Appointment of Chairperson designate at Active Together as Bev Smith stands down after four years

• Former council CEO had been in role since 2018
• Led the organisation through the pandemic and development of new Physical Activity Framework
• Public Health Director Mike Sandys to serve as Chairperson designate

Director of Public Health, Mike Sandys has been appointed Chairperson designate of Active Together after Bev Smith stepped down as Chair. Bev, the former North West Leicestershire District Council CEO, spent more than four years in the role.

During that time, she led Active Together through its pandemic response while also helping to shape a new strategic framework which will address inequality through how and what Active Together does, and where it invests, over the next 10 years.

The Active Together Board and Team members have been paying tribute to Bev and offered thanks for her inspirational leadership over recent years.

Among them was Mr Sandys, Director of Public Health for Leicestershire County Council and Rutland County Council, who will serve as Chair designate until the next Active Together Board Meeting.

He said: "It will be a huge challenge to try to fill Bev's boots. She has been a real source of inspiration as she led the Board and supported the Team over the last four years of change."

"I am looking forward to continuing the work of Active Together with the Board, supporting our Team and partners as they address the challenge of reducing inactivity for our communities with the greatest need."

Bev has served in leadership roles at East Midlands local authorities. She was a member of the East Midlands Development Corporation and, more recently, served as CEO of North West Leicestershire District Council.

Since stepping down from the role of Chairperson of Active Together, Bev has taken on a role as Chair of the Welsh Governments Local Democracy and Boundary Commission.

She said: "I have felt privileged to work with such a passionate and professional Team who are committed to tackling health inequalities and getting the communities of Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland active.

"The Active Together Board members have a wealth of experience from across the physical activity, health and sport sector and will continue to drive the organisation forward and I am grateful for their contribution and support."

Active Together is working on a host of projects and programmes under its Active Together Partnership Physical Activity Framework 2022-2031. The strategy launched in April and is supporting individuals and organisations across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland.