Strategic Restructuring of YMCA Awards
Introduction
Following a strategic review, the board of trustees of Central YMCA have decided to transfer its awarding organisation, YMCA Awards, into a separate legal entity, which will operate under the new name Y Awards Limited. Trustees have also taken the decision sell Y Awards Limited to Access Training Enterprises Ltd, a values-aligned owner with the operational capacity to support its growth and continued development.
This strategic restructure and sale is; designed to strengthen Y Awards Limited’ ability to innovate, invest, and grow, while allowing Central YMCA to concentrate its resources on its charitable objectives and long-term sustainability. Throughout this process Access Training have consistently demonstrated their commitment to Y Awards Ltd, and we firmly believe that Y Awards Ltd can thrive with Access Training.
Y Awards Limited has been recognised as an awarding organisation by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA and we are working closely with the relevant regulators to ensure that the transition is smooth and fully compliant with all requirements.
We Want To Reassure You That
Continuity of Service
Your qualifications, assessments, and support will continue without disruption during and after the transition.
Staff and Operations
The teams supporting centres and learners remain in place, and your usual points of contact will not change.
Commitment to Quality
Y Awards Ltd will maintain its regulatory compliance, standards, and continued focus on the health, wellbeing and fitness sector.
Next Steps
We have outlined the next steps below to ensure you are fully supported and clear on what to expect:
1. Webinar – Thursday 12th February 2026 at 10:00am
A customer webinar will take place on the above date, during which we will share key information on the transition and provide an overview of what this means for your centre. Questions can be submitted in advance via
awards.partnerships@ymca.co.uk and during the session, with responses provided formally following the webinar and added to our FAQs.
2. Business Development Support
Your allocated Business Development Manager or Head of Business Development will be in touch to discuss your centre agreement and will share a revised agreement reflecting Y Awards Ltd.
3. Customer Support
Once your centre agreement with Y Awards Ltd has been signed, your dedicated Customer Account Specialist will contact you to book a 1:1 call. This session will provide guidance, share further updates, and address any additional questions you may have.
4. Operational and Financial Information
Separate communication will be issued providing key information relating to email addresses, phone numbers, invoicing arrangements, and operational processes.