Central YMCA sells off YMCA Awards to “support long-term sustainability”

Central YMCA has sold its wholly-owned awarding body subsidiary, Y Awards Limited, to Access Training Enterprises. The move follows a strategic review, undertaken by the charity’s trustees, which concluded that the awards would be best supported by an ownership structure which provides investment to support their “future growth and operational resilience”.

In a statement, Central YMCA said the move will enable it to “sharpen its strategic focus” and concentrate its resources on delivering its charitable objectives.

Y Awards Limited will continue to operate independently, retaining its regulatory status and governance arrangements.

“Access Training Enterprises is not an awarding organisation and will not be involved in the design, assessment, or awarding of qualifications,” the statement reads.

Lianne Clark, Head of Y Awards Limited, said: “This decision follows a period of growth and the strengthening of our senior leadership team for Y Awards, representing the next step in investing in the future of the organisation and the sector we serve.

“Y Awards Limited remains fully regulated, fully operational, and committed to delivering high quality qualifications that support learners, centres and employers across the health and fitness sector.”

Ian Bennett, CEO of Access Training Enterprises, added: “We are committed to safeguarding the standards and trust established by Central YMCA, while also looking ahead, investing in engagement, technology and new opportunities to support providers and learners alike.

“Together, we are excited to build on what has come before and create an even richer, more connected experience for the loyal YMCA Awards community and the many learners it serves.”