Cliff Collins, registrar, UK Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), has been selected to oversee the development of the European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPs).

Collins was seconded by SkillsActive Training and will take up the position immediately on behalf of the European Health and Fitness Association (EHFA).

Collins, who has been with the Register since its inception in 2001, will be based at the EHFA Brussels Office and will drive forward the roll-out of EREPS in 2008, as well as oversee the link between the autonomous UK Register and the over-arching European structure.

The news follows the appointment of Harm Tegelaars, former chair of the UK’s Fitness Industry Association (FIA), as president of the European Health and Fitness Association in April 2007.

Speaking of his appointment, Collins said, "We have a massive job on our hands. There are over 400,000 exercise professionals in our industry, trained to a variety of standards and through a complex web of different systems.

“Having experienced the benefits of the Register of Exercise Professionals in the UK, I bring a wealth of knowledge of what works, and what doesn't. I can't wait to get started."

EHFA will launch the European Register of Exercise Professionals at a special invitation only two day meeting in Copenhagen in April.