ISRM – Position Statement - the way forward

Background

At the Extraordinary General Meeting in Leicester on May 15th 2006 the members supported the Trustees by a vote of three to one in not proceeding with the talks for creating a single professional body at the present time, because of financial and governance uncertainties. The EGM authorised the Trustees to continue to discuss and negotiate with all other parties with a view to achieving acceptable terms and conditions for establishing a single new professional body, which they have been doing diligently.

Despite the fact that ILAM and NASD have formed a Shadow Board of Management for ISPaL, and are pursuing registration as a company limited by guarantee and as a charity, there has been no movement on any of the negotiation issues. In fact the negotiation door has been firmly closed by ISPaL for the foreseeable future, despite the involvement of the Minister for Sport. It now appears that the ISPaL Shadow Board have made significant changes to the previously negotiated position and it is now going to be a broad based organisation that “embraces culture”. As a result the Trustees have decided that ISRM will continue to stand-alone as the only professional organisation dedicated to the management and development of sport, recreation and physical activity.

The Situation

ISRM is

• The only professional body focussed on sport and active recreation, which has set professional performance standards, now for 85 years.

• The only body in the sector with a formal approved set of professional entry and progression examinations.

• The only body in the sector with a formal CPD programme for its members.

• Strongly supported by the industry for its role in all of the above.

The Way forward

The Trustees are currently working on a new business plan that incorporates the following:

• Seek approval by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority for ISRM to become an awarding body for qualifications in the operation of sport and recreation services.

• Develop higher level courses – a Foundation degree with the Open University, and Diploma in Management Studies or Masters courses.

• Set up an ISRM Training Academy to deliver NVQs throughout the sector.

• Launch in 2006/07 the ISRM Fitness Management Certificate, Weight Management and Obesity Awareness Certificate, Membership Sales Certificate and Food and Beverage Management Certificate.

• Help to grow overseas links to establish a network of self-governing ISRM Regions in Hong Kong, Russia, Japan, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates.

• Develop CPD programmes focussed on sports development towards health and social outcomes to meet the changing sporting policy and delivery agendas.

• Review Recreation Magazine, , ISRM’s Website, conference and means of communications with members.

• Strengthen ISRM in the Regions and Nations through increased representation and greater coordination.

• Continue to provide members with a full and comprehensive package of leading edge information on contemporary issues, changing legislation, technological innovation, sport and management development.
  
  

Implications for regions and members

1. ISRM needs the continued loyalty and enthusiastic support of its members to deliver this programme through a strong Institute, which will be for the best benefit of the sport and recreation sector.

2. For the same reasons, ISRM would benefit from a sustained effort by members to recruit more members and retain its current membership.

3. To retain and strengthen ISRM’s focus, image and branding on sport and active recreation the Trustees have decided that until further notice ISRM Regions should not seek joint events or activities with ILAM, NASD or ISPaL.
   
   
   

The ISRM Trustees August 2006