The Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) has commissioned a stakeholder consultation, to be carried out by Leisure-net Solutions, to see how it is viewed by the rest of the industry as part of its commitment to on-going development.

Mike Hill, founder and managing director of Leisure-net Solutions said: “The Register has exceeded everyone’s expectations over the last four years but if it is to continue to grow and to play a key role within the industry it has to get honest and constructive feedback from its stakeholders.

“Our job was to identify these stakeholders and ask questions that would help give the Register not only an accurate picture of how it is perceived but also how best to move on and exceed expectations for the next four years and beyond.”

The key stakeholders were established as the Register’s members, awarding bodies, training providers, industry bodies such as the FIA, and REPs staff. Initial findings show that overall the Register is seen as a vital part of the industry and enjoys the full support of those interviewed.

However, some concerns were raised, in particular, over some specific and quite technical issues were raised by most of the training providers and some of the employers, around the issue of quality control and standards, although most of these points would not come under the REPs’ control.

In addition, several stakeholders questioned the cohesion between industry players, particularly in relation to ensuring that employers take their responsibility to ensure all employees (both staff and free-lance) are REPs’ registered and offered several suggestions as to how this could be remedied including linking registration to insurance.

A much larger members’ survey is now taking place with responses from more then 400 members being analysed.

The full report on the exercise will go to the REPs board and governors and then the key findings and recommendations with then be published.

Following the consultation, the REPs will be able to establish service standards for its members and all of the other principle stakeholders. Progress and development of the REPs can be measured against agreed criteria.