CIMSPA and IOL joint statement on professional standards

CIMSPA and the IOL are aware of a review of National Occupational Standards for exercise and fitness, sports coaching and outdoor programmes, being carried out by Skills Active.

For clarity, CIMSPA (the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) and the IOL (Institute for Outdoor Learning) are the professional development bodies for the UK’s sport, physical activity and outdoor sectors.

In 2015, CIMSPA was identified in the UK Government’s ‘Sporting Future’ strategy as the organisation responsible for setting professional standards and career pathways:

“Sport England will support the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), in developing and implementing a single, clear and rigorous set of standards for all sport and exercise professionals, with a similar clear and rigorous system for assessment, and awarding and validating qualifications, starting in January 2016”. Sporting Future - A New Strategy for an Active Nation.

We are committed to supporting, developing and enabling professionals and organisations to succeed in the sport and physical activity sector and, as a result, inspire our nation to become more active.

CIMSPA and IOL have worked collaboratively over recent years to develop a professional standards framework for the exercise and fitness, sports coaching and outdoor sectors, and are continuing to drive quality education and development for the workforce. This work is being carried out in partnership with Sport England, sportscotland and other relevant governmental and regulatory bodies.

As a result of this work, National Occupational Standards are no longer an accepted part of the sector’s professional standards or development. Endorsement for ‘legacy’ qualifications aligned to these occupational standards was removed by CIMSPA in September 2020.