11 Aug 2016

Independent appraisal in to the role of County Sports Partnerships published

The appraisal follows the publication of the Government’s Sporting Future strategy and Sport England’s Towards an Active Nation strategy and was designed to assess the how best CSPs could deliver on the key outcomes established in both strategies.

The appraisal took in numerous and wide-ranging views from across the sector. Six consultation sessions were held across the country and over 180 responses were submitted through the review website – a clear reflection of the level of interest in CSPs and their future role.

Overall, the appraisal concludes that CSPs and the CSP Network (CSPN) remain vital to the success of the sector in achieving the Government and Sport England’s objectives. However, the appraisal makes a number of key recommendations for improvement including:

Greater clarity and consistency in the core specification for CSPs set out by Sport England, including revision where necessary to align it with the outcomes set out in Sporting Future and Towards an Active Nation.
More flexibility to adapt the CSP offer to local circumstances, recognising that the new strategic approach will require working with a wider range of partners encompassing those in health, the private sector and Local Enterprise Partnerships.
Continued, proactive review of CSP structures to ensure they remain fit for purpose in the changing environment and in particular in light of emerging devolution deals.
Rapid intervention by Sport England where performance falls below the level expected but at the same time a light touch approach for those CSPs that perform consistently well.
Improved governance arrangements – including compliance with the forthcoming UK Sports Governance Code – and efficiencies through shared services.
Clarification of the role of the CSPN to ensure there is a clear division of responsibilities.

James Allen, Director of Policy, Governance and External Affairs said: “We welcome the independent appraisal and its key conclusion that CSPs and the CSPN remain vital to the sector’s ability to deliver on the Government’s and Sport England’s strategic objectives.”

“Nonetheless, the new strategic landscape means change is necessary in some areas – for example to improve governance, financial sustainability and accountability – and we look forward to working with CSPN to support this important process.”

The CSP appraisal can be downloaded here.

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