In November, ukactive launched The Active Standard, a baseline certification designed for all operators – whether from the private or public sector – and free of charge as part of ukactive membership. In the third blog of The Active Standard series, three representatives from across different parts of the sector explain the value of The Active Standard for their businesses and the sector as a whole.
View from the public sector operator:
Chris Hebblewhite, Director of National Standards and Compliance at GLL, and Vice Chair of ukactive’s Standards and Legislation Committee
Introducing the new Active Standard will significantly enhance the sport and leisure sector’s reputation, from the small independent gym facility to large multifaceted public sector operations.
Firstly, it establishes a clear benchmark for safety, ensuring consistency across the sector, whatever the business model. This outwardly facing standard will provide a clear message to staff, customers, and other partners of a culture of safety within the organisation, and adopting a robust quality standard can improve stakeholder confidence.
Customers are more likely to trust organisations that demonstrate a commitment to safety and quality, resulting in increased loyalty and market share. Additionally, employees benefit from clear expectations and a supportive work environment, leading to higher job satisfaction and retention rates.
Moreover, the new standard seamlessly dovetails into both Quest and the European FITcert standard, eliminating duplication.
View from the independent operator:
Deena Gillan, Club Manager of 3-1-5 Health Club
As an independent health club, 3-1-5 is thrilled to be one of the first clubs to be a part of The Active Standard.
We believe that the lack of consistent industry-wide standards has been a challenge for too long, and this new initiative is a much-needed step forward. It allows independent operators like us, who are committed to best practices in safety and standards; to receive the recognition we deserve for our dedication.
By achieving this certification, we can offer our members greater confidence, knowing they are attending a club that prioritises safety, professionalism, and expert care from qualified staff.
The Active Standard is an important milestone in raising industry standards and ensuring that all fitness clubs, big or small, are held to the same high benchmarks. We can’t wait to see what further opportunities can arise from this in future.
View from the private sector operator:
Dan Fewings, Operations Director at Mosaic Spa & Health Clubs
Mosaic Spa & Health Clubs have always seen the welfare and health and safety of our members, guests, and our teams as one of the key frameworks of the business and should always be seen as an important part of what we do.
The importance of demonstrating to your customers and staff that you value their safety should always be high up on the values of any operator of health clubs and particularly within the private sector, as this give confidence to both your current and prospective members and staff that their safety is important to you.
This why we are working with both ukactive in achieving The Active Standard certification, alongside recently obtaining the FITcert Level 3 certification, as we look to build on our commitment to continually review and improve the safety of our customers and teams.
To find out more about The Active Standard click here or read the FAQs.
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