FOI ref: FOI-2023-1100
You asked
In reference to the following previously answered FOI: Classification of Pilates teachers
We would be grateful for clarification on the following points:
1) The FOI states : "With regards to the independent experts involved in the process of classification, the SOC revision team discussed the classification of Pilates Teachers with six industry practitioners who responded to our stakeholder engagement exercise." We understand that there are clear policies and practices on engaging with Stakeholders. Please clarify: a) The process and dates for the establishment of the stakeholder engagement consultation. b) When and where was the request for stakeholder engagement published? c) What publication was there of the request for stakeholders to join the engagement consultation? d) How were stakeholders identified and selected for the exercise?
2) The FOI states: "The view expressed by the Pilates Teachers Association (PTA) that Pilates Teachers are Health Professionals and should be classified within this group was considered, in addition to their view that the job title Comprehensive Pilates Teacher should be included within the job index for Health Professionals." The PTA did not express any view on classification at any point in the SOC 2010 review. The PTA asked ONS to review our submission and consider creation of an independent code for Comprehensive Pilates Teacher. The view of your experts was that there were insufficient Comprehensive Pilates teachers for an individual code, the experts agreed that "Health associate professional not elsewhere classified " would be appropriate. Alexander technique Teachers were also under this code and are not considered "health Professionals". How was this conveyed to the 6 stakeholders during stakeholder engagement?
3) The FOI states: A project is underway to consider developing a more granular version of SOC. The view of the PTA, to incorporate the job title 'Comprehensive Pilates Teacher', will be considered in the development of the SOC extended framework. What action has been taken on this?
We said
Thank you for your request. Please see the following answers to the points you have raised.
1a) The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 2010 revision process commenced in January 2016 until April 2019, with stakeholders having an opportunity to contribute throughout.
1b) The consultation on revising the SOC 2010 was published on the ONS consultation and surveys page on 26 February 2016.
1c) Where significant changes were being proposed to SOC2010 to create SOC2020, the SOC Revision Working Group contacted relevant organisations requesting their input to the revision process.
1d) Stakeholders were identified from the existing stakeholder list, consultation respondents, and newly identified stakeholders.
2) The ONS had previously reported that 2 variations of the job title of Comprehensive Pilates teacher would be added to the SOC2020 job title index and that they would code to Unit Group 3219 – Health associate professionals. We received a number of comments on this issue from industry practitioners who advised that they viewed themselves as fitness and exercise professionals and not Health Professionals. The SOC Revision Working Group reviewed all the supplied evidence and comments. Significant new evidence highlighted that the job title of Comprehensive Pilates teacher was not suitable for inclusion to the SOC job title index and that it should remain in Unit Group 3433 - Fitness and wellbeing instructors.
All stakeholders were informed of this decision via email on 03 April 2019.
3) More recent data has been examined and has found no evidence on the use of the specific job title 'Comprehensive Pilates Teacher'. A Sub Unit Group for 3433/02 Pilates Teacher has been included in the extended SOC 2020.