ukactive launches The Active Standard across physical activity sector

The standard, known also as ‘TAS’, has been designed for all operators – whether
from the private, public or independent part of the sector – and comes free of charge
as part of 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.

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.

The Active Standard will complement both Quest and FitCert, providing a new entry route and pathway through the standards world for many operators, while reinforcing the commitment of those further along in their journey.

Plans for The Active Standard were first announced at the Active Uprising
Conference in 2020, where Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson set out a commitment
from ukactive to drive improvement and professionalism across the sector. 

Development of The Active Standard syllabus has been supported by ukactive’s Standards and Legislation committee, which has helped scrutinise the criteria. As part of the development, ukactive has been working closely with partners Sport England, CIMSPA, Right Directions (which delivers Quest*), and EuropeActive and NEN** (which together deliver the European FITcert Scheme). ukactive also convened leading standards expertsfrom across the UK and Europe to inform the final development of the standard in April this year. 

From January 2025, the first wave of member operators to enter the certification process will be contacted by ukactive to begin their journey. Some organisations will be able to evidence how they already comply with The Active Standard, others will be supported to work towards achieving certification. Once completed, certificates for The Active Standard can be publicly displayed and promoted. 

Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said:

"Today marks a significant milestone for the entire sector as we unite to raise standards at fitness and leisure facilities across the UK. 

"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. 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."

Tim Hollingsworth, Chief Executive of Sport England, said:

"Our mission is for everyone to get active – regardless of their background, ability or postcode. To do this, people need to know that the places we choose to be active in are safe, supportive and up to standard. The Active Standard will encourage people to visit their local fitness and leisure facilities, creating a positive impact in communities across England."

To find out more about The Active Standard, visit ukactive's website. 

Leisure experts at Activity Alliance contributed to the development of The Active Standard's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion criteria to ensure it supports operators with their inclusion and accessibility practices for disabled people. 

Paul Crane, ukactive Risk and Standards Manager, said: 

"Activity Alliance played a crucial role in shaping the syllabus on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Their contributions ensured that the syllabus addressed key aspects of inclusion and accessibility.

"Their involvement was instrumental in embedding practical and inclusive strategies that reflect the needs of various communities, advancing both awareness and actionable frameworks in EDI education."