Upskilling our local physical activity, leisure and sport sector remains a fundamental role for Active Lincolnshire. Thanks to Sport England funding via the National Lottery, we are making great strides in this area. This work continues to grow and evolve, with a focus on strengthening the workforce in areas of greatest need.

Headline achievements

• Developed the Active Skills Hub as a central gateway to training, jobs, events, news and career opportunities.
• Built on our partnership with UK Coaching to launch a county-wide e-commerce membership system, improving access to training for Lincolnshire’s sport and physical activity sector.
• Secured £123,480 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund investment to support skills and workforce development, funding 127 qualifications.
• Engaged 118 unique learners across Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland, enabling local people to access training aligned to community need.
• Co-funded seated exercise qualifications and in-person Flexibility, Aerobic, Balance and Strength training with Magna Vitae, supporting staff and Aspire to Be participants to deliver weekly community classes across all Magna Vitae leisure sites.

Programme focus and impact

During 2025–26, workforce development was aligned to local demand, with much of the work driven through the Active Communities Skills Programme, funded by UKSPF. The aim was to strengthen the workforce in areas with the greatest need. Reducing barriers to training and development, enabled more people to gain the skills and confidence needed to enter, progress within or diversify their roles in the physical activity sector. Investment in workforce development has translated into tangible outcomes across Lincolnshire:

• Organisations have increased their capacity to deliver inclusive activities, expanded their offer for underrepresented groups and strengthened local delivery through a more skilled and confident workforce.
  
• Participants reported greater confidence and increased opportunities to support their communities through physical activity

Active Skills Hub - inclusive workforce development

Building on our digital platform the Active Skills Hub, we further enhanced the platform through the introduction of integrated e-commerce functionality and expanded content. The Hub now provides a central gateway to training, jobs, events, news and career opportunities, helping individuals access development pathways while supporting employers to connect with skilled candidates and reduce recruitment challenges.

Training and development opportunities have been delivered through a range of trusted partners, with Active Lincolnshire coordinating provision across the system and helping organisations and individuals access appropriate support. A second round of the Skills Fund, made possible through UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) investment, enabled even more people and organisations to benefit from workforce development opportunities.

A wide range of qualifications and training was accessed including, ILM leadership qualifications, in person first aid, sport specific certificates, yoga, diabetes care, menopause awareness and culture and diversity workshops. A key benefit has been strengthening inclusivity. Engagement was particularly strong among women, disabled and neurodivergent individuals, and people from lower income communities. As a result, providers have increased their confidence to deliver inclusive sessions, creating more accessible opportunities for residents.