In a robust push to bolster quality across our bustling fitness and leisure sectors, ukactive has unveiled the ukactive Active Standard (TAS), a pioneering move that redefines industry benchmarks and beckons a new era for gym and leisure facility operators across the UK.
TAS isn’t just another tick in the box—it’s a commitment to excellence, free of charge for all ukactive members, whether they run private, public, or independent facilities.
This new baseline certification aligns seamlessly with the established FitCert and Quest schemes, yet stands out by offering a fresh entryway for demonstrating compliance and quality, boosting consumer confidence and enhancing the reputation of facilities nationwide.
Operators aspiring to the esteemed ukactive Active Standard badge must navigate a rigorous assessment by an independent third party.
The evaluation spans a comprehensive checklist including health and safety protocols, professional standards, safeguarding practices, and data protection.
Achieving certification isn’t a one-time affair but a continual commitment, with re-assessment every three years to ensure ongoing excellence.
This initiative doesn’t just uplift facility standards; it opens doors to burgeoning opportunities across the public health landscape, enhancing safety and professionalism that invite community trust and growth.
The visionary groundwork for TAS was laid back in 2020 at the Active Uprising Conference, sparked by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson’s rallying cry for elevated professionalism within the sector.
Following a thorough multi-year pilot that included developing musculoskeletal health programs (MSK hubs) with a cohort of sites, TAS is now primed to integrate seamlessly into healthcare pathways alongside the NHS.
The development of this critical syllabus has been supported by the vigilant ukactive’s Standards and Legislation committee, alongside invaluable collaborations with partners such as Sport England, CIMSPA, Right Directions, EuropeActive, and NEN.
The beauty of The Active Standard lies in its foundation role within the sector. It offers a springboard for facilities to elevate their standards through existing schemes like Quest and FitCert without redundancy, ensuring a streamlined path to excellence.
For facilities already meeting the rigorous demands of Quest or FitCert, congrats are in order—TAS certification will be automatically awarded, simplifying compliance and acknowledgement across the board.
As we gear up for 2025, ukactive is set to onboard operators who have already proven their mettle during the pilot phases.
And with January just around the corner, the first wave of member operators will embark on their certification journey, bolstered by the promise of TAS.
In an era where fitness and leisure are more vital than ever, the launch of The Active Standard is a beacon for the industry.
It assures that when we step into a gym or leisure centre, we step into a realm of safety, support, and unmatched quality. This isn’t just a win for operators—it’s a win for everyone aiming to be a bit healthier, a bit fitter, and a lot happier.
Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “Today marks a significant milestone for the entire sector as we unite to raise standards at fitness and leisure facilities across the UK.
“Demand for our sector’s services is growing rapidly as more people across the UK and Europe prioritise physical activity for their health and wellbeing.
With this increase in demand, our sector is determined to raise the standards of health and safety, and inclusion, so more people can access and enjoy the benefits of being active.
“We are delighted to introduce The Active Standard as a major new benefit of ukactive membership which will act as a gateway for more operators to show they are taking the right steps to achieving excellence.
“Thanks to the support of EuropeActive, Right Directions, CIMSPA, Sport England and NEN, we are confident that all operators, no matter how big or small, will find The Active Standard valuable and supportive in reaching more people.”
Tim Hollingsworth, Chief Executive of Sport England, said: “Our mission is for everyone to get active – regardless of their background, ability or postcode.
To do this, people need to know that the places we choose to be active in are safe, supportive and up to standard.
The Active Standard will encourage people to visit their local fitness and leisure facilities, creating a positive impact in communities across England.”
Tara Dillon, CEO of Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), said: “The Active Standard has an important role in ensuring that participants in physical activity have a positive, safe and enjoyable experience.
“At CIMSPA we have been delighted to contribute to the development of TAS, connecting it to the sector workforce professional standards. TAS provides a strong foundation for greater recognition of the role that operators and their teams have in the active wellbeing of our nation.
“It will help our talented and dedicated workforce by recognising employers that have demonstrated quality and compliance, and by increasing consumer confidence in the facilities, services and professionals that they engage with.”
Kai Troll, CEO of EuropeActive, said: “EuropeActive is pleased to support the launch of The Active Standard, an important step in unifying quality standards across the UK physical activity sector.
Together with EuropeActive’s FitCert scheme, TAS will strengthen our shared commitment to consumer trust and industry excellence. We look forward to continuing this partnership with ukactive to uphold and advance these essential standards.”
Caroline Constantine, Company Director at Right Directions, who led on the development and pilot of The Active Standard for Right Directions, said: “It is an exciting time for our industry as we launch The Active Standard, meaning alongside Quest and FITcert, all operators can now get behind the importance of demonstrating their commitment to providing quality services to their local communities.
“We are proud to be working with ukactive and other partners to deliver TAS, which can only enhance the reputation of the sector as a whole at this important time as we strive to be more widely acknowledged for our vital role in supporting physical and mental health.”
Lysette Meuleman, Secretary of the FITcert team at NEN, said: “Through our partnership with ukactive on The Active Standard, FITcert is helping to set a unified, high-quality benchmark in physical activity facilities, ensuring consistent quality and demonstrate compliance with European and global best practices, strengthening consumer confidence and supporting long-term sector resilience.”
To find out more about The Active Standard and what it means for your business, click here.
To understand more about The Active Standard as part of a membership with ukactive, read the FAQs here.