CSP Network have welcomed the launch of the independent appraisal of the future role of County Sport Partnerships (CSPs) in delivering the Government’s sport strategy, Sporting Future, as announced in the strategy in December 2015.
The strategy identified that CSPs have for a number of years been a key part of the local sporting landscape. They can play an important role in joining up local authorities, schools, the health, voluntary and business sectors and other organisations with an interest in delivery. However, at a time where local funding is under considerable pressure and more power and responsibility is being devolved to the local level, government is keen to consider how best we can encourage local organisations to work together to deliver the new sport strategy. The appraisal will not be an evaluation of CSPs current or past performance, but rather a consideration of the roles that CSPs will need to play in future.
Andy Reed OBE has been appointed by Department for Culture, Media and Sport to undertake the appraisal and a website has been established to capture as much input from as many people and organisations as possible (www.cspfuture.co.uk). This site includes more details on the scope of the work, timeline and how CSPs and stakeholders can contribute. As well as the online survey linked to the site there will be a number of consultation events organised across the country. Andy will be listening and consulting from now until the end of April 2016 and will submit his recommendations to the Department by June 2016.
Andy Reed OBE said:
“I am delighted to have been asked to conduct this independent appraisal of the CSPs in their local communities in light of the new Government strategy, ‘Sporting Future’ and the evolving local landscape in communities across the country. I would like to receive as many views as possible in the consultation period and will engage widely with stakeholder to make sure all voices are heard. I look forward to hearing from people and organisations with their suggestions about the best way forward. During this process I will be stepping aside from my role as Chair of Leicestershire & Rutland Sport while doing this.”
A spokesperson from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said:
“Government's new sport and physical activity strategy 'Sporting Future' is about getting everyone active. An integral part of this is enabling the development of locally-focused solutions which are tailored to what the customer wants. In considering this delivery at the local level, we now have the opportunity to look at the role of CSPs in helping to deliver the strategy. CSPs have already done a lot of good work which we recognise, and we want to build on that. We now want a clear vision for CSPs of the future, which are working in the best way possible to enable local people to get active. We are very happy that Andy is leading this work and are confident that he will offer a robust and thoughtful analysis”
Mike Diaper, Executive Director Community Sport at Sport England, said:
“We welcome the Government’s new strategy – Sporting Futures – and the timing of this independent appraisal. Andy is very familiar with how sport works at a local level and we are confident he will bring a balanced and objective approach to this piece of work. We would encourage all CSPs to engage in this process and make their voice heard. The recommendations from Andy’s appraisal will contribute to how we work with the sector to deliver the outcomes in Sporting Future.”
Lee Mason, Chief Executive, CSPN said:
“As with any national policy, the success of the new Government Sport Strategy will depend on the way it is embraced and delivered locally. This is therefore an excellent opportunity to consider how we can maximise the contribution of the national network of CSPs. We want to build on our progress over recent years and ensure we continue to evolve to meet the needs of our customers, communities and partners in the future. This process will help us to secure an agreed vision for the next generation of CSPs”
For more information on the CSP Network visit www.cspnetwork.org
Please contact Nicki Couzens, CSP Network Business and Communications Manger ncouzens@cspnetwork.org
