| Government policy is increasingly focussed on devolved decision making and locally directed services and funding. Sport and Physical Activity policy is also aligned in this way with Sport England investing more than £250m into 'place based' physical activity delivery. It is well known that the most marginalised communities live 'hyper local' lives where a fitness facility or leisure centre that is 2 miles away might as well be 20 miles away. This panel session will learn the lessons of leaders who specialise working at local levels to engage people in physical activity by integrating local partners and systems to create a more integrated and holistic activity offer. |
Future Coach
| Stuart has worked in senior leadership roles in sport for the past 20 years. He has held positions at England Golf, England Rugby, UK Coaching and Sport England. Stuart was responsible for creating and implementing 3 national strategies for coaching and workforce development, ‘Coaching in an Active Nation: The Coaching Plan for England’ and ‘Working in an Active Nation: The Professional Workforce Strategy for England’ and ‘Uniting the Workforce’ – The Blueprint for Coaching and Workforce Development in England. |
Mindset by Pinky and Netwomen
| Pinky Ghadiali is an internationally recognised leadership and conflict resolution coach, specialising in helping gym and leisure operators transform communication, culture, and team performance. With over a decade of experience and a proven success rate exceeding 90%, she works with leaders and teams to build confidence, manage conflict effectively, and create psychologically safe workplaces where people thrive.
As the founder of Mindset by Pinky and Netwomen, she blends conflict resolution coaching with mindset and performance tools to strengthen collaboration, reduce staff turnover, and enhance member experiences. Her practical, results-driven approach empowers organisations to turn workplace tension into trust, clarity, and sustainable business growth. Pinky shares actionable insights on how leaders can communicate with calm, courage, and impact, unlocking stronger teams and healthier business cultures across the fitness industry. |
Greater Manchester Moving
For 30 years, Hayley has played a leadership role in physical activity, sport, policy, and community development, currently as CEO of GM Moving. She is a committed community volunteer and charity trustee and supports several advisory boards and communities of practice and learning. |
StreetGames
With a background in education and local authority sports development, Mark originally joined StreetGames in its infancy in January 2008, managing the national Young Volunteers programme.
In 2011 Mark became the founding Chief Executive of the new, independent County Sports Partnership, Get Berkshire Active, where he worked on the legacy of London 2012 across the county.
Having returned to StreetGames as Deputy Chief Executive in May 2013, when the organisation secured £20 million to deliver 1,000 neighbourhood Doorstep Sport Clubs in England, Mark subsequently took on the role of Acting Chief Executive in October 2019 and was appointed as the permanent Chief Executive in December 2020. Mark received an OBE for services to charity and education in the New Year’s Honours List in 2025.
Mark is passionate about the power of sport and physical activity to impact upon the lives and aspirations of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Women in Sport
Lisa West is Head of Policy, Partnerships and Public Affairs at Women in Sport and is a passionate advocate for gender equality. Lisa has worked within Local Authorities, NGBs and as a consultant, leading change across the sport and leisure sector.
Her 18 years in the sector enable a deep understanding of the system and how it needs to change to enable women and girls to thrive as participants, volunteers, professionals and as leaders. Lisa believes whole heartedly in the power that sport and physical activity has to improve lives. Lisa is also a School Governor at her children’s primary school.
