Active Gwent strengthens leadership team to drive healthier, more active communities across the region
"We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform health, wellbeing and opportunity through physical activity, with our communities and partners" says Alex Hicks, the newly appointed Regional Director of Active Gwent.
Active Gwent has announced the appointment of Alex Hicks as its first Regional Director, alongside the appointment of two new Non-Executive Directors to the Partnership Board, as the organisation continues to build momentum across the region. The appointments complete the leadership structure of the regional sports partnership Board, which is working to create a more active, healthier and more connected Gwent.
Alex brings extensive experience in strategic leadership, partnership development across Local & National Government, as well as health. As Regional Director, he will lead the delivery of Active Gwent's vision to tackle inequalities in community sport and physical activity, ensuring that everyone across Gwent has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of being active throughout their lives, by forging partnerships and innovative collaborations across the region.
Speaking about his appointment, Alex said:
"Active Gwent has been established at a pivotal moment for our region. We know that movement and physical activity has the power to improve health and wellbeing, strengthen communities and support economic prosperity, yet too many people continue to face barriers to participation.
"Our ambition is both simple and ambitious. We want to create a Gwent where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a lifelong relationship with being active in their community, regardless of their age, background or circumstances.
"By bringing together partners from across local government, health, education, the voluntary sector, private sector partners and sport, we can take a truly collaborative approach to addressing inequalities and creating opportunities for people to move more often.
"This is not simply about sport. It is about improving lives, supporting communities and helping to reduce pressures on public services through prevention and early intervention."
The appointments come as Active Gwent continues to establish itself as the regional partnership for sport and physical activity across Newport, Monmouthshire, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen.
Chair Kevin Bounds welcomed the appointment of the new Regional Director, saying:-
"Alex's appointment marks an important milestone in the development of Active Gwent. His experience, strategic leadership and understanding of partnership working will be invaluable as we move from establishment to delivery.”
Active Gwent has also confirmed the appointment of Nicola Windsor and Hefin Archer-Williams as Non-Executive Directors.
Nicola Windsor brings significant experience in regeneration, infrastructure delivery and regional growth programmes, having worked across major projects and partnerships that support economic development and place-making. Her expertise will support Active Gwent's ambition to embed physical activity within wider plans for sustainable communities and inclusive growth.
Hefin Archer-Williams joins the Board with extensive experience in law, governance and litigation. His professional expertise will strengthen the organisation's approach to governance, accountability and strategic decision-making as it develops and grows.
Chair Kevin Bounds said “I am also delighted to welcome Nicola Windsor and Hefin Archer-Williams to our Board. Between them they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise across regeneration, infrastructure, regional growth, governance and legal practice. Their insight will help ensure that our partnership is well-positioned to maximise opportunities for communities across the region. Together with our existing directors we now have a full board well qualified to progress our ambition to improve the lives of all Gwent residents through community sport and activity.”
The three appointments further strengthen Active Gwent's ability to deliver on its mission of using physical activity to improve health and wellbeing across the region.
Active Gwent was established as part of Sport Wales' national network of five regional sport partnerships, designed to transform the way physical activity opportunities are planned and delivered across Wales. The partnership is focused on tackling persistent inequalities in participation, working with communities and partners to ensure that those who have the least opportunity to be active are at the centre of future investment and decision-making.
As it enters its next phase of development, Active Gwent will work with organisations across the region to identify opportunities where sport and physical activity can have the greatest impact, helping to create healthier people, stronger communities and a more prosperous Gwent.