Local Government Sports Development Officer

entertaining your community in local government sports development

 

Introduction

Local government sports development teams are responsible for the provision, promotion, development and management of programmes and initiatives to increase sports participation within all areas of the local community.
Work Environment

Local government sports development officers are office-based, but spend some of the their time visiting sport and leisure facilities for meetings or particular events.
 They usually work a standard 37 hour week, but there may be some evening or weekend work required.
 

Daily Activities

 

Local government sports development officers establish, implement and monitor the local council’s sports development plan and ensure that participation in sport is encouraged and promoted to all sections of the local community.  They consult with partner organisations and the public about sports development and opportunities, in order to improve services and increase participation.

The specific duties of a local government sports development officer may vary according to the individual responsibility of the role and the location, but they might include some or all of the following tasks:

  • planning and promoting regular activities and initiatives for specific groups, such as helping young people discover and develop their sporting potential, or fitness classes for older people;
  • planning and promoting large scale sporting events, such as fun runs, marathons, youth games, football tournaments and athletics meets;
  • working closely with schools to support the National Physical Education and Sport Strategy and develop the links between sports clubs and schools;
  • supporting volunteering initiatives such as Sport England’s Step into Sport;
  • implementing and coordinating coaching education and mentoring schemes;
  • sourcing funding opportunities for sport related projects;
  • working with partner organisations and sports clubs across the local area to develop the delivery of sporting opportunities.

 

Skills & Interests

 

Local government sports development officers need:
 

  • an interest and ability in sport,
  • excellent written and verbal communication skills,
  • good organisational skills,
  • to be good team workers,
  • creativity in implementing strategies and plans,
  • motivational skills to encourage others.

 

Entry Requirements

 

Most local councils ask for a degree or HND in sport development, sport science or related subject.  Alternatively, or additionally, they might ask for a portfolio of relevant sport related qualifications including national coaching qualifications (possibly N/SVQs), an Apprenticeship, or first aid qualifications.
 There are often voluntary opportunities to get involved in sports coaching, which is valuable experience when applying for sports development jobs.
 There are professional qualifications available through ISPAL and the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management.
 

Estimated salary range

 

Local government sports development officers might expect to earn £20,000 - £28,000.
Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

Local government sports development officers may be able to progress into more managerial positions within the leisure services department.
Check the Skills Active careers website for a route map illustrating how you might progress your career within the leisure industry.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Entertaining Your Community.
Further Information & Services

ISPAL www.ispal.org.uk

Institute of Sport and Recreation Management www.isrm.co.uk

English Sports Council www.sportengland.org

Scottish Sports Council www.sportscotland.org.uk

SkillsActive www.skillsactive.com

Skills Active careers website www.skillsactive.com/careers

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library - under MB.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government sports development officer vacancies in the following places:

 

  • LGjobs.com - our official recruitment website for local government.
  • Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
  • Local council websites.
  • Local newspapers
  • National newspapers - The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

  • Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
  • Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
  • Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in - ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
  • Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.