Informed by insight

What CIMSPA data can do for you

Through the CIMSPA Insight Hub, sector stakeholders can access a growing library of intelligence, research and tools designed to support informed decision making across the sport and physical activity sector.

The Sport and Physical Activity Workforce Observatory delivers authoritative insight and foresight by leading the curation of intelligence, data trends and future modelling to support data-driven workforce planning, development and management. By fostering meaningful collaboration between academia and the sector, the observatory brings together a range of insight products, including workforce data dashboards, sector reports, research outputs and trend analysis. These resources are all in one accessible location within the CIMSPA Insight Hub for employers, partners and education providers.

Supporting workforce planning – why data matters

Within sport and physical activity, data isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet. For us, it’s about creating a sector where roles are clearly defined and valued, skills are matched to future opportunities and career pathways are supported by evidence, not guesswork. Workforce planning is becoming increasingly complex as the sector evolves to meet changing participation habits, technological innovation and growing expectations around health and wellbeing. The insight available through CIMSPA’s data platforms allows organisations to better understand these changes and respond with confidence.

For example, insight can help organisations to:

identify growth areas within the sector and anticipate future workforce needs

understand the skills and competencies employers are increasingly seeking

benchmark workforce size, roles and specialisms across different parts of the sector

plan recruitment, professional development and workforce investment.

This evidence-led approach supports organisations to develop strategies that are proactive rather than reactive, ensuring that the workforce is prepared for the future of the sector.

Informing education and training

Education providers play a critical role in preparing the next generation of sport and physical activity professionals. By accessing CIMSPA’s insight resources, colleges, universities and training providers can better understand the direction of the sector and adapt their programmes accordingly.

Insight into workforce demand, emerging roles and required competencies enables providers to review and refine curricula. This way, they can ensure that graduates and learners are equipped with the skills that employers need today and in the years ahead. This alignment between education and industry demand strengthens employability outcomes and supports a more resilient sector workforce.

Through this evidence-based approach, education and training providers can ensure their programmes remain relevant, responsive and recognised across the sector.

Strengthening professional recognition

Insight does not only inform organisations and training programmes – it also plays an important role in supporting individuals within the workforce.

As the sector continues to professionalise, having a clear understanding of workforce trends, emerging skills and recognised career pathways helps professionals make informed decisions about their own development. By engaging with sector insight, individuals can identify opportunities to enhance their skills, pursue continuing professional development (CPD) and progress within recognised occupational pathways.

This journey of development and professional growth is closely linked to CIMSPA professional status, which provides recognition that an individual meets the professional standards required within their role. By aligning their skills, qualifications and CPD with the evolving needs of the sector, professionals strengthen their standing within the workforce and demonstrate their commitment to maintaining high standards.

Building a more informed future for the sector

Ultimately, the value of insight lies in its ability to bring the sector together around shared understanding and evidence. By connecting employers, education providers, researchers and professionals with reliable workforce intelligence, CIMSPA is helping to create a more informed and collaborative sector.

Through the continued development of the Insight Hub by the Sport and Physical Activity Workforce Observatory and the partnerships that support it, stakeholders now have access to sector intelligence in a practical and usable format. This provides a powerful foundation of knowledge and an evolving, real-time definition of the workforce. The result is a stronger, more responsive system where workforce supply and sector demand are better connected.

This insight enables organisations to move beyond anecdotal evidence and make smarter strategic decisions grounded in robust data. Employers can identify emerging roles, understand regional workforce trends or recognise areas where new skills are required. Education providers can adapt their training to ensure that learning programmes remain aligned with the evolving needs of employers and the wider sector, supporting professionals to shape meaningful and recognised careers.

Informed by data, the sport and physical activity sector can continue to grow with confidence, building a workforce that is skilled, resilient and ready to meet the needs of the future.

Discover the data

Data Lens

This platform provides a real-time intelligence dashboard which can help sector organisations to inform their strategies and enhance workforce planning and development. With easy-to-use filters, users can interrogate data which focuses on their specific industry area or location. Utilising robust intelligence, the platform helps to define the industry and its occupational landscapes, map and monitor the workforce and support decisions that impact training, progression and job security.

NEW Data Lab

Created with researchers in mind, this platform brings together comprehensive datasets, research findings and workforce intelligence in one accessible, ethically governed space. Data Lab’s purpose is to empower better decisions, strengthen policy and deepen understanding of the people and organisations driving sport and physical activity across the UK.