Mark Tweedie has joined the Devon-based Plymouth Active Leisure (PAL) board as a non-executive director a week after Justin Musgrove's appointment was announced.

Tweedie has a strong track record in the public sector, starting out as a PE teacher, before moving into sports development and then becoming CEO for a number of public leisure organisations including Active Tameside, Active Northumberland, Community Leisure UK and Brimhams Active.

During the past year he has moved into consultancy with his new business, The Performance Blueprint, helping organisations achieve sustainable success through high-performing cultures and strong leadership.

Plymouth Active Leisure CEO, Rhys Jones, is delighted to have a big hitter join his west country team: “We’re excited to have Mark bring his experience, insight, and passion to help shape the future of Plymouth Active.”

Tweedie said joining the PAL board is a privilege and an honour: “PAL is a relatively new but incredibly ambitious organisation, driven by purpose-led, passionate people who care deeply, with a strong, values-led partnership with the council.

“At a time when public services face unprecedented challenges, I’m taking this new responsibility very seriously. It’s a unique opportunity to draw on my relevant career experience to contribute meaningfully as part of a great NED team.

“I’m committed to supporting the exceptionally talented Rhys, his high-performing team, and their council and community partnership to deliver their bold, inspiring vision.”

This announcement comes hot on the heels of the news that industry heavyweight, Justin Musgrove, has also joined as a non-executive director.

Musgrove is now working as an industry consultant with his own business Musgrove Strategic Advisors. He has previously held CEO roles at Center Parcs, Bannatyne, Leejam, Kun Sports and Core Life and most recently Fitness First.

"Justin’s expertise in strategy, business transformation and brand development will be invaluable as Plymouth Active continues to grow and innovate," says Jones.

Plymouth is a diverse city – with pockets of affluence contrasted with areas which are in the top 10 most deprived in the UK. There is a life expectancy gap of 10 years between the different areas.

Jones is passionate about creating an active wellbeing service and getting inactive people to move more. Interviewed in this month’s HCM, he talks about the great work already done in less than two years, with the local hospital relocating its physiotherapy department to one of the leisure centres, the free Active Health programme and its diversification into events.

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