Active Gwent, the regional sport partnership for Newport, Monmouthshire, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen, has appointed Alex Hicks as its first Regional Director.
Nicola Windsor and Hefin Archer-Williams have also been appointed as Non-Executive Directors on the Partnership Board. The appointments complete the leadership structure of the partnership’s Board.
As Regional Director, Hicks will lead the delivery of Active Gwent’s vision to tackle inequalities in community sport and physical activity, so that everyone across Gwent has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of being active throughout their lives. He has experience in strategic leadership and in partnership development across local and national government, as well as health.
Speaking about his appointment, Hicks 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.”
Windsor has experience in regeneration, infrastructure delivery and regional growth programmes, while Archer-Williams joins the Board with experience in law, governance and litigation.
Chair Kevin Bounds said: “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.”
He added: “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.”
Active Gwent was established as part of Sport Wales’ national network of five regional sport partnerships, which are designed to change the way physical activity opportunities are planned and delivered across Wales. The partnership is focused on tackling persistent inequalities in participation, so that those who have the least opportunity to be active are at the centre of future investment and decision-making.
