The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) and UK Coaching have signed a deal which will see the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) being combined with the CIMSPA Exercise and Fitness Directory.

The move will create a single directory for all exercise and fitness professionals, resulting in a unified recognition system for people working in the sector. It will also ensure that there will be a single endorsement mechanism for all physical activity training providers.

Current REPs members will be given the opportunity to transfer into the CIMSPA membership scheme, with the new directory being hosted and managed by CIMSPA. Until now, REPs has been operated by UK Coaching.

The announcement was made at the CIMSPA & QUEST NBS Conference on 27 February.

Speaking at the event, Sport England CEO Tim Hollingsworth said: "Sport England welcomes this important milestone towards building a unified and excellent sport and physical activity workforce.

"A single directory for the professionals working in our sector will enhance our ability to provide skills, training, recognition and career development. This, in turn, will empower the workforce to deliver even more positive experiences for everyone seeking to be active in communities right across the country."

Tara Dillon, CEO of CIMSPA, added: "This move is all about two organisations working together to create, for the first time, a unified recognition system for the sector.

"It will help CIMSPA and UK Coaching to be in a position to provide the best possible service to the workforce and will also realise important elements of the Government's 2015 Sporting Future strategy and Sport England's 2016-2021 Towards an Active Nation strategy."

The new unified directory will be launched in the coming months, with CIMSPA and UK Coaching working closely together to ensure a "smooth and effective transition process" for all REPs and CIMSPA members.

In the interim, the two organisations are advising all members to renew with their respective membership bodies, as normal, to maintain their professional recognition.