GLL - the UK's foremost charitable social enterprise leisure and cultural services provider under the 'Better' brand - is celebrating having scooped two wins at the ukactive Awards.

The ukactive Awards 2024 are UK Leisure Industry awards for excellence and best practice across the sector.

Appearing among a roll call of high street name fitness and leisure operators, local councils, sports bodies and charities, GLL's shortlisted entries across four categories, evidenced the important role it plays at the heart of community health and wellbeing across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

In the end it was two categories – Outstanding Individual Leadership Award and Physical Activity Hero Award - both decided by public vote, that prevailed for GLL.

GLL People Director Lorraine Patrinos won the Outstanding Individual Leadership Award.  Lorraine oversaw the company's admission into the ranks of the 15% of UK firms that enjoy Living Wage Employer accreditation as well as achieving Investors in People Gold standard.

Widely seen as a change agent, Lorraine's multiple achievements support GLL’s ambitious Corporate Plan, enabling a motivated and highly trained workforce to support 275m customer visits over the next 5 years, raising £2bn in social value.

Her leadership ensures a diverse workforce aligned with GLL’s purpose and values as a charitable social enterprise with an aspiration to be 'The best social enterprise employer in the UK'.

GLL People Director Lorraine Patrinos said:

"I am delighted to have received the ukactive Individual Outstanding Leadership Award. 

"Increasing physical activity and the health of our communities is reliant on a passionate and dedicated workforce. 

"It is fantastic to receive an award that recognises the critical role of a people centric approach to business. 

"I am so proud of our people and the difference they make to our customers' and communities' health."

Danii Vipond Houghton, Health and Communities Manager for GLL in Cumbria won the Physical Activity Hero Award.  

She was commended for inspiring participation among people who don't think being active is for them. 

Her incredible achievements include attracting more than 5,000 new people, more than 400 Healthwise referrals, and raising over £150,000 in funding towards the sustainability of leisure services.

Danii says being recognised brings immense joy as both she and her team are passionate about creating inclusive and accessible programmes:

“Winning such a prestigious national award and having my work celebrated is a huge honour for me – I’m still reeling from the excitement of the evening. 

"Coming together with so many incredibly dedicated health professionals from across the UK to acknowledge the fantastic strides we are making collectively to support people to live longer, and healthier lives was so inspiring.

"I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved in Cumbria, in conjunction with our partners, and I am thrilled that our work has been recognised by the local community. I’m looking forward to supporting even more people to embrace exercise, get more active and lead happier and healthier lives.”

Phil Donnay, GLL's Deputy CEO said: “These awards not only recognise the passion of our people in improving health equality and wellbeing through physical activity but also the high regard they are held in by colleagues, customers and external partners.

"We could not be more proud of Lorraine and Danii and the impact they are having within and beyond our organisation.

“Congratulations to all our worthy finalists."

 

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