The UK regulatory body for the fitness industry is the Register of Exercise professionals, otherwise known as REPs. REPs fulfill a wide range of quality-related maters, including:
- to safeguard the health and welfare of those using the services of fitness professionals
- to regulate standards of professionalism in the health and fitness profession- this is actually realised through a process of self regulation and registration
- to manage the professional development of health and fitness professionals
- to collaborate with Skill Active, and endorse professional development training for health and fitness professionals
REPs, who are sometimes just referred to as the ‘Register’, provide confidence and assurance to service users of fitness professionals by ensuring that are appropriately qualified, skilled and insured.
Membership with REPs is not a legal obligation, but is considered as best practice and many employers do insist on REPs accreditation and membership. Fitness profesionals joining the Register must commit implicitly to the Code of Ethical Conduct, which is based on the following 5 principles:
- Rights
- Relationships
- Personal Responsibilities
- Professional Standards
- Safe Working Practice
For more information about the Register of Exercise Professionals, visit www.exerciseregister.org.
