The Chartered Institute for Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) has announced a new partnership with aquatics bodies the Institute of Qualified Lifeguards (IQL) and the Institute of Swimming (IoS) to deliver its pool plant operator qualifications.

CIMSPA’s tie-up with the IQL – the awarding body of the Royal Life Saving Society – and IoS, which is the premier training provider for the ASA, brings together the three biggest organisations in aquatics. The full suite of CIMSPA qualifications organised and delivered by the IoS, with external quality assurance and certification provided by the IQL.

Under the terms of the three-year agreement, CIMSPA will work with both organisations to review and develop the qualifications, introducing more tutors and improving resources and quality assurance systems to maintain standards.

The move is in line with the institute’s new business plan, approved by members in November 2013, which determined that CIMSPA would no longer deliver education, but instead focus on setting the highest standards for training in the sector.

“CIMSPA has more than 40 years’ experience in providing pool and spa plant training. This new partnership is great news for the institute and pool plant operators,” said interim COO Tara Dillon.

“The IoS and IQL are the leading organisations in the aquatics industry and by working together we can ensure that CIMSPA pool plant operator qualifications will continue to be recognised as the gold standard for training and education in the industry.”

The partnership with the IoS and IQL will take effect from 1 September 2014. Course prices, partner discounts and course content will not alter for the next 18 months to minimise the impact on customers and candidates.

All existing courses registered with CIMSPA will continue as planned with no impact on organisations and candidates. Letters to course organisers and all candidates will be sent out shortly outlining the process from 1 September.

Qualifications due for renewal under the Register of Pool Plant Professionals (RoPPPs) between 1 September and 31 December will be extended. Candidates will be informed about how to renew their qualifications later in the year. Candidates seeking to gain a qualification for the first time should visit the CIMSPA, IoS or IQL websites to book a course in the normal way via the course-finder option. Candidates awaiting the results of a qualification will be contacted via CIMSPA until 31 August and by the IoS from 1 September.