Workforce Development

Millions of people work in the sport and physical activity sector, either paid or unpaid in the UK. The sector is made up of dedicated volunteers, coaches, and the professional workforce e.g., paid professionals who are employed or self-employed basis. 

One of our Enablers of Change in our Strategic Plan is ‘Fit for Purpose Workforce’ - a diverse and welcoming workforce with the skills and behaviours to be able to offer fun, safe and progressive activities that attract and retain individuals in sport and physical activity. In 2024-25 we organised over 100 training courses, covering a range of subjects, and attracting over 2500 delegates. We achieve this objective via different means…..

Projects and Programmes

There is a workforce development strand embedded in all our projects and programmes, enabling us to provide high quality and inclusive experiences, for example….

• Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire (LLBiH) is developing a Champions Programme who act as ambassadors for the movement
• There is a substantial training element to the HAPpy Camps programme providing support to providers focusing on the specific needs of the target audience
• The Active Local approach is identifying local people and supporting them to develop their skills so they can lead local and sustain local initiatives

Coach & Club Development

These projects have workforce development at their core, supporting clubs and coaches with the skills and knowledge they need to offer exceptional experiences that with recruit and retain people into a lifelong love of sport and physical activity. All our upcoming training events can be found on our Events Page and included in our Monthly Newsletter.

School Sport

A key part of our School Sport work is supporting teachers and organisations working in schools to develop innovative and inclusive practice. Workforce development initiatives include:

• Annual PE Conference - a mix of keynote addresses, practical and theory interactive sessions for 200+ PE leads, Headteachers and PE link governors 
• Leadership and Volunteering Academy - supports and develops young leaders through upskilling and by providing a pathway to future volunteering roles
• Project Inclusion - promotes mainstream leadership opportunities for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)
• Teacher CPD - specific qualifications and CPD to support teachers in leading PE in primary schools.

Directory of Training Providers

Unlock your full potential with our comprehensive training resources - our Training Directory section is designed to help you enhance your knowledge and capabilities and includes training providers in the following categories:

• Community sport organisations
• Environmental sustainability
• First aid
• Governance
• Health
• Inclusion
• Marcomms
• Safeguarding
• Sports Coaches and volunteers
• Sports development professionals
• Sports leadership

Professional Development & Network Groups

We directly organise and promote a range of Continuous Professional Development Opportunities (CPD) to upskill the sector in a range of relevant topics. Examples include:

• Mental Health in Sport - East Region Sport Welfare Series
• Inclusion in Sport Learning Series
• Introduction to HSP for New Partners

In addition, we convene a number of Network Groups to facilitate better co-ordination, sharing and learning, and includes:

• Local Authority Liaison
• National Governing Bodies of Sport
• Leisure Operators and CIMSPA
• Sector Skills Accountability Board (see below)
• Crime Reduction through Sport
• Head Teacher Advocates
• Sustainability Champions

Sector Skills Accountability Board

The Sector Skills Accountability Board brings employers together who operate in the sport and physical activity sector. The Board is set up to understand the needs of the sector and devise and implement an action plan to ensure the sector is effective at recruiting and retaining a high quality and diverse workforce. Key areas of focus are:

• Education and Career Pathways
• Addressing Workforce Capacity and Training Needs
• Insight and Data

Funding for Workforce Development

Where we can, we offer workforce development opportunities free of charge (as part of our funded programmes) or at a subsidised rate to maximise take-up. Our funding page highlights a number of opportunities including the regular Funding Matters Newsletter (please register to receive updates).

In Summary - What does Workforce Development mean to us? 

• Appropriate recruitment, selection, retention, and upskilling systems and processes. 

• A workforce that is representative of Hertfordshire's diversity and make-up of its local communities. 

• People-first approach to upskilling workers for long-term success. 

• Offering training, development opportunities, and continuing education programs to maximise their job success and career pathway. 

• Keeping colleagues prepared for the future, equipped to handle further technological changes or skill demands.