The Active Standard hits 100-operator milestone as ukactive members celebrate achieving new quality mark

One hundred health and fitness operators have achieved certification to The Active Standard, ukactive’s quality mark for gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools.

Introduced in November 2024, The Active Standard (also known as TAS) was designed by ukactive with support from leading standards professionals and organisations across the UK and Europe, to act as a baseline certification for operators of all types and sizes.

Since assessments began in February 2025, operators from the private, public and independent sectors have enrolled onto the certification scheme, and 100 operators can now proudly promote their certification to members and visitors. The certified operators represent more than 2,200 facilities across the UK.

To achieve certification, operators are assessed by an independent assessment body, Right Directions, against strict criteria including health and safety compliance, professional standards, safeguarding measures and data protection.

The certification is available free of charge to all ukactive members and lasts for three years before re-assessment is required to ensure standards are maintained.

The Active Standard provides operators with a recognised way to demonstrate the quality, safety and inclusivity of their facilities, and acts as an entry route into the FITcert and Quest schemes for continuous improvement.

Operators are given advice and support as part of the process to ensure they have all the measures in place to achieve the certification.

Paul Stephenson, Operations Director at Snap Fitness, said: “The Active Standard has helped shape and enhance our approach to compliance across the network, providing greater consistency and giving us confidence that our clubs are operating to the highest possible standards.

“It has also enabled us to demonstrate to both prospective members and potential franchisees that we take operational standards, safety and quality seriously.”

Deena Gillan, General Manager at 3-1-5 Health Club, said: “The Active Standard provides independent assurance that we meet high standards of safety, governance and operational excellence, allowing us to demonstrate that we are a trusted, professional organisation.

“Since becoming accredited, we’ve been proud to promote our achievement and use it to reassure members, partners and stakeholders that they can have confidence in our club.”

Oliver Deen, Director of Operations at Jubilee Hall Trust, said: “I would wholeheartedly recommend putting your organisation through The Active Standard and allowing it to be the catalyst for doing more.

“My advice would be not to see it as simply a stamp of approval, but as the spark that reignites a genuine passion for creating a safety-driven culture across your organisation.”

Adam Bailey, Customer Services & Operations Manager at Sport Wales National Centre, said: “Achieving The Active Standard has been an important milestone for Sport Wales as it provides an industry-recognised standard that reflects our commitment to operating a safe, well-managed facility.

“The experience was collaborative, valuable and helped reinforce confidence in our existing procedures, while also identifying clear areas where we could strengthen our approach.”

Cameron Saunders, CEO of ukactive, said: “Reaching 100 TAS-certified operators marks a major milestone for our sector. Across the country, these organisations represent over 2,200 facilities, demonstrating the commitment of ukactive’s members to providing quality, safe and welcoming spaces.

“As consumer demand in the UK continues to grow, it’s more important than ever that people have confidence in their gyms, pools and leisure centres.

“Congratulations to all our members who have demonstrated their commitment to quality and safety by undertaking The Active Standard and thank you to our partners at Sport England, Right Directions, EuropeActive and NEN for supporting this vital work.

“We look forward to building on this momentum and supporting more operators to achieve certification, driving consistently high standards across the sector.”

Phil Smith, Executive Director of Sporting System at Sport England, said: “Great facilities play a vital role in helping people become and stay active. That’s why it’s so encouraging to see 100 operators achieve The Active Standard, demonstrating a real commitment to quality, safety and inclusion.

“By giving consumers confidence in the places they use, these standards help more people enjoy the benefits of being active.”

Caroline Constantine, Managing Director of Right Directions, said: “Assessing facilities on a day-to-day basis for both The Active Standard and Quest, we see first-hand the care, professionalism and commitment that goes into running high-quality leisure facilities.

“Reaching 100 TAS-certified operators demonstrates our sector’s commitment to raising standards and means the people who use these facilities can walk through the door knowing it’s a well-managed and welcoming place to be active.”

Check out the new video and find out more about The Active Standard here.