Physical activity and sport sector publishes its policy calls

By Sports Think Tank | 01 February 2024 | TAGS:

• Sports Think Tank has published The Road to the 2024 Election Manifesto – over 100 policy ideas for sport, physical activity and wellbeing
• All ideas and proposals in the document are designed to be resource-neutral
• The document will be shared with leading political parties to present them with the sector’s views and ideas ahead of the general election in 2024.

A collection of more than 100 policy ideas from the physical activity, wellbeing, and sport sector has today been published by The Sports Think Tank.

The Road to the 2024 Election Manifesto – 100 policy ideas for sport, physical activity and wellbeing is a 165-page document presenting policy calls, ideas and proposals from 29 physical activity sector organisations.

Each organisation has created resource-neutral policies which they would want the UK’s political parties to champion in their forthcoming manifestos and first 100 days in office. 

The policy calls range from cutting red tape, raising standards and suggestions on how to redirect existing funding to more specific proposals; such as elevating the status of PE within the curriculum and include active environments in planning policies.

GM Moving CEO, Hayley Lever, authored a chapter on behalf of the Active Partnership Network, a nationwide physical activity and sport network that exists to create a healthier, fairer nation, focusing on Place and Health.

The chapter suggests publishing Integrated Care System’s  (ICS) annual spend as a proportion of total spend and for physical activity to be integrated within health and social care measurement frameworks.

There are also calls for Patient Lifestyle Data to include physical activity, wellbeing to be a mandatory consideration  and inclusion in future Devolution Deals, and new Wellbeing Impact Assessments in decision making and policy.

Addressing the deep-seated inequalities across the sector is a common theme among the proposed policies, as are ensuring better provision for children and young people, and moving the sector towards health and wellbeing, especially through prevention.

Commenting on the publication of the document, Kim Leadbeater MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Sport, said:

“It is not hyperbole to claim that physical activity remains one of the most under-used resources we have at our disposal when tackling some of our most persistent challenges, from easing the pressures on the NHS, tackling crime, and improving economic productivity to finding ways to level up.

“That’s why this is a crucial document. It brings together ideas, proposals, and calls from across the sport, physical activity, and wellbeing sector, making for a fascinating and inspiring read.

“From simple ideas that could be easily implemented to more wide-reaching changes intended to shift the dial on public discourse, there is plenty of food for thought.”

Hayley Lever, CEO of GM Moving, added:  

“It has been a fantastic experience authoring a chapter of this document, working alongside so many brilliant colleagues in Active Partnerships up and down the country.  

“I’m confident that Active Partnerships across England and the GM Moving team in Greater Manchester can lead, support, and connect with organisations in our places to bring these ideas to fruition. 

“There are so many connections throughout this fantastic document and, at GM Moving, we stand ready to play our part. 

“There is no doubt about movement, physical activity, and sport’s ability to improve people’s lives and deliver a healthier, happier Greater Manchester.” 

Andy Reed OBE, founder and director of Sports Think Tank, said:

“We know there is no shortage of reports, ideas and policy asks produced by the sector. They all add to the case and are very welcome.

“But we felt there was still some space for organisations who don’t always get heard but have something useful to add. It also has become clear that the sector will not be able to rely on additional government spending.

“While it is easier to ask for large policy wins, with resource implications, we felt using the principle of marginal gains – so well used in sporting circles – was a fresh, much-needed approach.

“We aim for the work we have done to collect these policy ideas to be the start of an iterative process involving both the contributors and policy makers.”

The organisations who contributed their policy ideas ranged from national governing bodies of sport, universities and colleges, charities, industry bodies and consultants to architects and commercial companies.

The full list of contributors is: Youth Sport Trust, Play England, Activity Alliance, Women in Sport, Sported, UK Sport, The Active Partnership Network, Sporting Equals, Loughborough College, UK Coaching, StreetGames, Intelligent Health, British Judo Association, British Canoeing, Loughborough University, Active IQ, Sportily, Sport for Development Coalition, State of Life, David Morley Architects, Max Associates, SLC, Fitmedia, Data Sport 80, Oaks Consultancy, Farrars Building Chambers, Sports Communications, Henham Strategy.