Mild panic by sports managers in transition

A recent meeting with several prominant public sector sports/leisure professionals revealed a general concern over financial changes in the future. Anecdotes and examples shared included the dissatisfaction with the work of direct reports who are gifted budgets to deliver their over the officers who had to start from a zero budetry line. There was a general concern over the rediness to transition into a new way of working across the teams. Observation of the types of good practice shared and celebrated focused on use of grant for outcomes with the group especially in front of the pay master almost competing for attention and recognition.  There is a level of acceptance and almost a state of depression at the prospect of this financial transition with the use of negative language. HE is undergoing regionalisation and radical change in Wales it is almost certain that local authorities and national agencies will follow.  Like HE will we see a mass clearout with 100's of established career professionals leaving the profession at a fixed point. Is the industry ready for the void that this will leave?
 Is the next generation of sport/leisure professional prepared for this transition and potential flipped shift in focus - new financial climate, new collaborative climate, new creative sustainable solutions.