Lauren Connis - Head of Health and Wellbeing
Oldham Active
Workshop speaker - Changing the Game - GLP-1 and the new rules of engagement in activity
Health and Active Wellbeing
Lauren leads on the Oldham Active’s strategy to improve health outcomes and widen access to physical activity across communities. She joined in 2023 as Group Health and Fitness Brand Manager and quickly introduced initiatives such as a women’s-only gym, which has attracted strong engagement from minority ethnic groups, and new youth-focused memberships and programmes, including the BLAST functional fitness concept. She also oversaw a government pilot for workplace health checks, connecting national health priorities with local delivery.
In her current role, Lauren is strengthening partnerships with the Integrated Care Board and Primary Care Networks, expanding and rebranding the Exercise Referral Scheme, and managing key facility refurbishments. She has also led Oldham Active to become the first UK leisure provider to train its fitness teams to support customers using GLP-1 weight-loss medications, combining medical guidance with sustainable lifestyle change.
Lauren began her career in the entertainment industry, working aboard P&O cruise ships, before moving into health and fitness as a personal trainer. She went on to management roles with Pure Gym, GLL, David Lloyd and Blackburn Borough Council, gaining wide-ranging experience across the sector. Her focus now is on practical, inclusive approaches that reduce health inequalities and make it easier for people from all backgrounds to benefit from being active.
