The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), as the professional body representing the sector workforce, has welcomed the strategy and urged the Government to continue to increase its cross-department collaborative work to realise significant economic, wellbeing and social impact that the sports and physical activity sector can bring.

Tara Dillon, CEO of CIMSPA said: 'It’s great to see the Department for Culture, Media and Sport committing to ensuring that the sport and physical activity sector thrives with this new strategy.

'We are really pleased that the Government has recognised the work that CIMSPA is doing to support the professionals that work right across our sector. It is great to see the strategy acknowledging the important role that our workforce has, not only in helping the nation to become more active, but also in supporting economic development through the varied, flexible and sustainable career paths that our sector offers.

'The focus that the strategy has on delivering a localised approach to services and provision, is very much welcomed. CIMSPA is already working with local employers, education providers and other stakeholders that deliver a range of public services, to ensure that the workforce has the skills required to support local needs. This approach will help to empower the sector to create innovative, inclusive opportunities that not only meet the demands of local communities, but ultimately ensure that the workforce of the future is attracted and retained.

'We are encouraging the Government to explore more collaborative work across departments to truly harness the fantastic impact that our sector has on the health and wellbeing of communities as well as the huge contribution that the sector makes to the economy.

'We are committed to continuing to work with DCMS and other Government departments including the Department for Health and Social Care, the Department for Education, DLUC, DWP and the Treasury to ensure that the immense benefits that our sector brings to communities are recognised and maximised.'

Get Active: A strategy for the future of sport and physical activity also commits to embedding the highest standards of professionalism across the sector workforce through the pilot project for the national workforce registration scheme which CIMSPA is currently leading.

Commenting on the pilot, Tara said: 'The strategy also highlights the National Workforce Registration Scheme pilot, which CIMSPA has been commissioned to lead, and the crucial role that this project has in the future of the sector. The scheme will provide the talented individuals that work in the sector with greater professional recognition and allow everyone taking part in sport and physical activity to enjoy safe and high-quality experiences, and to be supported in achieving their goals in a positive environment.'

Get Active: A strategy for the future of sport and physical activity, provides a springboard to helping CIMSPA to shape a recognised, valued and inclusive sport and physical activity sector that everyone can be part of.

Tara said: 'CIMSPA has always been committed to a collaborative approach to developing our fantastic sector and the professionals that work in it.We look forward to working with the Government on their implementation of this strategy and with our system partners to continue to develop the sector.'