over, a figure projected to continue rising. With activity levels often declining with age, and older adults requiring greater support from health and care services, the plan stresses the importance of developing a workforce skilled in engaging this demographic. Sport and physical activity can play a vital role in prevention, community connection and improving wellbeing.
Participation in sport and physical activity currently generates more than £1.24 billion in social value across the county, supporting physical and mental health, reducing loneliness and strengthening communities.
The Local Skills Accountability Board brings together a range of local partners to ensure that workforce supply matches sector demand, helping to secure long-term health, social and economic benefits for Gloucestershire.
The Gloucestershire local skills plan highlights four priority recommendations to support, develop and retain a strong, inclusive sector workforce:
1. Establish robust pathways between education providers and employers to address recruitment gaps and support smoother transitions into employment.
2. Increase connectivity with employability services to help local people not currently in education, employment or training access sport and physical activity roles.
3. Develop skills within the workforce to better support the county’s priority health challenges and improve community wellbeing.
4. Provide ongoing support and training to enhance career progression and staff retention across the sector.
Toby Hodder, Workforce Development Manager for Gloucestershire at CIMSPA, said: “The Gloucestershire local skills plan has been developed by a dedicated group of organisations, united in their commitment to strengthen the local sport and physical activity sector. Although this plan is at the beginning of its journey, I’m excited about the impact that it can, and will achieve. Empowering the local sport and physical activity workforce to continue its outstanding contribution to regional priorities in skills development, employment and health.”
Michael Tambling, Co-Chair of the Gloucestershire Local Skills Accountability Board and Head of Sport, Outdoor Adventure and Uniformed Public Services at Hartpury College, said: “The Gloucestershire local skills plan is a bold and timely blueprint for unlocking the full potential of our region’s sport and physical activity workforce. At Hartpury, we’re proud to be part of a movement that places education at the heart of community transformation.
“By nurturing driven, future-focused individuals ready to make a meaningful impact in the industries they wish to pursue, we’re not just preparing students for jobs, we’re preparing them to lead. This plan ensures our curriculum is shaped by real-world demand and that our learners are equipped to inspire healthier, more active lives across Gloucestershire.”
Sarah Lee, Co-Chair of the Gloucestershire Local Skills Accountability Board and Head of Department for Sport at Hartpury University, said: “It has been a real privilege to work collaboratively with industry, support services and other educational providers to bring this local skills plan to life. As an educational provider, this plan guides how we can strengthen skill development and career pathways for individuals eager to pursue fulfilling careers in the sport and physical activity sector.
“Together with our partners, this plan demonstrates our shared commitment to workforce development and retention and highlights the value we place locally on giving communities improved access to sport and physical activity, helping drive positive health outcomes.”
Darren Morris, Club Manager at East Glos Club, added: “As an employer in the sport and leisure industry, we have many roles covering sports coaching, grounds, customer service and hospitality. The skills plan will help promote our industry to the future workforce.”
“The local skills accountability board has brought together an excellent group of local stakeholders with the knowledge and understanding needed to enable delivery of the skills plan, which will no doubt assist future generations pursuing careers in sport, physical activity and health.”
Alice Turner, Active Lifestyles Lead (South West) at Sense, said: “As a national disability charity, Sense are thrilled to have been involved in the development of the Gloucestershire local skills plan. This ensures we are developing a truly inclusive workforce and supporting disabled people to develop key skills required to pursue sports leadership and employment opportunities.”
Read the sport and physical activity local skills plan for Gloucestershire here: https://www.cimspa.co.uk/local-skills/gloucestershire/
