The staged process in the development of new level 4 Specialist Exercise Instructor categories:

1. Proposal made for a new level 4 specialism. 2. Approval of the development by the SkillsActive level 4 Approval Panel.

3. Group with specialist knowledge in the proposed field convened (which relies on the dedication and commitment of employers, experts and clinicians).

4. Detailed breakdown of the skills and knowledge required for the role defined and draft NOS produced.

5. Draft NOS circulated for wider consultation. 6. Feedback from the wider circulation considered by the specialist group and final NOS produced by SkillsActive.

7. New REPs category created. 8. Awarding organisations/training providers develop new qualifications in the specialist area.

Instructors looking to undertake a level 4 course should ensure that it is REPs recognised and therefore fully maps to the relevant standard. The NINE level 4 REPs categories and their corresponding NOS are shown in the following table:

level 4 REPs Category Obesity/diabetes

Falls prevention Mental health Stroke Cardiac disease Back pain Chronic respiratory disease Cancer rehabilitation National Occupational Standard Unit

D513 Design, agree and adapt a physical activity programme for adults with obesity and/or diabetes mellitus

D514 Design, agree and adapt a physical activity programme with older adults with a history, or high risk of, falls

D515 Design, agree and adapt a physical activity programme with adults with mental health problems

D516 Design, agree and adapt a physical activity programme with adults after stroke

D518 Design, agree and adapt a physical activity programme for adults with cardiac disease

D519 Design, agree and adapt a physical activity programme with adults with low back pain

D520 Design, agree and adapt a physical activity programme for adults with chronic respiratory disease

D521 Design, agree and adapt a physical activity programme to aide cancer rehabilitation

Long term neurological conditions D522 Design, agree and adapt a physical activity programme for adults with long term neurological conditions

Further information: Exercise instructors: l There are now a number of REPs recognised level 4 training providers and courses will soon be available in all NINE level 4 REPs categories

l REPs members should check the REPs training portal to ensure that level 4 courses advertised by training providers are REPs recognised prior to booking on to any course. If it is not on the website it’s not recognised.

Training providers: l Visit the Fitness Endorsement section on the SkillsActive website www.skillsactive.com/fitness/endorsement.

NOS enquiries and level 4 specialism proposals: l Contact a member of the SkillsActive level 4 Approvals team.

14 The REPS Journal 2011;22(September):12-14