Management company DC Leisure has become the first chain to successfully complete the quality assurance procedures that have been introduced to the FIA’s Code of Practice.

DC Leisure, which operates 100 public leisure centres in the UK, has been a member of the FIA for the past 17 years and delivers FIA community programmes across the country.

Steve Philpott, chief executive at DC Leisure, said: “The FIA Code of Practice is one part of a commitment from DC Leisure to be the best we can be, and it shows our dedication to our users in all areas of our clubs. I believe that this is a very important step for the whole industry to take, as it shows commitment to the value we place in quality assurance.”

Lisa Taylor, group fitness manager at DC Leisure, added: “The Code of Practice helped us internally, as we used it as a development tool within the company. It helped us answer concerns before they arose by ensuring our systems were robust and fit for purpose.”

London-based operator The Reebok Club was the first independent club to go through the new Code of Practice. It found the process a useful health-check of its facilities. “Anything that allows potential members to make an informed decision when choosing a gym, that can demonstrate its quality, has to be welcomed,” said GM John Penny.

Other operators currently going through the audit include LA Fitness, David Lloyd Leisure, Fitness First and smaller/single sites including The Doncaster Dome, Central YMCA and Leisure Force.

The FIA Code of Practice aims to help operators optimise every aspect of their business, from reception to the showers and from business practices to customer relationship management systems.

From 2009, the self-assessed Code of Practice will cease to exist. FIA members who wish to be FIA Code of Practice-approved will need to enter and pass the quality assurance process.

Dave Stalker, operations manager at FIA, said: “This is not additional regulation on the industry. These standards are the basic existing legislative requirements to operate a safe and successful facility. The standards are set by our operator members, for operators. This is a real move forward.”