By Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive
In late 2020, ukactive’s then Chair, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, set out a vision for standards in the sector going forward. At that time, the sector – like all the nation – was a hostage to the COVID-19 pandemic, with facilities in and out of operation and a deeper lockdown incoming in early 2021. It was our ability to prove our safety in 2021 that saw physical activity facilities opening earlier than other sectors and services, saving our collective industry hundreds of millions in the process.
Tanni projected that standards would play an even bigger role in our sector going forward with “trust being everything… for our customers, our lawmakers, and our future partners” and that we now face issues that are more than just health and safety – that equally, societal issues will ultimately define reputations.
In that vision for standards, Tanni set out the path that leads to a major milestone today: the launch of The Active Standard.
The standard, known also as ‘TAS’, has been designed for all operator members – whether from the private, public or independent parts of the sector – and comes free of charge as part of a ukactive membership.
‘TAS’ is a baseline certification aligned with the industry’s existing standard schemes, FITcert and Quest, and provides an opportunity for operators to demonstrate their quality and compliance with UK law, therefore building consumer trust and improving reputation and resilience.
To achieve The Active Standard, operator members are assessed by a third-party assessment body against a strict criteria covering requirements for health and safety compliance, professional standards, safeguarding measures and data protection. Certification lasts three years before re-assessment is required to ensure standards are maintained.
We want TAS to provide current and future ukactive operators with the confidence that they are meeting key legal requirements and wider standards. We want it to reassure them that they’re successfully operating within the ever-changing and complex regulatory world while anticipating the changes in societal and customer need that supports their inclusive services.
We also believe that successfully achieving the certification will support operators to foster opportunities for growth with new partners across the wider public health agenda, by instilling confidence in the safety and professionalism of their sites.
So, today marks a significant milestone for the entire sector as we unite to raise standards at fitness and leisure facilities right across the UK. We know that 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, and 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 to current and future members 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.
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.
More People More Active More Often
