Health Commitment Statement (HCS)

The Health Commitment Statement sets the standards that health & fitness centres and users can reasonably expect from each other in regards to the health of the user.

The HCS normally commands a license fee of up you £120 per site per year however FIA/IOU members are able to use the HCS without any charge and this may also save you up to 30% on your current insurance premium.

Background

The Health Commitment Statement (HCS) has been created as an alternative to the traditional PARQ, which has existed for the past 15 years. The HCS reflects Government policy and legal trends. The Fitness Industry Association (FIA) is taking the lead in allowing operators to be more accessible while facilitating a better working relationship between fitness and medical sectors in the community. This has also provided an opportunity to align the HCS to the skills and expertise of fitness professionals established through REPs.

The HCS has been developed by Fitness Industry operators, medico-legal professionals and health providers to support the evolving requirements of users and operators, led by EIDO Healthcare.

The HCS has been passed through both the FIAs' Technical, Health and Safety Group and the COP Working Group. As well as this, the HCS document has received backing from an independent Health and Safety advisor for many leisure facilities.

The purpose of the HCS

• Develop the current PARQ to simplify access to activity facilities for users.
• Assist the Health, Medical and Fitness industries to work in harmony while supporting initiatives to encourage the nation to become more active.
• Bring health and fitness clubs in line with virtually all other sports and active leisure in relation to health matters.
• Be consistent with current Government policies in encouraging every individual to take responsibility for his or her own health.
• Offer the opportunity to clubs to maximise their membership.
• Be in keeping with current trends in legislation and case law.
• Provide the opportunity for a uniform approach across the health and fitness industry, producing greater clarity and reducing costs.
• Offer a simple solution in plain English, which is accessible to fitness instructors, staff and members.

The HCS has been designed for users in a gym environment and with all operators in mind, allowing flexibility with its usage.

Implementation of the HCS

1. The HCS may be drawn to the attention of users in one of the following ways (this list is not exhaustive):
2. Online - Users that are purchasing online contracts must read an online copy and tick a box to agree they have read the HCS and agree to its terms.
3. HCS copy visibly placed on reception. A term added to the user agreement that makes reference to the visible HCS, and the user signs the agreement to confirm acknowledgment e.g. private member health club.
4. HCS copy visibly placed at reception and a reference term included in a signing-in book (e.g. hotel gym) or guest book (e.g. member club).
5. HCS copy printed off and signed individually by the user and recorded in a private and confidential location (e.g. member club).

For further information on the HCS please contact Pete Wells (pete@fia.org.uk)  / 0207 420 8571.