the asa (the national governing body involved in every component of swimming) and SkillsActive have been working in partnership to roll out a brand new online workforce development solution for sport.

By using the innovative ‘SkillsActive Analyser’ tool, the asa will be able to equip their staff – both paid and volunteers – with the skills and training they need to ensure that they are professionally qualified and able to coach and develop others at a consistently high standard, as well as meet the future challenges and training needs of the sector.

Designed by SkillsActive, the SkillsActive Analyser is an online tool, initially for sports governing bodies, county sport partnerships and sports clubs, which identifies training needs within the workplace and signposts training solutions. Through a specific analysis function, sports employers can identify the job roles where they have skills and training requirements.

Jane Nickerson, director of operations at the asa, said: “As an organisation we are always striving to ensure our workforce (teachers, coaches, administrators, volunteers and direct employees) are working to the highest standards and have both the skills and confidence they need to succeed. The SkillsActive Analyser will make it easier for us to identify and meet their training needs and provide appropriate training.”

Business services manager at SkillsActive, Claire Mitchell said: “I am delighted that the asa are pioneering the SkillsActive Analyser on behalf of the sports sector. SkillsActive has developed the SkillsActive Analyser specifically to meet the needs of the sports sector and the asa are a large governing body with huge numbers of people working for them. To be able to identify skills gaps across this workforce is essential for development for the future.”

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For more information contact the asa PR Manager Sharon Rose on 01509 632262, 07876 652318 or email sharon.rose@swimming.org

SkillsActive is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the sport and fitness, playwork, the outdoors and caravan industries – known as the active leisure and learning sector. For more information about SkillsActive, please visit www.skillsactive.com

The asa is the English National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Open Water, and Synchronised Swimming. It organises competition throughout England, establishes the Laws of the Sport and operates comprehensive certification and education programmes for Teachers, Coaches and Officials as well as its renowned Learn To Swim Awards scheme. The asa supports 1,220 affiliated swimming clubs through a National/Regional/County structure. The asa aims to ensure everybody has an opportunity to learn to swim.

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