The role of SkillsActive

This support will primarily be delivered by the SkillsActive Regional Development Managers backed up by a national project team and specialist staff. Steve Mitchell is the Project Director for RiC, Emma Forward is the Project Manager.

The SkillsActive offer is flexible and acknowledges that a ‘one size fits all’ approach is not the answer. Within the menu detailed below, CSPs can pick and choose where they need support, identify gaps and request additional support. SkillsActive is committed to working with CSPs to identify solutions and develop bespoke support. This work will be carried out in conjunction with national partners and a joined up approach will be adopted wherever feasible.

Planning

• Use of existing workforce data to identify need and deployment opportunities
• Identification of funding opportunities to enhance the RiC offer and address sustainability and exit routes (e.g. Train to Gain, Apprenticeships, Bursary schemes)
• Creating links with existing programmes and partners working on similar agendas e.g. Job Centre Plus, Personal Best, Pre Employment Toolkits

Recruitment

• Development of an online application system (should this be required by CSPs)

Induction

• Support with Skills for Life (literacy, numeracy, language) assessments using the Get Set Go CD resource (see below for more detail)
• Signposting to local Skills for Life training where appropriate
• Provision of ActivePassport for each recruit and verifier training for each CSP (see below for more detail)

Development, Deployment & continuation of the coaching journey

• Signposting of training opportunities identified in PDP and by ActivePassport
• Signposting of funding and programmes linked to the above e.g. linking the coach to an existing bursary scheme to undertake a UKCC Level 2 or tapping into Train to Gain funding to access NVQ qualifications (e.g. Event Stewarding, Fitness Instructing or Activity Leadership)

The ActivePassport system

SkillsActive will arrange tailored workshops to support CSPs with orientation around the ActivePassport, establishing each CSP as a verifier for qualifications/learning/volunteering experience, and overall tracking/management of individuals recruited onto the RiC programme. Where this has already taken place (e.g. London and West Midlands) an agreed value of additional support will be offered around implementing and adding value to the programme (e.g. more individual licences for the CSP or additional bespoke functionality).  Passports and verifier training are provided at no cost to the CSP and Regional Development Managers will liaise with CSPs to set this up.

Local support and workforce development expertise

Sustainable funding for workforce development in sport is an ongoing problem and SkillsActive have been tasked by both DIUS and DCMS to lead on this area of work on behalf of all partners and stakeholders in England. There are already some short term funding programmes and solutions in place across the country (e.g. bursaries and ESF funding), but there is inconsistency and a lack of coherence across all 9 regions. Through the national work of SkillsActive and the regional teams we can provide each CSP with expertise and advice around sustainable funding solutions and maximising the investment from other agencies (including the LSC and RDAs) into workforce development for sport.

A coherent and efficient application and administration system

There is potential to develop a CSP specific online application portal tailored according to local need, appropriately branded and accessible to all potential recruits. Using the expertise and systems gathered from the London Bursary, a process could be agreed with each CSP as to how they would like to see the administration and applicant support being utilised to ensure ease of use for all applicants.  We acknowledge that some CSPs have already started to develop application forms and processes but will work with any CSPs interested in developing this tool.

Skills for Life (literacy, numeracy & language)

Each CSP will be provided with the Get Set Go CD resource and linked to a Skills for Life training provider to support learners on to the programme. ‘Get Set Go’ includes:

1. Ask Dougie: A Virtual Careers Adviser. Talk to him. He will answer your questions and recommend jobs in sport and fitness that may be of interest to you.
2. Skills Check: A tool which shows the kind of literacy and numeracy you will need to work in the sport and fitness industry and will indicate whether you will need to brush up on these skills 
3. Initial Assessment: A tool which indicates the level at which your literacy and numeracy skills are and to ensure that you are offered the appropriate learning programme. 
4. Move On Practice Tests: Will give you the chance to sample the national tests in literacy and numeracy at levels 1 and 2. 
5. Vocational Directions: Will help you find more information about the different areas of sport and fitness you can work in, the progression routes, the qualifications and the levels of literacy and numeracy skills you will need to have.

SkillsActive Contact

For more information on RiC contact emma.forward@skillsactive.com