Everybody Health and Leisure CEO, Thomas Barton, has been appointed as Community Leisure UK's new Regional Director for the North of England.

Thomas has led the Cheshire-based Charitable Trust since 2022 and has held numerous roles within the charity, after joining as Head of HR in 2014.

Community Leisure UK is the members' association for Charitable Trusts and Social Enterprises delivering public leisure and culture across Wales, Scotland, and England.

Thomas has 25 years of experience working in the public & charity sectors, starting out in the council offices in Macclesfield before working his way up to senior HR roles.

He was part of the original Senior Management Team when Everybody was formed in 2014.

Everybody Health & Leisure operates across multiple sites in Cheshire East (Photo: Nub News).

Thomas is a fellow of the CIPD & holds a degree in Business Management, a master's degree in Human Resource Management and an Executive MBA.

He said: "I am proud to lead our growing community Leisure Trust here in Cheshire and it will be my privilege to represent the interests of CLUK members in the North of England.

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"Leisure Trusts are crucial lynchpins in so many communities in this country, providing opportunities for sport, movement and activity, and a place for friends, teams, families and community groups to socialise be active and have fun.

"Trusts are proven to collaborate closely with the local authorities and health services to provide much needed services and reinvest all profits into their delivery, and to support local communities.

"We must work together to protect the trust model and keep these services in the hands of organisations that can work sustainably for the public good".

Thomas will represent the views and interests of Community Leisure UK members in the North of England, as well as advocating for the work of CLUK and its members.

He will also play a key role in strategic development of the members' association and work to enhance to hugely beneficial role CLUK of charities delivering public leisure and culture.

CEO of Community Leisure UK, Kirsty Cumming, said: "We're thrilled that Tom has joined our Board of Directors.

"His experience, passion and energy will ensure a significant contribution to achieving shared goals, supporting others and promoting the work of all our members, especially those in the North of England."