Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what plans he has in place to encourage (a) over-55s to become fitness instructors and coaches (b) other aspects of diversity in the physical activity sector workforce.

An inclusive and professional sport and physical activity workforce is a vital part of the sport and physical activity strategies of both government and the national sport council, Sport England.

Sport England published its workforce strategy ‘Working in an Active Nation’ on 12 September 2018 after a widespread sector consultation. The strategy sets out the intention to support the sport and physical activity workforce to become more customer focused and to increase its recognition as a professional sector.

Sport England has developed a series of strategic approaches and key actions that will help achieve the strategy’s objectives. This includes engaging with both traditional and new partners across the sector to improve the diversity and inclusion of the workforce at all levels.