Today I welcome the power behind the throne of GM Active Michelle Childs. Michelle is the health lead at Life Leisure in Stockport with John Oxley, as well as being the health lead for GM Active as she chairs our health subgroup. Michelle dispels a few myths today and tells the reality of what is happening across Greater Manchester in respect to working with health, and how she is working to understand how we can demonstrate the impact of what we do in a more meaningful way. Michelle goes on to explain the active academic partnership that GM Active has across Greater Manchester that is helping us to understand the clinical pathways, and how we can be better at supporting the NHS. Also, Michelle goes on to talk about why being less clinical is actually positive and not a weakness as often portrayed. We also consider the use of data in our sector and why funding programmes at work is not necessarily a bad thing, despite the current narrative. We also look at why we aren't doing enough as a society for our children and young people. A great deal covered so sit back and enjoy Michelle Childs! 

Today, John Oxley and I welcome Ken Masser from Miova, a new company that Ken set up in 2023. Ken also continues to lead the Together and Active Future, or TAF as it's known, the local pilot organisation in Lancashire Pennines. Formerly a consultant with KPMG and then the CEO of Rossendale Leisure up until last year, Ken has been heavily involved in the Sport England LGA, whole system place -based initiatives that are now subject to a £250 million investment programme from Sport England. Today, Ken can give us an insight not only into this work, but why he is angry about the unfairness in the world. I know you'll enjoy this episode from someone who offers an intelligent and insightful view of our sector and is increasingly influential and personally demonstrates a burning passion to affect society in a positive way. 

Hello! I am looking forward to you listening to my new podcast called The Conveners. Our first official episode will be launching on Tuesday 23rd of April 2024. I am excited for you to listen and join us on our journey.