With just a few weeks until the General Election, CIMSPA – the organisation that represents people working in the health and fitness and physical activity and fitness sectors – has launched a manifesto for the next UK government.

Agenda for Action calls on all political parties to work with the sector and recognise the impact it could have on the health service, through preventing long-term health conditions, enabling quicker recovery, improving the economic value of local areas and delivering community cohesion.

There are five key asks for the next government:

1. To formally embed the sector within health policy planning.

2. Support flexible skills development in the sector.3. Continue with a place-based approach to local skills delivery.

4. Support the future implementation of a workforce registration scheme.5. Implement practical measures to support small businesses that keep communities active.

Tara Dillon CEO of CIMSPA said: “The next government will face some significant challenges, not least in relieving pressure on the health service and creating sustainable economic growth. The sport and physical activity sector, and in particular our talented and dedicated workforce, can make a huge contribution towards addressing these and many other challenges.

“Agenda for Action, sets out five key asks of the next government which, through a joined-up approach to policy creation that transcends departments, could generate massive benefits for individuals, communities and the country as a whole.

“Our sector is driven by an incredibly passionate workforce that has the ability to engage people from all backgrounds. With the right support to scale the work that sport and physical activity professionals do, we're the sector that can be the catalyst to driving improvements to health, wellbeing and the economy.”

CIMSPA launched a seven-year strategy earlier this year.

To read the full report visit: CIMSPA’s seven-year strategy