CIMSPA is launching a new platform which will pull together the latest data and research into one place for the sector to access to inform decision making.

Set for launch next year, the Sport and Physical Activity Workforce Observatory is part of CIMSPA’s new strategy Releasing the Power of our Profession and is being funded by Innovate UK.

All the latest data and research into the sector’s workforce will be collated and made available for curriculum and policy development, to support management decisions, as well as to foster new research collaborations and interdisciplinary studies.

Spencer Moore, chief strategy officer at CIMSPA, says the Observatory will turn insight into foresight, curating multiple streams of research, trend analysis and future modelling to support the workforce with a future focus.

“There is a brilliant existing base of academics and system partner data specialists who already publish research into workforce development in sport, leisure, active wellbeing and physical activity, says Moore.

“The Workforce Observatory will draw this community together, encourage collaboration, avoid duplication and streamline the translation of research into operational practice within the sector, helping us make more informed decisions for the benefit of the workforce.”

“The Workforce Observatory will be integral to informing the future of professional standards development, supporting curriculum design, guiding employer strategies and recruitment and retention plans and informing policy.”

A team of insight specialists will be available to provide custom reports and consultancy. Already data and reports created from the team behind the Observatory have supported the Lawn Tennis Association with its tennis coach workforce strategy; provided a recruitment analysis for Hartlepool Borough Council ahead of the launch of a £35 million leisure facility in 2025 and provided PureGym with a detailed look at personal training trends.

The Observatory will be served by two data platforms: CIMSPA Data Lens, which is already available, and Data Lab, which is set to launch in 2025. Supported by the Advisory Board of academics and workforce research experts across the UK, the team at CIMSPA is currently building the Data Lab platform and developing the Observatory’s community ahead of a full launch next year.

CIMSPA also recently announced that its conference will return next year for the first time since the pandemic. It is scheduled to take place on 24 September 2025 at King Power Stadium in Leicester with keynote speakers, networking opportunities and an exhibition.