At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the integration of group exercise into the health and care system.
- Company: Join a passionate team at EMD UK, shaping the future of fitness.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, paid exercise breaks, and a holistic benefits package.
- Other info: Home-based role with opportunities for professional development and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health and advocate for group exercise.
- Qualifications: Experience in health systems and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Our people make up the national governing body for group exercise, supporting instructors and communities across the UK to bring group fitness to the front of our nation's exercise activities. At EMD UK, our small but passionate team has the opportunity to make a big impact. We collaborate and draw on our collective expertise to deliver work that matters to the people we serve. Enthusiastic individuals with sector expertise and unique skills have built what is now a growing organisation with an ever-increasing membership of over 18,000 instructor members and sector partners. Our team describe us as family-friendly, approachable and driven by a shared purpose to create positive change across the industry while supporting each other to succeed.
What we offer:
- Flexible and home-based working
- A strong focus on work-life balance
- A collaborative and supportive team culture
- Opportunities to contribute ideas and shape our work
- Ongoing learning and professional development
As a small organisation, we provide a strong sense of autonomy and the opportunity to see the impact of our work first-hand.
Our benefits:
- 30 minutes, on us, to exercise your way!
- Your birthday off (or nearest working day)
- Two paid volunteering days each year to support a cause you care about
- Access to a 24/7 GP and health services
- Mental health support and counselling through our Employee Assistance Programme
- Healthcare cashback scheme for everyday medical costs
- Life insurance (4x salary) for added peace of mind
- Financial wellbeing tools and guidance
- Tax-free childcare scheme (subject to eligibility)
- Free EMD UK instructor membership each year for those actively working in the sector
- Discounts on gyms, health clubs and spa memberships
- Access to retail, travel and lifestyle discounts
We believe in a culture that is built on trust and mutual respect. All our team members are home-based with numerous flexible working opportunities designed to work in tandem, rather than against, personal or family life.
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
EMD UK is committed to inclusive hiring, actively seeking candidates from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We strive to ensure a fair, transparent, and bias-free recruitment process where every applicant is evaluated based on their skills, qualifications, and potential. As a Disability Confident employer, we welcome applications from people with disabilities and long-term health conditions. We provide adjustments throughout the recruitment process and a dedicated contact for accessibility-related support. Our commitment to diversity and inclusivity means fostering an environment where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
About The Role
Job Purpose: This role sits at a national, system shaping level, leading the strategic integration of the group exercise and physical activity sector with the health and care system. The postholder will work on behalf of EMD UK to influence policy, workforce frameworks and investment that ensures group exercise and group exercise instructors are recognised, credible and embedded within prevention, treatment and recovery pathways. The role will focus on system change, national partnerships, workforce alignment and creating sustainable health sector engagement and investment within group exercise.
Location: Home-based, with regular travel requirements
Contractual Status: Part-time (flexible options available), Fixed term to 31st March 2027
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer
Line Management Responsibilities: N/A
Role Description: Key Tasks and Responsibilities:
Role specific:
- National Strategy & System Leadership: Provide national leadership on the integration of group exercise and physical activity within the health and care system. Position the organisation as a credible strategic partner to NHS England, Integrated Care Systems (ICSs), public health bodies and national health agencies. Interpret national health policy and workforce and prevention agendas to convert these into opportunities for the group exercise sector.
- Workforce & Framework Alignment: Lead national work to map group exercise qualifications, roles and career pathways to health frameworks, including the Allied Health Professions Support Worker Competency, Education and Career Development Framework. Identify gaps, risks and opportunities in workforce recognition and progression across sectors. Influence qualification standards, professional recognition and workforce development to align with health system expectations.
- Advocacy & Representation: Act as a national advocate for group exercise instructors, providers and participants within health, workforce and policy forums. Develop briefings, position statements and sector guidance that articulate the value of group exercise to health outcomes and system priorities. Ensure consistent national messaging and language that resonates with health commissioners, clinicians and system leaders. Lead the development of national or multi region pilots that test new models of partnership, referral, delivery and workforce integration. Identify and pursue investment and funding opportunities from health, public health, research and innovation sources.
- Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain senior level relationships across national health bodies, ICSs, education providers and delivery partners. Support cross sector collaboration while respecting the different cultures, governance and accountability structures of health and physical activity. Act as a point of expertise for the group exercise sector on navigating the health system. Champion the generation and use of evidence demonstrating the impact of group exercise on health outcomes, workforce sustainability and system efficiency. Ensure pilots and programmes are designed with appropriate evaluation and learning mechanisms aligned to health sector standards. Use insight to inform national strategy, workforce development and future investment priorities.
Organisational:
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of, and commitment to, EMD UK's mission and values, contributing to a positive, purpose-driven organisational culture.
- Ensure effective administration of EMD UK's processes in full compliance with all organisational policies, GDPR, and relevant regulations.
- Support the development of new and existing products and services.
- Support and attend projects, meetings and events as required or appropriate on behalf of EMD UK.
- Support the EMD UK staff team as required with any other relevant task commensurate with the level of the role and as requested by your line manager or Chief Executive.
- Demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion by completing relevant training and understanding key policies (e.g. EDI, Staff Handbook, Safeguarding); Supporting inclusive planning, fostering a respectful work culture, and ensuring non-discriminatory practices.
About you:
Qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills & attributes needed for the role:
- Strong understanding of the UK health and care system at national and system level.
- Experience working within, alongside or strategically influencing the healthcare sector.
- Background in health, public health, workforce development, commissioning or system leadership.
- Ability to represent EMD UK and the group exercise sector confidently with senior stakeholders to secure collaboration and strategic alignment.
- Experience shaping or influencing strategy, frameworks or system change initiatives.
- Excellent relationship building, influencing and communication skills.
- Demonstrable knowledge of sport, physical activity and/or group exercise.
- Experience applying or aligning roles to national competency or workforce frameworks.
- Understanding of prevention, long term conditions or social prescribing agendas.
- Knowledge of public health and health funding frameworks and application processes.
- Demonstrable experience in evidencing the impact of initiatives.
This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an indication of the areas of activity and can be amended at any time in response to the changing needs of the organisation.
National Health & Physical Activity Integration Lead employer: Sport + Recreation Alliance
At EMD UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values work-life balance and employee wellbeing. Our home-based, flexible working environment fosters a collaborative culture where every team member is empowered to contribute ideas and shape our mission of promoting group exercise across the UK. With a strong commitment to professional development, diverse benefits, and a family-friendly atmosphere, we offer a unique opportunity for passionate individuals to make a meaningful impact in the health and physical activity sector.
Contact Details:
Sport + Recreation Alliance Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Health & Physical Activity Integration Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the health and fitness sector. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up social media groups. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for group exercise and health shine through. Share your ideas on how you can make a difference in the sector – it’ll set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their mission and how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to show how your skills align with their needs – it’s all about making that connection!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in being part of our family at EMD UK.
We think you need these skills to ace National Health & Physical Activity Integration Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for health and physical activity shine through! We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at EMD UK. Share personal experiences or insights that demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact in the sector.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the National Health & Physical Activity Integration Lead role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our family at EMD UK!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sport + Recreation Alliance
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the UK health and care system, especially how it relates to group exercise. Brush up on current policies and frameworks that impact the sector, so you can speak confidently about how EMD UK fits into the bigger picture.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about making a positive impact, so let your enthusiasm shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to health and physical activity, and how you envision contributing to EMD UK's mission.
✨Build Connections
Since relationship building is key, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to engage with senior stakeholders. Prepare examples of past collaborations or partnerships you've fostered, and be ready to discuss how you would approach building relationships in this role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions that show your interest in the organisation and its goals. Inquire about their current initiatives, challenges they face in integrating group exercise within the health system, or how they measure success in their projects. This will not only show your engagement but also help you assess if it's the right fit for you.
