North Member Network

ukactive exists to improve the health of the nation by getting more people, more active, more often, through the collaborative might of the UK’s physical activity sector.

The ukactive Regional Member Networks are designed to inform, connect and enable the collaboration of Operators, Suppliers and third sector.

Powered by our partners, the morning event will discuss the topics that matter to you, inform you of the work taking place to support the growth of the sector and share ideas, education and opportunities for you and your team to empower your communities.

With lots of opportunities to network, lunch provided, these events are happening on your doorstep and something not to miss.

AGENDA

Workforce planning remains one of the most critical challenges facing the fitness and leisure sector today with several key challenges, these can include managing recruitment challenges due to a shrinking labour pool , adapting to rapid technological advancements, and managing retention with evolving employee expectations.

Leading the conversation around workforce we welcome Michael Hirst, Chief Executive of Barnsley Premier Leisure (BPL).

Michael has over 32 years’ experience in health, leisure and hospitality management. He has helped BPL to become a self-reliant leisure trust which operates across Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, employing over 550 people. We cannot wait to hear about the BPL Brand, how this translates into their Employment Value Proposition and what this means for their workforce and the community they serve.

We also welcome Carolyn Thorsen. Carolyn joined ukactive in October 2024 as Project Manager for Safer Spaces to Move — a collaborative initiative between ukactive and Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign. The project is designed to help reduce the barriers women face when being active in gyms, fitness centres, and leisure facilities, with a particular focus on tackling sexual harassment and intimidation.

As part of this initiative, the sector now has access to a new suite of foundational resources aimed at supporting operators to build safer, more inclusive environments. These tools offer practical guidance and training to help facilities respond more effectively to incidents and foster welcoming spaces for all.

At the event, Carolyn will provide an overview of the Safer Spaces to Move project, share insights from its development, and offer a walkthrough of the latest resources now available via the resource hub for your workforce.

If you have any questions you’d like Carolyn to address during the session, please send them in advance to: claireplace@ukactive.org.uk

We are excited to welcome to this event Mark Tweedy. Mark is an executive leader with 30+ years of experience across education, sport and leisure.

His career began in teaching before evolving into community sports development, school improvement consultancy and local authority head of service. Over the past 13 years Mark has held CEO roles across several leisure organisations, steering strategic transformation and fostering high-performing teams.

Mark's organisational leadership has driven remarkable efficiency improvements alongside measurable impacts across physical activity, health and wellbeing, education, employability and social support.

As founder and Chair of GM Active, a strategic network of 12 Greater Manchester leisure operators, Mark helped align local services with regional health and social care priorities. His work has earned national awards for leadership and transformation.

Now semi-retired, Mark works independently as a leadership and business development consultant, bringing seasoned expertise as a CEO, qualified executive coach and facilitator. He supports organisations with leadership and strategy development, helping to transform cultures to achieve outstanding performance.

In this session, participants will discover how organisational cultures and team dynamics can be transformed to drive measurable, sustainable results. Drawing on Mark's experience as a CEO and the latest evidence on employee engagement, Mark will share strategies and tactics using a proven framework that blends evaluation with high-impact learning and support. Participants will leave equipped with an awareness of how to boost productivity, enhance retention and gain competitive advantage by unlocking the full potential of themselves and their teammates.

Our latest speaker announcment is Julie Allen – Active Insight Business Development Manager - 'Through the Lens of the Consumer'

In this session Julie will share fresh consumer insights that highlight why a strong workforce, a vibrant culture, and authentic brand values are critical to inspiring more people to be active, more often.

Against a backdrop of workforce pressures, Julie will explore how consumer attitudes and behaviours are shaped by the people and culture they encounter. The session will show how reframing workforce planning through the lens of consumer demand can align people strategy with brand promise—ultimately building trust, loyalty, and participation.

REGISTRATION

This is a free event for all ukactive members. With more speakers yet to be announced, this is one not to be missed.