CIMSPA and UK Coaching have signed a deal to combine the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) with the CIMSPA Exercise and Fitness Directory.

The announcement was made by Sport England CEO, Tim Hollingsworth, at the CIMSPA & QUEST NBS Conference on 27 February.

The move will create a single directory for all exercise and fitness professionals, resulting in a unified recognition system for people working in the sector and a single endorsement mechanism for training providers.

Speaking at the event, Hollingsworth, said: “Sport England welcomes this important milestone towards building a unified and excellent sport and physical activity workforce.

"A single directory for the professionals working in our sector will enhance our ability to provide skills, training, recognition and career development.

"This, in turn, will empower the workforce to deliver even more positive experiences for everyone seeking to be active in communities right across the country."

All current REPs members will be given the opportunity to transfer directly into the CIMSPA membership scheme, with the new directory being hosted and managed by CIMSPA – while UK Coaching will deliver insurances and give access to its knowledge and training platform.

UK Coaching acquired REPs in 2017 and has operated the register ever since.