A major training initiative have been created by Sport England and CIMSPA to help the sport and physical activity sector reopen.
CIMSPA (the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) have been supported by a £250,000 investment of National Lottery money from Sport England in workforce and volunteer training.
The ReActivate course will enable workers and volunteers to return with confidence.
After the shut down due to restrictions imposed as a result of coronavirus (Covid-19), the reopening of indoor gyms and leisure facilities is anticipated in the coming weeks – and CIMSPA chief executive officer Tara Dillon wants the workforce to be as prepared as possible.
“The sport and physical activity workforce and volunteers are going to play a vital role in keeping the nation fit and healthy as we emerge from this crisis,” she said.
“With our recent Return to Work survey indicating that 40% have some degree of apprehension about returning, it is vital that we give them the support they need to return with confidence and create a safe environment for the public.
“The resources we are providing with support from Sport England and our delivery partners are designed to give all stakeholders the ability to reopen with confidence.”
A recent CIMSPA survey indicating that up to 6% of the physical activity workforce are planning to leave the sector
ReActivate will take the form of a free, online training platform and has been commissioned by CIMSPA and funded by Sport England.
It will be delivered by a consortium of partners, each with extensive experience in online training and the physical activity sector and led by Future Active Workforce CIC.
Its content will cover topics such as risk management, social distancing, cleaning and use of equipment and coronavirus-specific procedures, as well as health and wellness support for all staff still on furlough.
Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a CIMSPA ‘Covid-Safe’ training certificate.
ReActivate will go live in the coming days and will be free to use for 12 months, for anyone working or volunteering in the sport and physical activity sector in England.
Sport England chief executive, Tim Hollingsworth, is keen to see help get to those who most need it.
“Sport and physical activity play a crucial role in our health and wellbeing and we recognise the vital role of those who work in the leisure sector, as well as the countless volunteers and sports coaches who keep our communities active,” he said.
“It is absolutely vital to give everyone who needs it access to the resources and training they need to confidently return to their roles, and this is why we have invested in this major training initiative.”
