Health Referral Manager
Location: The Sands Centre, Carlisle
Contract: 32 hours per week
GLL, the UK’s largest leisure and cultural services provider and a staff-owned charitable social enterprise, is seeking an exceptional Health Referral Manager within our Community Sport and Health Team. This is a pivotal role supporting health and wellbeing across the community through the delivery, management and development of funded and recurrent health intervention programmes.
If you have a genuine passion for supporting people to improve their fitness, health and overall quality of life, this is an opportunity to lead impactful health programmes that help residents across the city to live longer, healthier and more active lives.
As the Health Referral Manager, you will oversee the strategic and operational delivery of GLL’s health programmes, including the Healthwise Scheme. You will act as the main point of contact between commissioners, referring agents, participants and programme facilitators.
In addition, you will play a key role in managing and supporting major community health and wellbeing events, including the Great Cumbrian Run, and other local initiatives that inspire residents to get active and engage in healthier lifestyles.
You will ensure schemes meet local and national guidelines, manage a central referral database, report on key performance indicators and compliance requirements, and work closely with partner organisations such as Cumberland Council, Active Cumbria.
This role will also support GLL’s wider commitment to tackling health inequalities, promoting active ageing, and advancing our corporate and national health agendas.
Leadership & Programme Management
- Manage and develop the Health Team, ensuring high-quality programme delivery.
- Lead, develop and grow targeted health intervention programmes across Better facilities.
- Support health programme delivery during staff absence to minimise service disruption.
- Coordinate, support and manage community health events, including the Great Cumbrian Run.
Operational Oversight
- Administer project management systems, financial structures, and external contracts.
- Manage and monitor budgets, ensuring funded programmes meet all contractual conditions.
- Evaluate performance and ensure KPIs and reporting requirements are met.
- Manage the Code 5 – Healthy Living budget and liaise with Partnership Managers and GMs.
Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as the main point of contact for referring agents, patients and delivery teams.
- Network and develop partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to maximise programme reach.
- Coordinate communications and represent GLL at health and community outreach events.
- Support wider regional, national and corporate community health projects.
Programme Quality & Compliance
Ensure all health programmes align with GLL’s Health Agenda and contribute to tackling health inequalities.
Maintain accurate data systems and ensure reporting meets commissioners’ requirements.
Ensure centres support the Live Longer Better / Age Friendly agenda with appropriate activities.
Experience managing a team and coordinating funded projects.
Strong knowledge of health programmes and long-term condition support through physical activity.
Excellent organisational and time management skills.
Level 3 Exercise Referral Qualification
Level 4 Exercise Specialist Qualification
Third level qualification in a related discipline or 5 years relevant experience.
Ideally, experience in delivering Exercise Referral and Tier 2 Weight Management programmes.
As a staff-owned, charitable social enterprise, GLL reinvests into our facilities, communities and people. We offer:
- A values-driven organisation committed to improving community health
- Industry-leading pay rates
- Generous pension schemes
- Discounted gym membership for you and your partner
- Access to the GLL Society – giving you a say in how we’re run
- Learning & development opportunities and clear career pathways
- Exclusive discounts on holidays in Portugal and Bulgaria
- 20% off Spa Experience treatments and retail
- GLL Extras: discounts with thousands of retailers
- Ride to work scheme
- Health assurance
- Free eye tests and discounted glasses
If you’re motivated to progress your career in health and wellbeing with an organisation that makes a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.
To express interest, please contact: James McGarry, The Sands Centre, Carlisle