Last Updated on May 23, 2025 by Niki
EMD UK has announced that Gill Cummings-Bell BA(Hons), MSc, PGCE, MBA, will step down from the role of CEO later this year following an interim tenure marked by strategic advocacy and a deep commitment to transforming professional recognition, providing a unified voice and driving the collective strength of the group exercise workforce.
EMD UK has announced that Gill Cummings-Bell BA(Hons), MSc, PGCE, MBA, will step down from the role of CEO later this year following an interim tenure marked by strategic advocacy and a deep commitment to transforming professional recognition, providing a unified voice and driving the collective strength of the group exercise workforce.
During her two years at the helm, Gill has driven a period of exemplary evolution and impact. Membership has grown tenfold, with the organisation today supporting the interests of more than 18,000 group exercise professionals. This growth has established EMD UK, the only National Governing Body for group exercise, as the largest and most influential body in the UK championing the interests and rallying the collective strength of group exercise professionals.
Throughout her term, Gill has led efforts to establish group exercise instructors as community movement mentors, fully equipped to work alongside health professionals in the delivery of interventions that drive positive health outcomes and play a critical role in supporting the NHS and tackling the national inactivity crisis.
One of Gill’s most significant achievements has been the introduction of a Scope of Practice model. This pioneering work provides a clear professional recognition framework, aligned to that used within the health sector, that clarifies the knowledge, skills and responsibilities of individual group exercise instructors. This work provides a significant foundational step in creating more integrated working between the group exercise and health workforces.
Gill has also overseen the team at EMD UK to develop a series of influential insight-driven reports that shine a light on the challenges, value and future potential of the group exercise workforce. These include sector wide research into instructor pay disparity, the impact of the rising cost-of-living on group exercise instructors and a social value report that evidences the broader community impact of group exercise. These insights have informed national conversations, fuelled government lobbying and driven sector-wide awareness and positive change.
Under Gill’s leadership, EMD UK has also nurtured strong relationships with leading employers in both the public and private sector including Places Leisure and David Lloyd Leisure, as well as forming partnerships with other professional bodies such as the Society for the Pilates Method and the British Wheel of Yoga. These relationships have created a more unified, professional and united landscape in which group exercise professionals can thrive.
Gill has also played a prominent role in national leadership forums including the NGB CEO forum, ensuring the voice of group exercise is consistently represented in cross-sector dialogue.
“It has been a privilege to lead EMD UK through its transformation and to champion the incredible work of group exercise instructors who are all too often the sector’s unsung heroes. Together with our partners myself and the amazing team at EMD UK have taken important steps to further professionalise the workforce, aligning more closely to the health sector and created better opportunities for instructors and the communities they serve.”
The process to recruit Gill’s successor is now underway with an appointment expected by the Autumn of this year. The incoming leader will build on Gill’s legacy and steer EMD UK through its next phase of growth, continuing to advocate, resource and support the group exercise workforce and strengthen the community’s impact as a vital force for community health.
Samantha Cullum, EMD UK Chair says: “Gill’s leadership has been both visionary and impactful. Through her strategic thinking and relentless advocacy, the organisation has elevated the status of group exercise and provided instructors with the united voice and collective power that will stand the workforce in good stead moving forwards. It is a fantastic time to join the organisation. The new CEO will share Gill’s absolute passion and dedication and lead our talented and committed staff team to continue to support group exercise instructors in their growing social impact.”
For more information or to apply for the CEO role, please visit, https://emduk.mykajabi.com/careers
EMD UK is the only governing body dedicated solely to the group exercise community. Our members benefit from our guidance, CPD-accredited courses and over 250 resources. Pro membership starts from just £51 annually and includes insurance for instructors.
