A new plan setting out the future skills priorities for Lincolnshire’s sport and physical activity workforce has been launched.

The Lincolnshire Sport and Physical Activity Sector Local Skills Plan has been developed through extensive engagement with local education and training providers, employers, the sector workforce, National Governing Bodies and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The plan identifies the key workforce priorities needed to support the continued development of the sport and physical activity sector across the county.

The work has been led collaboratively, with input from Active Lincolnshire, CIMSPA and regional partners. The plan has also been developed alongside wider strategic priorities, including Greater Lincolnshire’s Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and local health priorities.

This alignment is particularly important as the health and care system continues to move towards more integrated, community-based approaches. Developing a skilled and confident sport and physical activity workforce will be vital in ensuring the sector can play its role in supporting the health and wellbeing of local communities.

The plan identifies three headline priorities:

- Align education with industry

Develop and implement clear career pathways across Lincolnshire, supporting the workforce to develop the skills needed to meet the changing needs of communities and employers.

- Inspire careers in sport and physical activity

Improve awareness of the career opportunities and pathways available within the sector, at all entry points, while supporting individuals to take ownership of their own career and business development.

- Strengthen work placements

Ensure greater collaboration and alignment across Lincolnshire to develop high-quality work placements that meet the needs of both the sector and the wider workforce.

Creating a stronger and sustainable sector

The launch of the plan marks an important step towards creating a stronger, more skilled and sustainable sport and physical activity workforce across Lincolnshire

Ryan Kirby, Workforce Development Manager, CIMSPA commented

I’m incredibly proud to see the Lincolnshire Sport and Physical Activity Sector Local Skills Plan launched. Over the last 18 months, the Lincolnshire Local Skills Accountability Board (LSAB) have dedicated significant time, expertise and energy to developing a plan that truly reflects the needs of our workforce and employers. This collaborative approach has resulted in a clear set of priorities that will help strengthen career pathways, raise awareness of opportunities and improve workforce development across the county. I’m looking forward to seeing the positive impact the plan has on individuals, employers and communities throughout Lincolnshire, and to continuing to work with partners to bring these priorities to life.

Laura Spurr, Skills Manager at Active Lincolnshire added:

Developing this plan has been a truly collaborative effort, reflecting the shared priorities members of the Local Skills Accountability Board have for Lincolnshire’s sport and physical activity sector. While the plan sets out recommendations, the board seeks to recognise the fantastic work already happening across the identified themes within the county and build on that momentum. A confident, highly skilled sector is essential, not just for creating fulfilling career opportunities, but for integrating physical activity into the health and wellbeing of our local communities.

Delivering the plan's priorities will require continued collaboration from organisations across the county. Employers, education and training providers, community organisations and other partners are encouraged to get involved and help shape the future of the local workforce.

By working together, the sector can create clearer routes into careers, support ongoing professional development and ensure that the workforce is equipped to meet the needs of Lincolnshire's communities.

Active Skills Hub

To support the development of Lincolnshire’s sport and physical activity workforce, Active Lincolnshire launched the Active Skills Hub, an easy-to-navigate digital platform bringing together training, development and career opportunities across the sector.

The Hub showcases the wide range of career pathways available in sport and physical activity across Lincolnshire, while helping people to build their skills and progress in their careers through signposting to relevant training and development opportunities. It provides a practical resource to support the priorities identified in Lincolnshire’s new Sport and Physical Activity Sector Local Skills Plan, helping to connect people with the opportunities they need to develop and strengthen the sector’s workforce

Read the Plan

Click on the image below to read the plan.

Local Skills Accountability Board

The next Local Skills Accountability Board meeting is scheduled to take place on 30th September 2026. To register to attend, or if you have any questions about the board, please reach out to Ryan Kirby ryan.kirby@cimspa.co.uk.