The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) has launched a new membership scheme for sector professionals, billed as an ‘alternative to REPs.’

The introduction of a rival accreditation system marks the latest chapter in CIMSPA’s efforts to establish itself as the industry’s main professional body as it seeks to improve skills standards.

The past 24 months has seen a period of intense debate over the direction of workforce development in the physical activity sector, with several big name employers calling for change in the form of new skills standards being established under CIMSPA.

The chartered body was handed a significant boost in December, when the government’s Sporting Future strategy charged Sport England to work with CIMSPA to deliver a single set of skills standards for the physical activity sector.

Eager to strike while the iron is hot, CIMSPA has now unveiled its new membership scheme to a number of leading physical sector employers, in addition to universities, colleges, awarding organisations and training providers.

"We are delighted with the response that we have received from the soft launch of our new membership categories,” said Tara Dillon, CEO of CIMSPA.

“This is a vital step towards our goal of professionalising the sport, fitness and activity workforce and meets the sector's demand for a robust and quality assured skills development framework."

The CIMSPA membership scheme has two options. CIMSPA affiliate status is open to anyone holding a recognised level 2 exercise and fitness qualification (equivalent to REPs level 2) acquired within the past 5 years. CIMSPA practitioner status is open to anyone holding a recognised level 3 or above exercise and fitness qualification acquired within the past 5 years. Both cost £30 per year, including VAT, and come with a number of member benefits. CIMSPA is also offering physical activity professionals public liability and professional indemnity insurance via a third party provider for £55.

In its message to employers outlining the new scheme, CIMSPA states: “Employers have been frustrated by the variable quality of REPs-accredited professionals, and have asked CIMSPA to create a new directory system that can guarantee the quality of its members by ensuring they hold recognised qualifications delivered by CIMSPA-endorsed training providers.”