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Barriers to workforce explored in new report

A new report, released in full today, highlights barriers and enablers to disabled people becoming part of the sport and physical activity workforce.

Group of disabled people doing leg stretches during a group PT session

Activity Alliance has published a new report that has found the sport and physical activity sector needs to urgently address recruitment and retention strategies.  

‘Research into the workforce gap - Disabled people in the sport and physical activity workforce’ has been published off the back of concerning figures in Activity Alliance’s Annual Activity and Disability Survey 2023-24. 

It showed that disabled people are half as likely to see ‘people like me’ working in sport and physical activity compared to their non-disabled peers. Only 9% of disabled people agreed they have the opportunity to become a coach or take on a role in delivering sport or physical activity, compared to 24% of non-disabled people. 

The new research, based on 25 interviews with people in the sport and physical activity workforce, provides three key headline recommendations.  

  • Provide advice and guidance for employers.  
  • Adopt a ‘flexible by default’ approach to job roles.  
  • Proactively identify and remove barriers that exist at all stages of the workforce journey.  

From impressions of the sector at large, to the experiences of joining and staying part of the workforce, interviewees shared personal stories that highlighted examples of both good and bad practice. 

Participants’ journeys challenged perceptions of what ‘success’ means in the workforce – the traditional model of paid employment as the ultimate goal not always aligning with lived experiences. They said that making a difference to the experience of others can represent a more meaningful ‘pinnacle’ of a workforce journey. Interviewees also recognised that they bring the benefit of lived experience to the workforce, which helps the sector to meet the needs of diverse participants. 

The full report explores the sport and physical activity sector at large, as well as the different stages of being part of the workforce from joining through to moving on. It shows the importance of taking a person-centred approach throughout. 

A series of case studies have been published alongside the report, to highlight the many varied routes taken to get into the workforce. Most of those who took part were disabled employees, volunteers and employers. Each share a very personal story, with enablers and barriers differing for each person. The case studies helped to demonstrate people’s journeys and develop appropriate recommendations that would make a real difference to those we spoke to. 

Read the full report, executive summary and each case study

*The executive summary of this report was published in October 2024.