REPS NEWS

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

A new report outlining the future skills requirements of the fitness industry has been launched at the House of Commons.

The Skills Protocol Employer Leadership Group (SPELG) report in Physical Activity, Sport and Active Leisure sets out a series of recommendations it feels are needed if the industry is to continue to grow and have a direct impact on wider issues including the health and well-being of the nation.

MP John Hayes

The report, which was presented to John Hayes the Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, is fully supported by the SkillsActive Group, including REPs.

CEO of the SkillsActive Group, Stephen Studd commented: “The role of the SkillsActive Group is to work with the industry to ensure it has the professionally trained and qualified staff it needs to deliver the increases in active participation that will ensure its on-going success and continual growth.”

“This report demonstrates leadership from employers based on the belief that to fulfil its potential and have an impact, a growth strategy must be implemented based on the professionalisation of its workforce. SkillsActive’s mission for more people, better skilled, better qualified lies at the heart of this drive and we are happy to respond to the challenge from the employers to implement the protocol.”

The SkillsActive Group will now work with key industry partners to ensure all recommendations outlined in the report are delivered.

SPELG aims to achieve the following over the next 4 years: l To create a single qualification structure led by employers l To ensure that all our employees have a training plan l To work towards the objective of requiring all employees, current and prospective, to hold a skills passport

l To support the inception and development of a Chartered Institute as one professional institute for the sector

l To support a single vehicle for organising quality assured training

l To ensure that the continuum of training provision is extended into Higher Education with graduates possessing the correct skills for the workplace.

To find out more about SPELG, its recommendations and SkillsActive’s response please visit www.skillsactive.com

06 The REPs Journal 2011;21(June):5-7 New Code of Ethical Conduct

REPs has published a new, up-dated version of its Code of Ethical Conduct that all members agree to when they become registered/re-register. The main heart of the Code remains the same but some important changes have been made.

The revised Code takes into consideration the rules of employment and employer codes that fitness professionals (both staff and self employed) may have to adhere to in the workplace. It also sets out disciplinary measures, which may arise as a result of a complaint made about a member. In addition a new core principle has been added – Safe Working Practice – taking the total up to five.

Changes to the other core principles include an amendment to principle 1 that sets out guidelines for contractual arrangements and changes to principle 2 (Relationships).

Registrar Jean-Ann Marnoch commented: “As we become a more professionally recognised body so our Code of Ethical Practice has to evolve. The changes made have come about after lengthy and considered discussion with the Members Council, our legal representatives and SkillsActive. We hope they provide a comprehensive guide to our members as well as offering members of the public additional confidence.”

To read a full copy of the Code of Practice visit: http://bit.ly/k2SjXi

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