Brio Celebrates Double Win at the National ukactive Leisure Awards

Brio is celebrating national success after winning two major awards at this year’s ukactive Awards, including the top honour of Outstanding Organisation of the Year.

With more than 4,000 member organisations, the ukactive Awards are extremely competitive and shine a spotlight on organisations that are making a real difference to people’s health, wellbeing and their communities through 17 award categories. 

Brio won the Education Programme of the Year Award for its Teacher Training Academy and Rising Stars programme, which launched in January 2024. The academy offers a supportive training pathway for aspiring swim teachers in Cheshire West and Chester, aiming to improve workforce retention, increase access to lessons, help address the national shortage of swim teachers, and provide more children and families with the opportunity to learn a vital life skill. 

Since launching, the programme has welcomed 54 aspiring teachers onto the training pathway, with 31 progressing to achieve their level 1 and 2 swim teaching qualifications. Many of these trainees have since joined Brio’s workforce, transitioning from volunteer roles to paid positions. The initiative has also contributed to a 9% increase in Brio’s Learn2Swim participation rates, highlighting the positive community impact of the academy. 

The Outstanding Organisation of the Year Award, the final and most prestigious award of the evening, recognises the organisation that has demonstrated exceptional achievement, sustained impact and a commitment to excellence across all stages of the ukactive Awards assessment process. Judges praised the organisation’s consistently high-scoring submissions across the award process. 

Brio was also shortlisted as a finalist for the Digital Transformation award, in recognition of the significant improvements delivered through new digital platforms, including the launch of a new website and mobile app. 

Matt Parker, Managing Director of Brio, said:

“We’re thrilled to be recognised nationally for the work we do. These awards are about people; our committed employees who work tirelessly every day to deliver high-quality services, and the communities we’re proud to support. To win two awards is an amazing achievement, and for one to be the biggest award of the night – Outstanding Organisation of the Year – is just incredible.”

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said:

“Brio continues to show great creativity in how it supports our communities. These national awards are a credit to the whole organisation and to everyone who contributes to its success.”

Delivered in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council, Brio’s services extend beyond leisure, offering wellbeing support through their falls prevention, smoking cessation, and weight management programmes, as well as providing safe and welcoming spaces that bring people together. 

For more information about Brio and its award-winning services, visit: 

www.brioleisure.org 

...or search ‘Brio Leisure’ on social media channels for updates.