Richard Millard, Sports Development Director, DC Leisure
Richard has been in the Leisure Industry for over 30 years after
completing a degree in Economics at Cardiff University and a post
graduate diploma in Leisure Management. He has worked at all levels in
the Industry and worked for one of the first ever Leisure Trusts in
London, and had 12 years in local government and 18 years with DC
Leisure. He has managed a number of facilities including Fleming Park
Leisure Centre in Eastleigh, which has become one of the largest and
most used centres in the Country.
He became a Regional Operations Director before starting his Group role
as Sports Development Director. He is passionate about the valuable
role that Leisure and physical activity can play in our communities and
strongly believes in a Partnership approach and that links with the
Health agenda and the Olympics present us with a unique opportunity.
He believes staff make the difference and customer service is key. He
also oversees Operations Support for the Group covering Training,
Health and Safety, Quest and all Improvement initiatives. He chairs the
Advisory Board of Sport Hants and IOW and is a member of the Skills
Active Forum of Employers, ensuring that the Training framework for the
Industry meets the needs of Employers. He is a Football coach and
Tennis player and enjoys most of all playing tennis with wife and 3
children, and usually losing to them all!
Sarah Leonie, Group Fitness Manager, DC Leisure
Sarah started work in the fitness industry in 1997 as a Group Workout
Instructor & Personal Trainer. In 2003, after working for both public &
private sector clubs, Sarah became Fitness Manager at Wyre Forest
Glades Leisure Centre, part of the DC Leisure Group. After working as
Fitness Manager & Personal trainer for 2 years within DC, Sarah took on
extra responsibilities by mentoring new Fitness Managers within the
company & travelling to new sites to deliver set up & operational
training. Within 18 months, Sarah moved to Regional Fitness Manager,
overseeing & supporting 32 sites within DC. In March 2009 (after 6
years with DC) Sarah moved into the Group Fitness Manager role.
Hobbies include keeping active, watching motorsport, socialising &
enjoying good food and drink!
Claire Robson, Project, Education and Standards Coordinator
Inclusive Fitness Initiative
Following the completion of a Sport and Exercise Science degree at the
University of Bath, Claire completed a Masters degree in Mental Health
and Behavioural Medicine at Boston University, USA. Her interest in
mental health and sport combined with experience gained in voluntary
work with disabled children, Claire started her role on the Inclusive
Fitness Initiative project in August 2007. In her current role as Project,
Education and Standards Coordinator, Claire guides facilities thorough
the IFI accreditation process primarily providing access advice and
recommendations on creating an inclusive service. Claire also leads on
the IFI Education Programme which supports staff from accredited
facilities to develop their knowledge and skills.
Alex Gibbons, IFI London Manager
Alex Gibbons is the Project Manager of IFI London, responsible for
ensuring 150 fitness facilities across Greater London are inclusive. By
working closely to the goals of the Mayor’s Sports Legacy Plan and to
the ethos of the pan-London, ‘Inclusive and Active’ action plan, he aims
to shape a culture change in London’s fitness industry and give disabled
people the same opportunities and choices as non-disabled people. With
a wealth of experience from the disability sector and as a keen gym
member himself, Alex has the passion and knowledge to achieve the
targets of this essential and ambitious project.
If you have questions regarding the presentations please contact the
relevant speaker or alternatively contact the IFI by
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