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. Our core funding from Sport England highlights the importance of supporting the sector to be more integrated with workforce priorities. On average, we organise 100 training courses a year, covering a range of subjects, attracting over 3000 delegates. We achieve this objective via different means, as shown below.

All our upcoming training events can be found on our Events Page and included in our Monthly Newsletter.

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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 everyone:

• 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. Reach out to l.gallagher-smith@herts.ac.uk for more information.

 

• The Active Local approach is identifying local people (in our targeted areas of Cowley Hill, Borehamwood and Waltham Cross, Broxbourne) and supporting them to develop their skills so they can lead local and sustain local initiatives. Reach out to c.stratford@herts.ac.uk for more information.

 

• Active Connections supports the upskilling of the health sector to feel more confident talking about physical activity and how it can benefit their patients. Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire has developed a Champions Programme who act as ambassadors for active ageing. Reach out to hsphealth@herts.ac.uk for more information.

 

• 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. Reach out to t.mcmanus2@herts.ac.uk for more information.

 

• School Sport: Supporting teachers and organisations working in schools to develop innovative and inclusive practice. Initiatives include: the Annual PE Conference, Leadership and Volunteering Academy, Project Inclusion, and Teacher CPD. Reach out to t.angus2@herts.ac.uk for more information.

 

• Crime Reduction through Sport – the Partnership secured funding from the Hertfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner via the Home Office. Please follow-up with c.zavadilova@herts.ac.uk for more information.

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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

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Professional Development & Network Groups

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)
• Head Teacher Advocates
• Sustainability Champions

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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

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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).

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Leadership Development

Leading the Movement – Hertfordshire Leadership Programme

Leading the Movement is a new initiative designed to strengthen leadership across Hertfordshire’s sport and physical activity sector. Building on Sport England’s national £5 million investment, the programme supports leaders at all levels to develop the skills, confidence, and insight needed to drive system-wide change.

Through a combination of workshops, mentoring, and expert-led masterclasses, participants will explore themes such as inclusive leadership, collaboration, and place-based working. The programme aims to empower leaders to tackle inequalities, nurture diverse leadership pipelines, and promote innovation and partnership working across the county.

• Peer Learning Networks: Regular forums connecting leaders across the county to share experiences, challenges, and solutions.

• Action Learning Projects: Hands-on initiatives allowing participants to apply leadership skills in real-world, community-focused projects.

• Leadership Insights and Resources: Access to tailored toolkits, research, and guidance to support ongoing personal and organisational development.

Through workshops, mentoring, masterclasses, and collaborative projects, participants are empowered to lead meaningful change, foster collaboration, and strengthen Hertfordshire’s sport and physical activity ecosystem.

Supported Places – Leadership Programme