Sue has over 30 years’ experience in the fitness industry as a group ex Instructor, PT and International Fitness presenter, developing programming and education in the UK and America for brands including TRX, TriggerPoint, and Total Gym. Throughout the pandemic Sue represented the group exercise sector, working with the government to support instructors and ensure they were able to get back teaching face to face. As part of this work Sue authored the Group Ex Support Pack and Return to Play guidelines. Sue work for instructors continues – she is currently in talks with PRS for Music to seek simpler, more cost-effective music solutions for the sector.

A communication and engagement specialist for over 25 years and a mental health first aid instructor, Lindsey works with organisations to create healthy cultures. Lindsey was the then FIA's first membership liaison manager and she's worked for some of the biggest names in the industry. Her commitment to ‘good work’ and driving systemic change is coupled with a lifelong love for all things active and an extensive collection of trail shoes. Lindsey is studying for her Masters in Workplace Health & Wellbeing. She is the co-founder of Workplace Mental Wealth and The Good Work Pledge, and the lead researcher on the Workforce State of Mind Survey.

Gill Cummings-Bell is director of training provider, Drummond Education. Gill has been a group exercise teacher for over 40 years and has provided education for hundreds of fitness professionals. Gill has considerable skills in the fitness sector, including class development, strategic management, quality assurance, and planning and development.

Gill consults and presents both nationally and internationally, presenting workshops on education and health related topics around the world.

Ajay brings over 30 years’ experience in the sport and physical activity sector at local, regional, national and international level. As director of an equality, diversity and inclusion consultancy, Ajay has a life-long passion and commitment to addressing and challenging inequalities to support some of the most marginalised people in society to have better life-chances. Ajay is also a Neuro-linguistic Programme practitioner and stress management counsellor.

Rashmi is the founder of Step Change Studios, which provides opportunities for disabled people to be active through dance. She is also a qualified ETM and indoor cycling instructor. Over 20 years, she has developed expertise in the arts, sport, social affairs, and disability advocacy. She is a Board Member of Sport England, also serving as the Board Champion for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. She holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge where her research focused on Intellectual Disability. Rashmi was recently recognised with an MBE for services to disabled people.

Annie-Rose is an accomplished dancer and dance teacher. She graduated from Bird College gaining a degree in Musical Theatre and Professional Dance, and trained under the Centre for Advance Training scheme at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. She has worked and performed on stage and screen. Credits include: Ant & Dec Saturday Night Takeaway, The Crown, Paralympics Homecoming, and the Commonwealth Games 2022 Opening Ceremony. During the pandemic, Annie-Rose was part of a project led by Step Change Studios called ‘Conversations with Carers’, which was focused on raising awareness of the lived experience of carers and improving their wellbeing through dance. Annie-Rose is trained in a wide range of dance styles and is currently teaching inclusive dance for the Royal Academy of Dance.

My name is Esme Khalique and I am a 35-year-old woman whose sight loss journey began as a result of a domestic violence incident. I subsequently developed a neurological condition caused by trauma and stress, which has taken all working vision. I am a single mother to four children. I absolutely love cooking and have made an impact through blind cooking on social media. My life has been anything but ordinary. From the moment I was born, I have had to battle for my rights and survival. I am a keen campaigner for women’s and disability rights. My life completely changed after I took up dancing. I believe through positive expression anything is possible. I am also the co-founder of Global Eyes London, which is run by blind people and supports and promotes the interest of the community.

My name is Adrienne Armorer and I first started dancing when a work colleague invited me to accompany her to a salsa class. I attended regularly until I was happy to do salsa every day of the week and even went on Salsa weekenders. Since losing my mobility due to developing Multiple Sclerosis in 2007, I have tried to keep up with dancing and exercising where I can. I have become a yellow belt in Shotokan Karate, was awarded a bronze medal in the ESKF British Adapted Karate Championship, a silver medal in the annual Pimlico Disability Swimming Gala, and have danced on stage at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre. I currently take part in 2 dance classes and 2 seated exercise classes a week.

With over 20 years of physical activity and sports development experience, Shelley has been a key member of the EMD UK Senior Leadership team since 2019. As EMD UK’s Chief Operating Officer, she has taken a strategic lead for several key work strands including our system partner relationship with Sport England. Shelley graduated from Brighton University with a BA Hons in Leisure and Sports Studies and in 2014 was one of the first graduates of the Women’s Sports Leadership Academy. She was COO for a social enterprise supporting young people into work through sport and fitness programmes. A qualified group exercise instructor and running coach, she established a running club and ran the London and Loch Ness Marathons.

Claire is part of the This Girl Can campaign team at Sport England where she leads on all activation projects for the campaign which focus on creating or improving on-the-ground opportunities for women to be active within their communities. Claire is passionate about ensuring women are given equal opportunities to be active in ways that work for them, and helping partners within the fitness and leisure sector embed the ethos of the This Girl Can campaign into their own marketing activities and physical activity offerings.

Since starting in the industry in 1996 as a group exercise instructor then onto PT, Fitness Manager, NVQ Trainer & since 2010 Head of Fitness, Sarah has seen a lot of changes! She enjoys being part of a dynamic & forward-thinking senior team within Places Leisure focusing on community, health, fitness, innovation, partnership working & inclusion. The Big Sister Project and This Girl Can initiatives have positively impacted Places Leisure and changed our operating model for the better, for good.

Sarah truly believes that community-based, accessible activity for all is the perfect approach to improve the health of the nation.

Lynne Dowdican has been Chair of The Keep Fit Association (KFA) since 2016. Lynne also works full-time in the Civil Service as the lead for Governance and Stewardship in the Department Levelling up Homes and Communities (DLUHC), supporting strategic partners to secure successful governance and to maintain effective organisational control and risk management systems. KFA has dedicated itself to the provision of safe and effective exercise, movement and dance. Through the provision of highly qualified teachers, who receive continuous professional training to hone their skills, KFA covers exercise, dance and movement across all client groups

Gill Cummings-Bell is director of training provider, Drummond Education. Gill has been a group exercise teacher for over 40 years and has provided education for hundreds of fitness professionals. Gill has considerable skills in the fitness sector, including class development, strategic management, quality assurance, and planning and development.

Gill consults and presents both nationally and internationally, presenting workshops on education and health related topics around the world.

Gill Cummings-Bell is director of training provider, Drummond Education. Gill has been a group exercise teacher for over 40 years and has provided education for hundreds of fitness professionals. Gill has considerable skills in the fitness sector, including class development, strategic management, quality assurance, and planning and development.

Gill consults and presents both nationally and internationally, presenting workshops on education and health related topics around the world.

Jayne Nicholls, multi award winning owner and director of GXT commands a unique position in the education of instructors.

Jayne champions the working instructor providing qualifications and developing programs that allow both emotional and financial rewards. Something of an entrepreneur in the fitness industry she has created a business out of a passion. Starting as a group exercise instructor and personal trainer, Jayne has never been employed, never taught third party programs and always searched for a “better way.” This mind set paved the way for long term sponsorship by Nike as a Fitness Athlete, Red Bull, repeat bookings as a presenter and speaker at conventions and events nationwide. Her leadership demonstrates that you can be both an instructor and a business person and her longevity in the industry provides a proven track record for success.

Rachel Holmes is the Director of Choreographytogo Education specialising in delivering Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 Qualifications online.

Rachel is the creator of Fitness Pilates, Walkfit™️,Menofit™️ and many Group Fitness Programmes and providing extensive business and social media training for Fitness Professionals.

Catherine is the Operations Director for The Gym Group, leading transformational change and delivering performance across 230 gyms within the UK. Throughout Catherine's career she has gained a wealth experience within the leisure industry, holding positions across Director and C-Suite levels in the Health & Beauty, Football and Golf sectors - Her passion however, is with the fitness industry and works tirelessly with the team at The Gym Group to break down barriers to fitness for all!

Sarah Durnford is the Instructor Experience Development Director at Les Mills UK. Sarah is passionate about creating gold standard education for group exercise instructors and ensuring fitness professionals feel supported in their careers. As an ex-trainer and fitness presenter, Sarah knows the challenges, highs and lows that instructors face.

Sue has over 30 years’ experience in the fitness industry as a group ex Instructor, PT and International Fitness presenter, developing programming and education in the UK and America for brands including TRX, TriggerPoint, and Total Gym. Throughout the pandemic Sue represented the group exercise sector, working with the government to support instructors and ensure they were able to get back teaching face to face. As part of this work Sue authored the Group Ex Support Pack and Return to Play guidelines. Sue work for instructors continues – she is currently in talks with PRS for Music to seek simpler, more cost-effective music solutions for the sector.

With over 20 years of physical activity and sports development experience, Shelley has been a key member of the EMD UK Senior Leadership team since 2019. As EMD UK’s Chief Operating Officer, she has taken a strategic lead for several key work strands including our system partner relationship with Sport England. Shelley graduated from Brighton University with a BA Hons in Leisure and Sports Studies and in 2014 was one of the first graduates of the Women’s Sports Leadership Academy. She was COO for a social enterprise supporting young people into work through sport and fitness programmes. A qualified group exercise instructor and running coach, she established a running club and ran the London and Loch Ness Marathons.

Kat has 15 years experience in the sport and physical activity sector working for a national leisure operator in sports development sitting on the local Active Partnerships project board, local authority, sports charity and currently working for the national governing body for group exercise, EMD UK, in a research and insight role where she sits on CIMSPA’s Workforce Insight group. She graduated with a First BA (Hons) in Sports Management and Coaching studies and is a qualified PRINCE2 project manager with coaching qualifications in athletics, tennis and handball. Kat is passionate about working in partnership to support everyone to become and maintain an active, healthy life and has volunteered at London 2012 and is a keen runner completing the London Marathon twice

Gill Cummings-Bell is director of training provider, Drummond Education. Gill has been a group exercise teacher for over 40 years and has provided education for hundreds of fitness professionals. Gill has considerable skills in the fitness sector, including class development, strategic management, quality assurance, and planning and development.

Gill consults and presents both nationally and internationally, presenting workshops on education and health related topics around the world.

Gill Cummings-Bell is director of training provider, Drummond Education. Gill has been a group exercise teacher for over 40 years and has provided education for hundreds of fitness professionals. Gill has considerable skills in the fitness sector, including class development, strategic management, quality assurance, and planning and development.

Gill consults and presents both nationally and internationally, presenting workshops on education and health related topics around the world.

With over 20 years of physical activity and sports development experience, Shelley has been a key member of the EMD UK Senior Leadership team since 2019. As EMD UK’s Chief Operating Officer, she has taken a strategic lead for several key work strands including our system partner relationship with Sport England. Shelley graduated from Brighton University with a BA Hons in Leisure and Sports Studies and in 2014 was one of the first graduates of the Women’s Sports Leadership Academy. She was COO for a social enterprise supporting young people into work through sport and fitness programmes. A qualified group exercise instructor and running coach, she established a running club and ran the London and Loch Ness Marathons.

Sue has over 30 years’ experience in the fitness industry as a group ex Instructor, PT and International Fitness presenter, developing programming and education in the UK and America for brands including TRX, TriggerPoint, and Total Gym. Throughout the pandemic Sue represented the group exercise sector, working with the government to support instructors and ensure they were able to get back teaching face to face. As part of this work Sue authored the Group Ex Support Pack and Return to Play guidelines. Sue work for instructors continues – she is currently in talks with PRS for Music to seek simpler, more cost-effective music solutions for the sector.

Ajay brings over 30 years’ experience in the sport and physical activity sector at local, regional, national and international level. As director of an equality, diversity and inclusion consultancy, Ajay has a life-long passion and commitment to addressing and challenging inequalities to support some of the most marginalised people in society to have better life-chances. Ajay is also a Neuro-linguistic Programme practitioner and stress management counsellor.

Alex’s background is in sales and marketing enabling him to lead marketing and communications teams both commercially and in the charitable/not for profit sector. He has worked across a variety of sectors, most recently within education, but is new to the health and fitness sector. With a passion for sports and fitness Alex is looking forward to learning more about group exercise and helping to support those who keep our communities healthy.

With over 20 years of physical activity and sports development experience, Shelley has been a key member of the EMD UK Senior Leadership team since 2019. As EMD UK’s Chief Operating Officer, she has taken a strategic lead for several key work strands including our system partner relationship with Sport England. Shelley graduated from Brighton University with a BA Hons in Leisure and Sports Studies and in 2014 was one of the first graduates of the Women’s Sports Leadership Academy. She was COO for a social enterprise supporting young people into work through sport and fitness programmes. A qualified group exercise instructor and running coach, she established a running club and ran the London and Loch Ness Marathons.

Claire is part of the This Girl Can campaign team at Sport England where she leads on all activation projects for the campaign which focus on creating or improving on-the-ground opportunities for women to be active within their communities. Claire is passionate about ensuring women are given equal opportunities to be active in ways that work for them, and helping partners within the fitness and leisure sector embed the ethos of the This Girl Can campaign into their own marketing activities and physical activity offerings.