Standards For People| Building the Standards
Standards Development
The EuropeActive Standards are shaped by the Professional Standards Committee (PSC), an independent body. Over 18 years, 200+ experts contributed to its development.
The Training Provider Coalition (TPC), composed of experienced providers, directs the PSC in updating and developing standards and educational frameworks for EuropeActive.
The Professional Standards Committee (PSC) is made up of key stakeholders involved in the development of Standards for people, programmes and places for the European fitness and physical activity sector. As part of EuropeActive’s strategic direction, the main purpose of the Committee is to promote the use of EuropeActive Standards, the importance of good practice, and the recognition of professionalism across the European fitness and physical activity sector.
⬇Our current PSC members:
Julian Berriman MA
Director
Julian Berriman, MA in Leisure Management and BSc (Hons) in Osteopathy, brings 25+ years of fitness industry experience. He's a certified teacher and trainer, mentoring individuals across all skill levels.
For over 20 years, Julian led Research and Development at a prominent UK training provider. He authored fitness qualifications and oversaw their quality at a leading Awarding Organisation.
As EuropeActive’s Professional Standards Committee Director, Julian drives the development of EuropeActive’s Sector Qualifications Framework. These standards shape accreditation for trainers across Europe.
Committed to forging global partnerships, Julian leads the PSC’s mission to advance fitness professionals' roles in Europe, aligned with EuropeActive’s vision for increased physical activity participation.
Dr. Anna Szumilewicz PhD
Deputy Director PSC
Anna Szumilewicz, PhD in Exercise Science, is an Associate Professor at Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport (AWFiS). Collaborating with EuropeActive since 2011, she shapes EA’s Standards across EQF levels and contributes to projects focusing on qualifications' relevance to the EQF and Skills Cooperation in Active Leisure.
In Poland, Anna advises the Ministry of Sport and Tourism, contributes to vocational education and research institutes, and has earned prestigious awards for her contributions. Her research delves into exercise professionals' competencies within the European Qualification System and the impact of exercise on women’s health, particularly during the pre- and postnatal phases. Anna has developed the "FemFit Mama" training program for pregnant and postpartum women, implemented in Polish fitness clubs. Her numerous scientific papers on women's health-related physical activity reflect her dedication to advancing fitness education and women’s health.
Dr. Espen Arntzen
Espen is a Dr of Naprapathy from the Scandinavian College of Manual Medicine in Stockholm as well as having multiple certifications in Personal Training and Performance.
He has worked with both national teams and athletes in numerous sports as well as clients in health and fitness and has been doing education since 1994.
In 2024 he founded the Norwegian Academy For Personal Training (AFPT) and have educated over 10.000 students in personal training over the last 20 years and has proudly been building AFPT to become the largest private school in personal training in Scandinavia.
He is also CEO of Wellness Education and Technology where he is in charge of a team of over 70 people striving to provide quality education within health and fitness in Norway and Sweden and looking to expand both the company and its´influence and educations to new countries.
Ben Pratt MSc
Ben has been actively working in health, fitness, nutrition, and wellbeing since 1995, moving into related education in 2003. He elevated his expertise and gained significant industry experience working for leading training providers, awarding organisations, charities, and fitness associations over more than two decades.
Ben is a seasoned presenter, tutor, assessor, and educator. A sought-after consultant and education developer, his training programmes, both in-person and online, have been delivered to thousands of students across the United Kingdom, Europe, and further afield.
Ben continues to influence the wider health and fitness industry and advocates for positive change and an increase in the quality of education and the standards of practice and professionalism needed in our industry.
George Xiros
George Xiros has been involved in the fitness industry for almost 30 years. He has perform many including running his own fitness education provider, gyms and online fitness platforms. As an international speaker George has presented on some of the biggest fitness industry stages across Europe and beyond. George is a true fitness entrepreneur and his list of achievements include:
- Official Ambassador of the European Register of Exercise Professionals - EREPS (European Register of Exercise Professionals) since 2020.
- International presenter - speaker in more than 20 countries worldwide and appearances on various TV shows, magazines, radios, awards in Greece and abroad
- Founder of the Fitness Training Organisation XAGON FITNESS.
- Founder and Director of Calisthenics Elite Training School.
... and more!
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Standards For Places | FitCert
FitCert: Elevating Fitness Club Standards for Safety and Quality
FitCert is a European certification for fitness clubs, relying on the new European standards EN17229 to ensure safety and reliability in fitness facilities. It enables clubs to demonstrate adherence to these standards, providing high-quality operations and safe environments for users. By being listed on the FitCert Register, clubs showcase their commitment to excellent customer service, professionalism and user safety.
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