ukactive has announced it is entering into a formal review as it bids to refine governance structure and deliver on key objectives, including aligning the physical activity sector in a strong position for future growth.

The move continues the organisation’s repositioning from health and fitness representative to wider physical activity advocate – something that began 18 months ago with the name change, having previously been known as the Fitness Industry Association (FIA).

Management experts Portas Consulting has already started work on the evaluation, which will also serve to ensure ukactive is in step with the published best-practice and good governance standards for non-profit organisations. The findings are expected be presented to the ukactive board in September, while an oversight committee – comprising ukactive CEO David Stalker, board members Phil Rumbelow, CEO Jubilee Hall Trust, and ESPH CEO Max Sharp, with Sporta CEO Brian Leonard acting as the independent committee member – will work with Portas and scrutinise the methodology throughout.

The governance review follows agreement by the current board in March that a new administration is required, featuring a streamlined membership of between eight and 12, a wider range of specialist knowledge, networks and experience, and female members making up at least 25 per cent.

“We’ve undergone a repositioning in the last 18 months that is not yet reflected in the composition of our board,” said Stalker.

“We’re committed to working with Portas Consulting to ensure the assessment is carried out to the highest standards of independence, impartiality, transparency and accountability and we look forward to announcing the results of the review in the new year.”

To read an exclusive interview with David Stalker from the Q1 2014 edition of Sports Management magazine, click here.