Creating conditions for change: New insights in the Movement for Movement

By GM Moving | 17 January 2025 | TAGS: System Leadership, Whole System

In the evolving landscape of physical activity and sport, creating lasting change requires not only innovative approaches but also an ongoing dialogue among those committed to making a difference. That’s why Hayley Lever, CEO of GM Moving, and Scott Hartley from Press Red, launched the Creating the Conditions for Change video series. Initially designed to share insights into the strategies and progress of Greater Manchester’s work, these conversations have expanded to address the latest challenges and emerging evidence shaping the field.

Hayley and Scott began recording these Creating the Conditions for Change videos for colleagues who are doing similar work in different places, who wanted to understand more about the approach taken so far in Greater Manchester.

The first three conversations set out to explain:

• Why movement, physical activity, and sport matters
• Why a new approach was needed
• What the approach is: the mission and the strategy
• How the approach works
• What is changing so far, and how do we know
• What does it take?
• And what does it take from us in our mindsets, ways of working and behaviour

Watch part 1 of Creating the Conditions for Change series below, or find the full series here.

Initial feedback was positive, and we were asked to build on the initial series, so we have moved into the next phase, looking at how why it is important to use the emerging evidence in action and practice. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Katie Shearn, from Sheffield Hallam University and the National Evaluation and Learning Partnership with Sport England. Katie has been working as an evaluator in Greater Manchester Moving with the Substance Consortia since 2019 and she is able to share her expertise on evaluation and the role of evidence in transforming practice.

With feedback from colleagues shaping each conversation, this series offers a space to reflect, learn, and explore new questions as we collectively work to drive change. We invite you to join the conversation and share your thoughts along the way.

Watch the Creating the Conditions for Change series on Youtube.