At The Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), our mission is to ensure that exercise professionals registered with us maintain the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct when providing fitness instruction services. To achieve this, we expect you to adhere to our Code of Ethics and Conduct.
We understand that physical activity and exercise can have a positive impact on individuals, promoting physical, mental, personal, social, and emotional development. As an informed, dedicated, and educated exercise professional, you can contribute to this development by operating within an acceptable ethical and professional framework.
The Code of Ethics and Conduct consists of five key principles:
As an exercise professional, your role is to:
This Code of Ethics and Conduct (the Code) defines good practice for you as a professional in the fitness industry, reflecting the core values of rights, relationships, responsibilities, standards, and safety. Whether you hold a paid position, are employed, or self-employed, the Code applies to you.
If you are an employed exercise professional, we acknowledge that you may be subject to the codes of practice and employment rules of your employer(s). In considering how to comply with our Code, you should carefully regard the rules of your employer(s). In the event of a complaint, any internal investigation by your employer(s) will be taken into account, and the complaint will be referred to them.
As an exercise professional registered with REPs, you agree to accept your responsibility to:
When practising as an exercise professional, you must also hold adequate liability insurance.
As an exercise professional, you should treat your clients openly and transparently, always adopting the highest degree of professionalism when addressing their needs. It is essential to maintain a standard of professional conduct appropriate for dealing with all client groups and demonstrate:
As a REPs-registered professional, ensure your contractual arrangements with clients are clear and transparent. While REPs cannot adjudicate or handle private contractual disputes, we strive to ensure that our exercise professionals have appropriate regard for addressing concerns raised by their clients.
If a dispute arises between you and a member of the public concerning your role as an exercise professional, you should initially try to resolve the dispute between yourselves. REPs does not have the jurisdiction to resolve such disputes.
As an exercise professional, you should cultivate healthy relationships with your clients and other health professionals. Your relationships with clients should be based on openness, honesty, mutual trust, and respect, and you should responsibly demonstrate:
As an exercise professional, you should demonstrate and promote responsible lifestyle choices and professional conduct. Your conduct and personal behaviour should be appropriate at all times, and you should responsibly demonstrate:
As an exercise professional, you should strive to achieve the highest level of professional standards in your work and career development. Commit to ongoing training and attaining appropriate qualifications as an exercise professional, demonstrating:
As an exercise professional, you should thoroughly prepare for all activities, prioritising the safety of your clients. Maintain a safe exercise environment for all clients at all times, demonstrating:
As an exercise professional, you should proactively champion ethical behaviour. Our Code defines good practice for you as a professional in the fitness industry, reflecting the core values of rights, relationships, responsibilities, standards, and safety. It will support you in recognising and resolving ethical issues and conflicts and sets out the key principles you should adhere to, ensuring an ethical and professional approach to your work.
Ethical reflection is an essential part of everyday practice. Our Code cannot encompass all the answers to the ethical issues you will face as an exercise professional. Some actions that constitute a breach of the Code will be more clearly distinguishable than others. In all cases, you should conduct a process of careful reflection, reasoning, and consultation with others, as well as consulting further detailed guidance on key areas of practice.
However, a Code alone is of limited value. We have designed it to be a guidance and benchmarking document only. To genuinely impact practice and behaviour, this Code should be:
The REPs Code of Ethics and Conduct serves as a foundation for maintaining high ethical standards and professionalism within the fitness industry. As an exercise professional registered with REPs, it is your responsibility to adhere to these principles and guidelines, ensuring the safety, well-being, and satisfaction of your clients while fostering positive relationships with colleagues and other professionals in the field.
Remember that the Code is a living document, meant to evolve alongside the ever-changing landscape of the fitness industry. Regularly review and reflect on the Code's principles to ensure that you are always up-to-date and able to address emerging ethical challenges.
By embracing the REPs Code of Ethics and Conduct, you not only enhance your own professional credibility and reputation but also contribute to elevating the overall standards of the fitness industry. This, in turn, leads to a more trustworthy and respected profession, benefiting both exercise professionals and clients alike.
In summary, as a REPs registered exercise professional, always strive to:
