Applications for open bursary funding

From 2 January 2024 (Quarter 4), or until such time as the quarter’s funding is allocated to instructors, you can apply for 90% funding towards the cost off your chosen CPD training course. The training must be provided by one of our member organisations and be endorsed.  Each member organisation has a maximum of ten funded instructor places per quarter.

Personal and Professional Criteria

To be eligible for funding, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Application to be received by EMD UK at least 5 workings days before your course start date. Applications sent after this time will not be accepted.
  • The course you are applying for must start within the same 3 months of the bursary funding quarter (see other conditions for more information)
  • Be actively teaching in England within 1 month of completing your training as per the full bursary terms and conditions
  • Be able to demonstrate how the training will increase participation or improve the retention of current class participants within the group exercise industry.
  • If applying for funding to complete Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training, you must hold one of the following qualifications recognised by CIMSPA. :
    • Level 2 Fitness Instructing
    • Level 2 Group Training to Music
    • Level 2 Group Training
    • Level 2 (DFQ) Exercise to Music
    • Level 3 Personal Trainer
    • Level 3 Yoga
    • Level 3 Pilates qualification.
  • You must upload a copy of your certificate as part of the application process.

Training Criteria

Application for the Open Bursary funding must:

  • Be a recognised fitness style offered by one of our Premium Member Organisations.
  • Be endorsed by EMD UK, CIMSPA or Active IQ.
  • Be used for teaching or instructing purposes, not activities such as tutoring, quality assurance or mentoring, or level 2 or level 3 qualifications offered by EMD UK.

After completing your training and to be able to become a member of EMD UK you must agree that:

  • You will adhere to industry regulations on the use of music in public places (eg PPL and PRS).
  • You will adhere to government guidance issued with regards group exercise.
  • You will hold the relevant professional insurance for your activities and provide us with evidence of such insurance
  • If you are working with children, young people, and/or vulnerable adults on a regular, unsupervised basis (once a month or more), you possess an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Scheme Check carried out within the last 2 years.
  • You will hold a valid First Aid Certificate dated within the last 2 years or have adequate first aid cover in place where you teach
  • You will abide by EMD UK’s Code of Conduct.

Other Conditions

  • There is a limit of two bursaries per person (one bursary in any 12-month period)
  • You can only apply for funding towards one course per application.
  • The funding must be applied to a course start date within the financial quarter of applying.
  • Funding will be open in rounds, starting the first Monday of each quarter. If this falls on a Bank Holiday, the round will open on the next working day. Once the funding has been allocated for that round, the funding will be closed until the first Monday of the next quarter.
  • A unique discount code to gain 90% funding towards the cost of your CPD training course will be sent to you once your application has been approved.
  • You must claim your bursary funding before the expiry date set by EMD UK.  You will be advised of this date if your application is successful.

EMD UK reserve the right to amend the Open Bursary eligibility Terms and Conditions at any point without prior notice. Funding is subject to availability.