sporta is urging its members to join the Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (IMSPA) following the announcement of its forthcoming Chartered status and partnership with SkillsActive to deliver a unified, employer-led qualification structure for the industry.

The partnership was facilitated by the Skills Protocol Employer Leadership Group (SPELG), which is made up of representatives from sporta, the Fitness Industry Association (FIA), the Chief Leisure Officers Association (CLOA) and the Leisure Managers Contractors Association (LMCA), speaking for the majority of employers in the industry.

Ian Kendall, CEO of Oldham Community Leisure and North West representative for sporta, sits on the board for SPELG. He explains: "The aim is to deliver a shared vision of a qualified, professional and chartered workforce, including the significant numbers employed by sporta trusts, in order to raise standards in professional practice and drive improvements that will support the future success of the industry.

"Ultimately this will give the sector what it wants - a single qualification structure which is employer led, but supported by a Chartered Institute, to elevate the quality and reputation of the individuals within it."

Craig McAteer, Chair of sporta, said: "Employers have a huge role to play in the success of IMSPA. sporta fully supports the new Institute, and as a group, we will encourage our 46,000 staff to become members."

Paddy Corcoran, former CEO of Tees Valley Leisure, provides a link between sporta and IMSPA, as an advisor for sporta and an IMSPA transitional board member. He said: "IMSPA now ensures that the physical activity sector, including sporta members, is represented by one single institute, speaking with one voice and providing leadership, support and empowerment for professionals employed in the sector.

"It is therefore important that our members sign up to support the Institute and we are working with IMSPA to develop a special offer for all sporta members that wish to join. The details will be announced soon."