Kirsty Cumming, CEO
Kirsty Cumming has been with Community Leisure UK for over 7 years, primarily leading on the engagement and policy work in Scotland, and was appointed as Chief Executive in November 2020.
She has extensive experience in working with leisure trusts, local authorities, local and national governments, and the NHS to advocate the role of public leisure services. She is passionate about the role of public leisure and culture for communities and believes that the charitable trust model delivers effective community focused services based on local needs.
Jennifer Huygen, Head of Policy and Strategic Partnerships
Jennifer has been working with Community Leisure UK since March 2019. Prior to working with us, Jennifer worked on various community-focused programmes in Armenia, the Netherlands, Uganda, United Kingdom, and Washington D.C. (United States). She graduated with distinction from the University of Glasgow with a Masters degree in Creative Industries and Cultural Policy, and is passionate about supporting social enterprises in their development. Outside of work, Jennifer can usually be found exploring new places, especially (local) museums and (natural) heritage sites, or going for a hike or run, followed by a good pizza.
Rachel Sim, Project and Research Officer, England & Wales
Rachel joined Community Leisure UK in November 2020 as Project and Research Officer for England and Wales and is focusing on supporting our Special Interest Groups. Previously she worked in local government in a range of roles in democratic services, project management and managing public consultation and engagement. She has recently completed a Diploma in Social Media Management and has an MA in Middle East Politics from Exeter University and a BA in Politics from Lancaster University.
Theo Jobst, Project and Research Officer, Scotland
Theo joined Community Leisure UK in November 2020, with a particular focus on leading and expanding CLUK’s cultural engagement. After graduating with a degree in History from the University of Birmingham in 2018, Theo worked as a freelance musician playing saxophone professionally around the UK and Europe. His involvement with culture on an educational and artistic level feeds into his passion for championing culture and leisure within communities and he is excited to bring his first-hand experience as a professional musician within the UK arts scene to his role at CLUK. Although now working behind-the-scenes for the culture and leisure sector, Theo has no plans to stop playing the saxophone and can often be found busking in the streets of Edinburgh with fellow musicians on the weekends (providing the sun is out).
Kate Doyle, Administration and Operations Co-ordinator
After graduating from the University of Portsmouth, Kate worked in television as a freelance script supervisor for several years before joining Community Leisure UK in November 2011. When not at work, Kate enjoys playing tennis at her local club, long walks with family and friends and travel.
