| Greater Manchester Moving

The Active Practice Charter is a initiative from The Royal College of GPs (RCGP) and Sport England to inspire and celebrate GP practices that commit to increasing activity and reducing sedentary behaviour in staff and patients.

One in four people saying they would be more active if it was recommended by a GP or nurse and Greater Manchester Moving want to support more GP practices throughout the city region to join our movement and become an Active Practice.

Simple changes can make a big difference in improving the physical and mental wellbeing of patients and staff, at relatively low cost.

Further details please contact

Imogen Halls
Project Lead (Health)
[email protected]
07765 407978

Also from GM Moving

Useful documents

Active Practices Flyer

Sign-up to become an Active Practice

Head to the RCGP website now

What does becoming an Active Practice involve?

To gain Active Practice status, surgeries will need to show they've taken a number of steps, including:

Increasing physical activity in patients and staff
Reducing sedentary behaviour in patients and staff
Partnering with a local physical activity provider to support the practice to get more people active.

What does an Active Practice look like?

There are already lots of General Practices throughout Greater Manchester who are Active Practice certified or working towards certification. Below are a few examples, from GM, of work being done to support an increase in physical activity (or staff and patients) or reduce sedentary behaviour - the key requirements of the Charter.

Case Story: Read about how an Active Practice in Ancoats is getting patients and staff moving for better wellbeing

Staff

Walking meetings
Lunchtime walking
Standing desks
Under desk cycle machines
Staff step challenges
‘Walk Talk Walks’
‘Walk with a Doc’
Bike racks and/or locks
Cycle to work schemes
Walking to collect patients
Walking Wednesdays
Link with local Parkrun
Signpost to local activities/events/groups

Patients

Staff training eg PACC training
Bike racks and/or locks
‘Walk Talk Walks’ open to patients and staff
Standing area in waiting room
Exercise equipment in waiting room
Signpost to local activities/events/groups
Messages re benefits of moving on TV screens
Encourage use of stairs rather than lifts
Use personal experience to influence

Working with local activity provider

Reduced rates at local gym or leisure centre
Link up with local Parkrun
Signpost to local activities/events/groups
Link up with local walking groups
Link up with local physical activity provider – find yours here

Resources

The webinar (right) was recorded on 14 May 2025 in partnership with Sport England for all healthcare professionals and practice staff interested in gaining Active Practice Charter status.

It supports viewers to gain an understanding of the new RCGP toolkit, including its resources on why physical activity is essential in primary care, and the steps involved in becoming an accredited Active Practice.

It also explores the core elements of the Active Practice Charter, focusing on practical tools, recommended training, and case studies demonstrating successful integration of physical activity initiatives in primary care.