Partnership to boost skills and opportunities in Scottish sports community

The Open University (OU) in Scotland and sportscotland have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance professional skills, education, and collaboration within Scotland’s sporting sector.

The two-year agreement will see both institutions working together to deliver training and resources aimed at strengthening the Scottish sports workforce, aligning closely with Scotland’s national strategy for a skilled and active society.

Through this partnership, sportscotland users - ranging from coaches and athletes to administrators and community practitioners - will have access to a variety of courses and learning opportunities via the Brightspace Learning Management System. The courses, provided by the OU, will cover a range of topics geared toward career and skills development within the sports industry. In addition to educational resources, the OU will connect sportscotland and its platform users to the expertise and insights of its academics, driving innovation and collaborative research across Scotland’s sports community.

Susan Stewart, Director of The Open University in Scotland, says about the new partnership:

"The Open University is deeply committed to making education accessible to everyone, no matter their background or location. By partnering with sportscotland, we are bringing that vision directly to the Scottish sports sector, empowering coaches, athletes, and volunteers to enhance their skills and make a tangible impact in their communities. We’re thrilled to bring our educational expertise into Scotland’s dynamic sports landscape.”

The initiative responds to the Scottish Government’s goals of prioritising skills development and lifelong learning as key drivers of national progress. By working closely with sportscotland, the OU aims to support a skilled workforce that contributes positively to local communities through sport and physical activity.

Forbes Dunlop, Chief Executive at sportscotland, commented on the MoU:

“Our partnership with The Open University is a game-changer for Scotland’s sports workforce. By offering accessible, high-quality education, we are equipping our coaches, athletes, and administrators with the tools they need to succeed. This is more than just a professional development opportunity - it’s a chance to inspire a culture of growth and innovation in Scottish sport. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have across Scotland’s sports community.”

As part of the collaboration, sportscotland will promote OU courses to its platform users, highlighting the significant benefits they offer. By leveraging the OU’s extensive catalogue of courses and qualifications, sportscotland can ensure its users receive comprehensive, accessible training that supports their professional and personal growth.

The partnership is also expected to encourage research and innovative approaches to learning in sport, with the OU and sportscotland working together to identify new areas for collaboration. The institutions are committed to creating a lasting impact by supporting Scotland’s sports workforce and enabling them to drive positive change in communities throughout the nation.

The MoU was officially signed on 10 January at the sportscotland Glasgow office and will remain in effect for an initial period of two years, with potential for renewal based on mutual agreement.

10 January 2025