SkillsActive, the Sector Skills Council for sport and fitness, has launched the new standard for Pilates following extensive consultation with Pilates organisations, teachers, trainers and employers throughout the UK.

Lee Buck, SkillsActive’s qualifications and standards officer, said: “This is a huge step forward for the fitness industry, we will now be able to recognise Pilates training providers who meet the nationally agreed standards and in turn this will allow fitness professionals to access quality training.”

Pilates teachers will now be able to work towards membership of the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) at Level 3.

Lynne Robinson, director of the Body Control Pilates Association, added: “This standard is a major milestone for Pilates worldwide.

"Pilates organisations in the UK have spent several years helping to develop its content and the result will be hugely beneficial for Pilates enthusiasts across the country. This standard, and the list of qualified teachers on the Register, will significantly help to ensure the quality, safety and effectiveness of Pilates teaching.

SkillsActive has also recently launched a consultation process on behalf of sportsofficialsUK which is designed to lead to the standardisation of officiating at sporting events of all levels.

“This is a real chance for the sports industry to have, for the first time, a set of National Occupational Standards that are accepted and agreed by a wide range of sports across the UK,” said SkillsActive’s entry to the workforce manager, Steve Mitchell.

“It will also provide a framework to which National Governing Bodies of Sport can further promote officiating as a viable career option, as well as highlighting volunteering opportunities.”

Five draft National Occupational Standards have been drawn up over the past two years with support from sporting bodies including the FA, RFU, RFL and LTA. Details: www.skillsactive.com/pilatesandyoga or www.sportsofficialsuk.com/consultations