INDUSTRY NEWS EREPS news

The European Commission has recently updated its thoughts on the priorities for qualifications and training and the emphasis is increasingly on ensuring relevant skills for employment. Each of the 27 member states (including the UK) have agreed to prepare plans and policies to boost employment and the opportunities for learning. The big issue for them is to improve the mobility of workers – for employment and for learning.

Through EREPS we can track Doing things the Euro-way

that around 10% of EREPS members have changed their country in the past year – and quite a few are heading to the UK. Training providers across Europe are signing-up to have their programmes accredited by the European Health and Fitness Association (EHFA) and these are strictly measured against the agreed pan- European standards for exercise professionals. The EHFA standards used for training programmes are all based on “learning outcomes” – that is what you are expected to know or be able to do at the end

NEW CHAIR FOR INSTITUTE

FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF SPORT AND PHYSICAL ACTIvITY

The appointment of Miles

Templeman as new chair of the IMSPA Board of

Trustees is one more signal that the newly chartered sports body

has serious aspirations to be an influential figure on the UK sports scene.

The formation of the Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (IMSPA) in April was swiftly followed by formal recognition by the Privy Council in the award of chartership – to be formally recognised in January 2012.

This increased focus on professional development is great news for the sport and physical activity sector. In addition to supporting the creation of a highly

08

skilled workforce of the future, it will also ensure the delivery of excellent service quality at a time when UK sport is under the spotlight

more than ever before.

And the good news for the industry is that it’s not just facilities managers and health club operators that have the opportunity to belong to this new, chartered professional organisation. While IMSPA’s core membership will still be made up of those employed by sports and fitness operators and suppliers, the institute also hopes to attract professionals working across the entire physical activity sector - such as people working in research, policy, administration and events management.

of the learning experience (training).

In turn these are based on a clear understanding of the occupations in the fitness sector – such as group fitness or personal training. Recognition of achievement of your qualifications and competencies as an exercise professional by EREPS brings clarity and understanding and a “passport” for those trainers who wish to travel and work in another country. With many languages, laws and customs it is important to always look for cooperation

and common procedures, and as this grows we can see the European fitness sector prospering and developing – despite the current economic crisis.

For further guidance on the recognition and portability of National and European standards visit the REPs website www.exerciseregister.org

European Register of Exercise Professionals ereps Drive for Body Confidence

The Campaign for Body Confidence, a Government backed campaign to improve body confidence and tackle society’s obsession with body image “ideals” is being driven forward within the sports, health and fitness sector. The campaign which is being led by Central YMCA, is also backed by Sport England, the Fitness Industry Association and the Women’s Sport and Fitness Federation.

Rosi Prescott, CEO of Central YMCA said: “Our research shows that 3 out of 4 people think gyms need to do more to attract people of different shapes and sizes, and 2 in 3 find gyms and the people who use them intimidating. However, we also know that the sector is making real progress and has a great story to tell – many facilities are keen to encourage people to be active, regardless of their body shape or size. We hope that the Campaign for Body Confidence will allow us to tell the public what positive steps we as a sector are taking, and hopefully increase participation of those who may otherwise be deterred from joining a gym or fitness club because of body image concerns.”

Organisations from the sector are also set to appear before the All Party Parliamentary Group on Body Image, a committee of MPs who are examining the causes and consequences of body image anxiety in the UK. Organisations representing a number of different sectors, including Boots, Weight Watchers and L’Oreal are set to appear before the inquiry. Sport England and the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation are among those organisations from the sport and fitness sector who have agreed to give evidence. If your organisation would like to make a submission to the inquiry, including sharing what you are doing to promote body confidence please go to: www.ymca.co.uk/bodyconfidence/parliament

The REPS Journal 2012;23(January):8-9