A wider range of Scottish qualifications are expected to be recognised by REPs, to make it easier for Scottish fitness professionals to join the Register.

Discussions throughout May, between REPs and Scottish agencies, have resulted in work beginning to link awards delivered by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) with the national occupational standards for exercise and fitness.

REPs has also been co-ordinating with Scotland's National Governing Body for fitness - Fitness Scotland - to establish when students with the Level 2 Scottish Vocational Qualification in Instructing, Exercise and Fitness can be recognised for REPs entry, as a way of increasing their access to CPD.

Both the SQA and Fitness Scotland, along with several key employers - including West Lothian Leisure, South Lanarkshire Leisure and Borders Sport & Leisure Trust - recently took part in a consultation on the new national occupational standards for exercise and fitness.

The consultation, which is being held online as well as with organisations in Ireland, Wales and England, will end on 1 June.

REPs registrar Jean-Ann Marnoch says: "We're delighted to be working so closely with these key agencies in Scotland and are looking forward to supporting the Scottish fitness industry, and our members north of the border, even more in the future.

“Our work in Wales has been incredibly successful and we've no doubt that these efforts will prove just as fruitful. Great progress has already been made and we're looking forward to taking this to the next stage."

With just over 1,500 Scottish members, REPs is increasingly being seen by employers in Scotland as a way of demonstrating to the public the qualifications and competence of their fitness staff.

Future development of the relationship between REPs and the Scottish fitness industry could result in a permanent presence of dedicated REPs staff in Scotland.