Hayley Lever

Job role: CEO

I provide system‑wide leadership to drive Greater Manchester’s movement for movement. I bring people and organisations together to create a culture where active lives are possible for everyone, tackling inactivity and inequalities through whole‑system, cultural, and behavioural change. By shaping a shared narrative and unlocking the energy of partners across the city‑region, I help ensure that GM Moving acts as a catalyst for impact locally, nationally, and beyond. I also connect our work into wider reform agendas in Greater Manchester and lead our partnership with Sport England, sharing learning and championing a whole‑system approach to support change.

As CEO of the GM Moving charity and Active Partnership, I lead the organisation, so it remains a trusted, valued, and impactful partner within Greater Manchester and the national landscape. I translate our shared vision into strategy and delivery, oversee governance, finance, risk, and organisational culture, and role‑model leadership grounded in passion, integrity, and purpose. I build strong relationships with local and national partners—including the GM Moving Partnership Board members, Sport England, NHS England, the Active Partnership National Organisation, and network—ensuring we play our full role in driving lasting change. Through collaborative and distributed leadership, I support organisations across the city‑region to contribute to a healthier, more active, and more equitable Greater Manchester.

Date joined: 2017

Professional Background:

For over 30 years, I’ve worked at the intersection of physical activity, sport, policy, and community development—always driven by a belief in the power of people and place to create change. My journey has taken me through local, regional, and national leadership roles, and today I’m proud to serve as CEO, a role I’ve held since 2020.

Alongside my professional roles, I’m a committed community volunteer and charity trustee in the Peak District, where I live. I also support several advisory boards and communities of practice and learning because sharing knowledge and growing leadership across the system really matters to me. If you want to explore some of my reflections on leadership, wellbeing, and system change, my blog Leadership, Learning and Life—and my first book Leading from the Balcony—are the best places to start. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn.

How movement brings me joy:

I’ve always believed deeply in the power of movement to bring health, happiness, connection, and a sense of belonging. An active life is essential to me. I disconnect and unwind through walking, running, and swimming in the Peak District, which is home for me and where I feel most grounded. I also love the joy of sport—basketball is my current thing, but I will play and have a go at anything. We do our best work when we’re physically and mentally well, and I support my teams and colleagues to prioritise that too.