CIMSPA launches phase 3 of its Workforce Governance project, including exploration of the development of a national workforce registration scheme
Project follows Sport England and UK Sport’s policy response to the Whyte Review
CIMSPA to explore several work streams in collaboration with National Governing Bodies of Sport and the wider sector
Building on previous CIMSPA Workforce Governance consultation and research projects
19th May 2023
CIMSPA (the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) today (19 May 2023) confirms the launch of phase 3 of its Workforce Governance project, with the objective of supporting the workforce to allow everyone taking part to enjoy safe and high-quality experiences in a positive environment. This phase includes a two-year project to explore the development of a national workforce registration scheme, along with supporting infrastructure, policy and processes.
In line with an intention outlined in Sport England and UK Sport’s joint policy response to the Whyte Review, this next phase will incorporate detailed analysis to determine the requirements of a national registration scheme. This work will be undertaken with a representative group of sporting bodies over the next two years, after which recommendations will be made for a potential full implementation. It will also place an emphasis on supporting sporting bodies in being ready to implement a national register, should one be deemed viable.
Dr Vinny Webb, recently appointed as Head of Workforce Governance and Sporting Bodies at CIMSPA, will lead the project. Dr Webb has 20 years of experience in coach development, education and management, including stints at The Rugby Football League and British Cycling. Commenting on the launch of the project, Dr Webb said,
“This is one of the most important pieces of work for many years in the sport and physical activity sector, with the objective of supporting the workforce to allow everyone taking part to enjoy safe and high-quality experiences in a positive environment. In partnership with Sport England, UK Sport, NGBs and all other stakeholders, we look forward to evaluating the most effective strategy for delivering on that objective.”
Tara Dillon, CEO of CIMSPA, said,
“Following the Whyte Review policy response, we are pleased to be in a position to begin this vital project. Our focus will be on working collaboratively with all stakeholders from across sport and physical activity in the UK to develop a system to support coaches, volunteers and the wider workforce in providing safe and enjoyable experiences for all participants.”
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Notes
Background
Following the 2017 Duty of Care report and strategies including Active Nation and Uniting the Movement, CIMSPA has worked with Sport England, UK Sport and other organisations to explore a sector-wide approach to Workforce Governance.
This work has the objective of supporting, safeguarding and regulating the workforce to 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.
Workforce Governance: Phase 1 & 2
Phase 1 investigated the current state of play and the appetite of the sector for a project of this kind. A summary of the findings and recommendations can be found here.
Phase 2 saw research and engagement with stakeholders across the sector to gain a deeper understanding of how organisations are currently supporting the workforce and mitigating workforce related risks. It also examined the role and existing methods of workforce regulation and registration, and appraised best practice from other sectors and countries. Phase 2 was completed in 2022 and an executive summary can be found here.
Whyte Review Policy Response
In January 2023, in response to the Whyte Review into allegations of abuse in gymnastics (and in the context of other reports and studies into abuse and harm caused within sport), Sport England and UK Sport issued a joint policy response.
In total, the response included 19 commitments that spanned the areas of coaching and workforce support, performance athlete support, good governance, dispute resolution and creating safer environments for participants.
One of these commitments was for Sport England and UK Sport to work in partnership with CIMSPA and the National Governing Bodies of Sport to develop a national workforce registration scheme for coaches, to include their qualifications and suitability for work in specific roles.
Workforce Governance: Phase 3
Following Phase 1 and 2 of the Workforce Governance consultation, CIMSPA believes that a whole system approach will be the most effective strategy to protect participants from harm, promote safe sport and support the workforce.
We see this whole-system approach to workforce governance breaking down into four strands of work, to be covered in phase 3:
- Workforce evaluation
- Standards, policy and stakeholder engagement
- Support, auditing and action planning
- Workforce registration scheme
National Workforce Registration Scheme
A UK-wide workforce registration scheme will be a complex piece of work, requiring significant input and collaboration from across the sector (NGBs, Active Partnerships, employers, deployers, coaches, volunteers, participants, parents and others).
This next phase will incorporate detailed analysis to determine the requirements of a national registration scheme. It will also place an emphasis on supporting sports bodies in being ready to implement a national register, if one is deemed to be viable. This work will be undertaken with a representative group of sporting bodies over the next two years, after which recommendations will be made for a potential full implementation.
For any general enquiries about this project, please email workforcegovernance@cimspa.co.uk
For any media enquiries, please email press@cimspa.co.uk