SkillsActive has been working with employers over the past 2 years on a single qualification structure designed to support the key common roles that operate in leisure centres, sports centres and fitness facilities. For each role a qualification exists that consist of learning units of ‘common content’ i.e. a single qualification that can be offered by a number of awarding organisations. So far, there are now established qualifications supporting the roles of:
The next phase of this work involves qualification development to support:
This structure has been developed through joint working with employers, first of all (and in most cases) to work up ‘Occupational Descriptors’, i.e. generic job descriptions of what people at each level do in the leisure industry, and then analysing what types of qualifications might be appropriate.
The principle qualification outcomes of this work will appear on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). The QCF applies to England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The QCF is not applicable to Scotland and SkillsActive will work with partners in Scotland to ensure equivalent qualification solutions are in place.
There is now an opportunity for those working in the sector to contribute to the development of this framework. To participate in this consultation, please download
And then please complete the short Online questionnaire by 28th May 2012
27/1/12
It follows proposals from the UK government to replace the Adventures Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) - set up in 1995 after four people died while canoeing in Dorset.
After the Common Sense, Common Safety report of 2010, the UK government has committed to abolishing the 17 year old legislation. This forms the basis of the statutory licensing requirement of outdoor adventure providers who are commercial and who operate with children and young people.
This decision was taken following a UK-wide consultation on the issue which closed last September. SkillsActive and its Outdoor Employers Group (OEG) submitted a response to this consultation which can be viewed here: Consultation response
However, the Scottish Government believes that the outdoors licensing issue is a ‘devolved’ one. It has just launched a consultation of the development of safety systems for the outdoor adventure sector specifically in Scotland. The consultation and response document can be viewed here: Scottish consultation . The consultation closes on 30 March 2012. SkillsActive will be responding to the consultation
The consultation will look at, and compare, three options for Scotland, including the UK government's planned new voluntary code of practice and would remove costs associated with licensing, a non-statutory, voluntary accreditation scheme and a statutory scheme.
The Scottish consultation was formally launched by Commonwealth Games and sport minister Shona Robison.
Robison said: "Any safety system developed for adventure activities in Scotland would need to meet the needs of Scottish providers and users whilst being robust and proportionate.
"That's why I want to hear views on whether a statutory inspection and licensing regime should be maintained or if a new approach should be adopted."
Regional consultation events have been planned for Tuesday 7th February at Atlantic Quay, Glasgow, Thursday 16 February at DG One Leisure Centre, Dumfries and Thursday 1 March at Lochaber High School, Fort William. All three will take place from 7-9pm. To register your proposed attendance at any of the above events please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Recently completed consultations include:
A consultation aiming to gather information on the amount and type of demand for training remaining in London for community sports clubs.
Consultation closed: 17 November 2011
A consultation with industry training providers about how SkillsActive can better support training provision in the sector and provide a fit for purpose single endorsement service.
Consultation closed: November 2011
SkillsActive's Working in Fitness survey offers valuable information on those working in the fitness industry.
View further information on what these surveys revealed in our set of reports, now available for purchase.
The Mayor’s Sports Legacy Fund, delivered by SkillsActive’s National Skills Academy, provides London volunteers with up to 75% off training to deliver a sporting legacy from the 2012 Games.
The annual Nancy Ovens Bursary, sponsored by SkillsActive, provides paid or voluntary coaches and leaders in the sector with up to £2,000 in innovative training to improve skills.
The Yorkshire and Humber Coaching Bursary, delivered by SkillsActive’s National Skills Academy, provides 60% off UKCC coaching qualifications for new and existing coaches. It is funded by Sport England Yorkshire.
SkillsActive’s Joint Investment Programme helps meet specific skills gaps in the fitness and playwork sectors using training jointly funded by the Government and employers.
SkillsActive’s Group Training Association enables small to medium sized employers to develop existing employees and recruit and train new personnel, primarily through Apprenticeships.
Activegraduates.com is a free job matching website to help employers find talented, work ready candidates from our pool of successful Future Jobs Fund participants.
Change Gear, delivered by SkillsActive’s National Skills Academy, provides support to those leaving the Armed Forces to ensure they are aware of the opportunities available to them in the sport, fitness, outdoors, playwork and caravans industries.
SkillsActive is working with experts from nine Member States on the Training 4 Volunteers project, which aims to investigate volunteering in sport and broaden ideas about education and training. It is funded by the 2010 Preparatory Action on Sport of the European Commission.
SkillsActive is leading on several projects to help deliver the competent, qualified workforce the UK needs for a successful London 2012 Games and a sustainable increase in sport and leisure participation.
SkillsActive periodically asks for feedback on sector issues to inform the work we do. You can give SkillsActive feedback by post, email or fax before the time specified on the closing date.
Learn more about SkillsActvie's current and past consultations >
SkillsActive has delivered numerous other successful programmes and projects.
Learn more about our Completed Programmes and Projects >
See below for our current consultations to have your say.
You can also view any feedback that is available from previous consulations.
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