Developing leaders to drive systemic change through collaborative innovation.

The Transformational Leadership Programme, co-developed between GM Active, John Oxley and Future Fit Training, has successfully equipped over 200 leaders across Greater Manchester with the skills and framework needed to drive systemic change in leisure, wellbeing, and public health services.

As the sector faces a critical turning point with increasing service delivery complexity and widening health inequalities, the programme has been instrumental in preparing leaders to drive innovation and navigate these challenges.

Measurable impact through leadership development

The programme has already delivered significant improvements across participating leisure centres and community health providers:

• 42% membership growth at Life Leisure achieved through strategic branding and customer relationship management enhancements within just 30 months

• Implementation of new leadership practices including weekly reflection sessions and active wellness huddles to embed continuous learning

• Development of cross-sector initiatives that successfully integrate leisure services with health and social care networks

"The Transformational Leadership Programme represents a fundamental shift in how we develop leaders in our sector," says John Oxley, Executive Board Member at GM Active. "Our vision was to improve the capacity and capability of leadership across the sport and physical activity sector, particularly post-pandemic when the sector needed to reexamine its purpose and approach. What we've witnessed is a transformational shift, with the sector increasingly seeing its purpose as contributing to population health, talking less about fitness and more about health, less about markets and more about communities.

Meeting Emerging Challenges
The recently updated programme incorporates new elements designed to meet the sector's ever-evolving demands:

• Peer-led learning communities that promotes collaboration across organisational boundaries

• Strategic reflection frameworks that encourage innovative problem-solving

• Enhanced leadership tools specifically tailored to public health and community wellbeing environments

This aligns with Sport England's 'Uniting the Movement' strategy, which recognises cross-sector partnerships as essential for dismantling complex systemic barriers that prevent communities from embracing active lifestyles.

Cross-Sector Collaboration as the Way Forward
Industry research confirms that addressing health inequalities requires breaking down barriers between leisure, healthcare, and community services. The programme specifically trains leaders to bridge that gap and build effective partnerships across these boundaries.

"What makes this programme so unique, is its focus on wellbeing-first leadership," continues John. "We're not just teaching traditional management skills; we're developing leaders who understand that leadership is different from management. Real transformation occurs when leaders harness the abilities of others to fulfil their potential and create environments which allow that talent to flourish and thrive. True leaders understand that leadership is about others, not themselves."

The programme's success across the 12 GM Active member organisations demonstrates the potential for leadership development, to drive meaningful change in how leisure and wellness services are conceived, delivered, and integrated into broader public health strategies.

"We have a generational opportunity to redefine the role of physical activity and active wellbeing within our society," added John. " We can demonstrate why movement is so valuable and how a more active population and a more active workforce creates individual and economic growth on a national scale and how it encourages local neighbourhoods to thrive. Our ability to influence policymakers has never been more opportune, nor more needed."

When asked what advice he would you give to future programme participants looking to make an impact, John said, “Leadership is about having a commitment to evoke change. Anyone who has an innate care for the health of the population, and the belief that active well-being can be used to improve it, should grasp the opportunity to focus that passion and determination to be a force for change within our nation. It’s no-one else responsibility, it must come from within.”

The impact of this programme extends beyond the classroom, creating real transformation for leaders across the leisure and fitness industry. When asked what they would say to someone considering participating in the Programme, our recent graduate explained:

"It should be a non-negotiable continuous professional development for the future leaders of our sector." - Carly Heselwood, Health & Wellbeing Manager, Trafford Leisure CIC.

See how the Transformational Leadership Programme can benefit your organisation, click the link to learn more –

Transformational Leadership Programme – Future Fit for Business.

About GM Active
GM Active is a collective of 12 leisure and community organisations from across Greater Manchester who are working together to deliver a shared vision – to get more people physically active to help improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

About Future Fit Group: 
Future Fit Group encompasses various subsidiaries, all dedicated to revolutionising learning and development, driving a new era of growth and innovation. Future Fit Group is a leading provider of health and fitness education, offering accredited qualifications, professional development courses, and career support to individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the health and wellbeing industry. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, Future Fit Group equips its students and partners with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in their careers and make a positive impact on the lives of others.

For more information, visit www.wearefuturefit.co.uk