We all know that the activity sector is one of the best assets we have in safeguarding the health of the nation. Ahead of the NHS, ahead of the GP surgery, it’s the work that goes on in leisure centres, gyms and health clubs up and down the country every day which is the first, proactive line of defence against ill health.

So if our sector is an asset, the people who deliver our services – the group exercise instructors, personal trainers and health club managers – should be a prized part of the healthcare community.

Having worked in the physical activity sector for many years, I don’t doubt the professionalism, dedication and impact of personal trainers and fitness instructors in motivating and inspiring active and healthy lifestyles. But as a sector, we’ve often let the skills agenda slip down the ladder.

Driving the agenda
Now that seems to be changing. The activity sector’s Trailblazer is nearing completion and will rewrite apprenticeship standards, assisted by the Chartered Institute and the Professional Development Framework. There’s an appetite for improvement from public and private employers, and training providers and awarding organisations, who want to get this right. All of this work has fed into an increased interest – from big operators and suppliers – for a wider discussion on skills, qualifications, funding and so forth.

We hosted the Active Training Awards in December 2014, which laid the foundation for a very open discussion on where this debate would lead us. To follow on from this, we’ll also be hosting Active Training 2015 at the end of March, which will continue to develop this conversation and bring some new elements to the fore: there will be a step-by-step guide to the funding reforms for large employers, as well as a funding map presentation for small employers.

We’ll also be hosting one of the first sector-wide discussions on the role and scope of further education and colleges.

Building trust
We must always keep in mind that we’re continuing to develop the activity sector and its role in our society. Traditional healthcare models have a long history of workforce development and standardisation. We trust our doctor to be up to the job because we know they’ve been to medical school. Now we’re in the process of making sure fitness professionals are viewed within the same context of expertise and credibility.