News & Updates

Safety Training Awards has achieved CIMSPA endorsement for its Cultural Competence in Leisure and Aquatics CPD, developed in partnership with Bold Waters.

The CPD has been formally endorsed against CIMSPA’s Working with Culturally and Ethnically Diverse Communities (Population) professional standard and awarded 2 CIMSPA Endorsed CPD points, recognising its quality and relevance in supporting the professional development of the leisure workforce.

Designed for professionals working across leisure and aquatics, the CPD provides a structured and practical introduction to cultural competence, with a particular focus on race and religion as areas where barriers to participation have been identified. It supports learners in developing the awareness, understanding and confidence required to deliver fair, safe and respectful services to diverse communities.

The endorsement confirms that the CPD aligns with recognised professional standards and delivers a valuable learning experience that strengthens workforce capability across the sector.

Melona Headley, Founder and CEO of Bold Waters, said:

We know that barriers to participation still exist for many communities, particularly in relation to race and religion. This CPD has been developed to support meaningful change by helping professionals better understand the lived experiences of the people they work with. It’s about moving beyond intention and ensuring that aquatic environments are inclusive, safe and accessible for everyone.

Kayle Brightwell, Director of Education at STA, said:

Achieving CIMSPA endorsement for this CPD reflects our continued commitment to supporting high-quality, professionally recognised learning across the leisure and aquatics sector. Cultural competence is an essential component of both safeguarding and inclusive practice. This CPD provides practical, focused guidance to help professionals build the confidence and understanding needed to respond appropriately to the diverse communities they serve.

The CPD forms part of STA and Bold Waters’ wider partnership to improve inclusion, strengthen safeguarding, and support equitable access to aquatic environments. It encourages reflection, challenges bias, and provides practical actions that can be implemented across a range of roles, from front-of-house staff to operational and management teams.

By aligning with CIMSPA’s professional standards, the CPD also supports organisations in demonstrating their commitment to workforce development, equality, and high-quality service delivery.

Kayle Brightwell and Melona Headley also discuss the development of the CPD and the importance of cultural competence in leisure and aquatics on the latest STA Podcast episode

For further information on the Cultural Competence in Leisure and Aquatics CPD, please visit: www.safetytrainingawards.co.uk/online-learning