Active Local Delivers System Leadership Workshops to Strengthen Place-Based Work

Over two intensive days, the Active Local team, as part of the Sport England Supported Places work, successfully delivered five System Leadership Change Facilitation workshops, engaging 78 participants from across all layers of the local system. 

The workshops, led by Louise Upton of Miova, centred on “Cowley Collective” and “Crossroads for Change” sessions. Participants were introduced to the core principles of System Leadership, Whole System approaches and the fundamentals of place-based working, all with a focus on tackling inactivity and persistent health inequalities. 

In keeping with the Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership’s (HSP) commitment to doing things differently, the team opted not for a single workshop but instead divided stakeholders into tailored groups. This approach was designed to ensure each session was relevant to participants’ roles, perspectives and influence within the system, creating space for deeper conversation, meaningful connection and honest reflection. 

Reflecting on the workshops, organisers emphasised that improving activity levels and addressing entrenched inequalities cannot be achieved by any single organisation. Instead, progress requires aligned thinking, shared responsibility and a willingness to view challenges through a whole-system lens. 

Encouragingly, partners are already beginning to shift their thinking. Many reported a renewed understanding of how their decisions influence wider community outcomes, how their work contributes to the system as a whole and how collective action can help create the conditions for long-term change. 

The sessions drew strong support from key partners and community leaders, including representatives from Hertsmere Borough Council, Broxbourne Council and local organisations working in Hertsmere and Broxbourne.  

With momentum building, the team expressed optimism about the future of work in both Waltham Cross and Cowley Hill. The workshops have demonstrated the collective potential within the system and the enthusiasm to drive meaningful change. 

As the programme moves forward, the partnership remains focused on supporting communities through collaborative action and connected leadership. 

To learn more about HSP’s Active Local work and find out how to get involved, visit www.sportinherts.org.uk/active-local or email Claire Stratford, c.stratford@herts.ac.uk