BASES becomes The Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Science (CASES)

The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) has officially launched its new identity.

BASES was delighted to be granted the Charter of Incorporation by His Majesty King Charles III in May 2024 and today, nearly one year on, is proud to become The Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES).

CASES Chair, Prof Zoe Knowles FCASES, is optimistic about the opportunities this will bring for its members and the industry.

Zoe said, “Becoming a chartered organisation through a Royal Charter, is a means to significantly enhance the Association’s reputation, credibility, and influence within the sport and exercise science sector. It has been a significant undertaking across the Association, from our membership through voluntary input, and external consultation which began in 2021.”

As part of the process of reincorporation, and as approved by the membership at the 2023 AGM, the BASES Board agreed that the name of the organisation would change to The Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES) to reflect the new status of the organisation.

Zoe continued, “Members can be proud of the new status of their organisation and know that we have met the highest of standards required to gain this standing and that our field is deemed that of significant public value. Of course, we, as members, have known that for many years, but being granted the Charter of Incorporation by His Majesty King Charles III means we can present that with confidence.”

Incorporation by Charter is a prestigious way of acquiring legal personality and reflects the high status of that body. The authority for the grant of a Charter comes from the Royal Prerogative, i.e., the grant is made by the Sovereign (on the advice of the Privy Council).

The Charter gives a greater weight to the collective voice of the Association’s members in shaping sport and exercise science professions.

Member benefits of achieving Royal Charter status include: 

• Recognition of professional expertise

• Increased public confidence and awareness

• A stronger the organisation

• Creates and increases aspirations

Zoe explained the ambitions of the Chartered Association, “Firstly, we would like to celebrate and tell the sector more about what we have achieved and how it can influence their workforce and activities.  We will then take time to work with the stipulations set out to us from holding Chartership into our day-to-day business before we consider any next steps.

“We hope to attract new members who recognise the status of a Royal Charter, and we have started a programme to diversify our membership to those from the sector currently underrepresented within the Association.

“We also reach out to former members who may wish to take a fresh look at the Association and if they would like to re-join, a warm welcome awaits.”

From today, CASES members, partners and stakeholders will see new look visuals including a new logo to launch the new status of the Chartered Association.

While the work of the Association drives forward its new strategy for 2025-2028, there are some changes to membership categories in-line with the Privy Council Guidance that new and existing members will notice. The Charter will enable members who have demonstrated the relevant level of professional experience and knowledge to refer to themselves as a ‘Fellow/Member/Technical Member of the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences’, and to use defined postnominal letters accordingly.

Zoe added, “We join a number of Chartered Associations who can advocate, influence and be represented in important dialogue at National level. Our members themselves have an instrumental role in that, and we ask that they reflect their membership, accreditation and Fellow status wherever they can.”

Pictured - The CASES Operational Team with the Royal Charter at CASES offices in Leeds Beckett University (December 2024)

Pictured - The Royal Charter presented to BASES, now CASES in 2024