BRINGING THE SECTOR TOGETHER

In September, CIMSPA held its first conference since February 2020. WellNation was among the 300 delegates that gathered to discuss the multitude of complex health, economic and social challenges facing the sector

The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)’s first conference for five years was held at the King Power Stadium in Leicester on Wednesday 24th September. The event attracted more than 300 delegates and 20 exhibitors. With a theme of ‘connecting the dots’, the conference spotlight was placed firmly on the role that the sport and physical activity workforce plays in tackling some of the biggest challenges that the country faces and how, through innovation and collaboration, the crucial work that the sector workforce delivers can have impact at scale. The thought-provoking programme included keynote speakers, expert panels and a choice of breakout workshops covering topic areas such as health and active wellbeing, education and career development, workforce planning and management, and inclusive participation.

The introduction of professional status marks a huge opportunity for the sector’s workforce to be formally recognised by peers, allied sectors, and the public

CONNECTING THE DOTS

The day began with a welcome from CIMSPA CEO Tara Dillon, who spoke candidly about the challenges the sector has faced since 2020, and how the recent introduction of professional status for the workforce represented a huge opportunity for professionals to be formally recognised by their peers, allied sectors, and the general public.

Next to take the lectern was Will Watt, founder of social value and wellbeing economics consultancy State of Life, who passionately advocated for the use of data to support wider recognition of the true value of physical activity and how it can be used as a key driver to influence investment and policy decisions at the highest level.

Post-lunch and networking, CIMSPA’s Director of Professional Services, Communications and Engagement, Annette Wade-Clarke invited broadcaster, writer and women’s health expert Dr Nighat Arif to the stage for what was an inspiring, insightful and open conversation on how system change is needed to improve how women and girls are trained in a sport and physical activity environment, with more tailored learning and specialised delivery required to help expedite the move away from outdated methods that are traditionally based on the male body.

EVENT REVIEW

The day’s final speaker was Matt Hampson OBE, former professional rugby player and founder of the Matt Hampson Foundation.

The former England Under-21 international’s inspirational talk was an impactful and emotional way to round off the day, as he described his journey from a rugby-mad youngster to his dream job as a professional, and how a freak, life-changing accident on the rugby field left him paralysed from the waist down. Hampson then moved on to his journey of recovery and self-reflection, which led him to create the foundation, which now inspires and supports new generations of young people who are seriously injured through sport.

His praise for the support of the rugby community was evident throughout, whilst foundation staff members in the audience were also eager to share their own personal stories that led them to be working alongside Hampson.

After leading the subsequent Q&A session with Matt, Tara Dillon then closed the event with a rallying call to turn the day’s conversation into connection, and connection into lasting change for the sector.

We need system change to move beyond outdated, male-based training methods for women and girls

CONTINUOUS LEARNING

Speaking after the event, Clare Dunn – Associate Director of Business Engagement at CIMSPA, said: “The industry has been through so many changes since our last conference, back in February 2020, and with professional status being launched the week before this conference, it felt like the perfect time to bring everyone together to explore the complex health, economic and social challenges that the sector currently faces.

“It was fantastic to see so many professionals representing all areas of the sector in the one building, all eager to discover insight and inspiration to help them elevate and amplify the impact of sport and physical activity in the UK, and the feedback we’ve received after the event has all been incredibly positive.

“We’d also like to thank our headline sponsor EGYM UK and our other event sponsors Alliance Leisure, myFitApp, IndigoFitness and the Welsh Sports Association (WSA) for their support in helping to make the day such a success.”

CIMSPA have yet to announce their plans for a 2026 event, but those interested have been advised to keep an eye on the CIMSPA website and social media channels for the latest updates around future events [https://www.cimspa.co.uk](https://www.cimspa.co.ukwe/)