The Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management (ILAM) and the National Association of Sports Development (NASD) have formally announced plans for the launch of the new Institute of Sport, Parks and Leisure (ISPAL).

The new body is due to be ‘ready for business’ this autumn. ISPAL will be the lead industry organisation recognised by the government and Sport England.

ILAM president, Nick Gibbs, said: “I have been speaking with industry leaders and have received complete support for the new body. One united industry body is within our grasp.”

Carole Hassan, the independent chair with responsibility for creating the new body, said: “I call on all parts of the industry, both public and private sector, to unite behind this important initiative.”

Three new independent representatives will be appointed to the board of ISPAL to represent different industry sectors, and a chief executive will be appointed to launch and run the body.

However, ISRM, which had previously indicated it would become part of ISPAL, recorded a ‘no’ vote by members at an EGM on 15 May.

Seventy-five per cent of the 309 votes recorded at the meeting were against joining the new body, representing 23 per cent of ISRM’s voting membership of 1,200. ISRM’s total membership is 2,500.

ISRM must now establish whether it can become reinvolved in the new institute’s development at some stage.

ISRM chief executive, Ralph Riley told Leisure Opportunities that sports minister, Richard Caborn “has had conversations with our chair through intermediaries and he has said that he will speak with us.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said Caborn “will be seeking to address the issue [of ISRM’s involvement] in due course.”