Meet the team here at Blaydon Leisure Centre

We would like to give you a greater insight into the familiar faces you see in and around Blaydon Leisure Centre. Our team is passionate about supporting the local community, creating positive experiences, and helping people lead active, healthy lifestyles.

We're proud of the work we do every day and want to share more about the people behind the centre. By introducing our team, we hope you'll get to know us better, understand what motivates us, and discover how we can continue to work together to make Blaydon Leisure Centre a welcoming and thriving space for everyone

Meet Leanne – Assistant Manager & Fitness Class Instructor, Blaydon Leisure Centre

"One of the things I enjoy most about working for GLL is the variety. No two days are ever the same, and I have the opportunity to work with a wide range of people from customers and community groups to colleagues across the organisation."

Leanne Proud joined GLL following the transfer of leisure services in April 2025 and has quickly embraced opportunities to develop her career while making a positive impact within her local community. 

As Assistant Manager and Fitness Class Instructor at Blaydon Leisure Centre, Leanne enjoys the variety her role brings and the opportunity to support people of all ages and backgrounds to improve their health and wellbeing. 

"GLL has been extremely supportive of my development and progression. Taking part in the GLL Talent Initiative in London significantly enhanced my skills and confidence, giving me valuable insights that I now apply in my day-to-day role."

For Leanne, the GLL value that resonates most strongly is Customers and Communities at Our Heart.

"Every day I have the opportunity to support activities that promote health and wellbeing, ensuring opportunities are inclusive, accessible and available to everyone in our community."

One of Leanne's proudest achievements was organising the Team England Open Weekend, bringing together a range of activities and local partnerships to engage the community.

"Seeing everything come together after months of planning was incredibly rewarding. Highlights included football, athletics and water safety sessions delivered alongside Tyne and Wear Fire Service. It was fantastic to see so many people taking part, trying new activities and engaging with their local leisure centre."

Reflecting on her experience with GLL, Leanne believes the organisation offers much more than a job.

"There's a real sense of teamwork, colleagues are supported to succeed and there are excellent opportunities for anyone looking to develop their career. I would highly recommend GLL as a place to work."

 

Meet Sam – Recreation Assistant, Blaydon Leisure Centre

"For me, working in leisure is about helping people stay active, feel welcome and achieve their goals in a safe environment."

Sam Punn joined GLL in April 2025 following the transfer of leisure services from Gateshead Council. Since then, he has become an important member of the team at Blaydon Leisure Centre, bringing his passion for sport, leisure and customer service to everything he does.

"I was attracted to GLL because it shares my passion for sport and leisure. It felt like an organisation where I could develop my skills, gain experience and make a positive difference."

One of the things Sam enjoys most about his role is being part of a supportive team that helps people lead more active lifestyles.

"I enjoy working with people who are passionate about what they do. Knowing that I can help customers stay active and safe while they train makes the role really rewarding."

Since joining GLL, Sam has had access to regular training and development opportunities and is looking forward to continuing his progression within the organisation.

"I've benefited from monthly training sessions and additional development opportunities. I'm also interested in completing my Gym Instructor qualification in the future, which will help me continue building my skills and experience."

For Sam, GLL's values are evident in the way colleagues work together and put customers first every day.

"Putting customers at the heart of what we do and working together as a team to maintain high standards is really important to me. It's something we focus on every day."

Sam also believes the culture and opportunities available at GLL help make it a great place to work.

"Everyone has been extremely supportive and respectful, helping me develop my skills and settle into the organisation. I've also enjoyed taking part in society events and trips, which show how much GLL values its people."

One of Sam's proudest achievements was representing Gateshead at the 2026 Lifeguard Championships held at Templemore Baths, Belfast.

"A team of four of us competed against some very experienced teams and finished fifth on our first attempt. It was a fantastic experience and something I'm incredibly proud to have been part of."

Reflecting on his time with GLL so far, Sam would encourage others to consider a career with the organisation.

"I've had opportunities to learn new skills, gain valuable experience and work alongside great people. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here and would definitely recommend GLL as a place to work." 

 

Meet Jenn – Assistant Manager, Blaydon Leisure Centre

"What I enjoy most about working at GLL is supporting new members in and around the leisure centre. It's a great feeling to meet new people, relate to their situations and offer advice from my own experience."

Jennifer Batey-Haug joined GLL in April 2025 following almost 20 years with Gateshead Council and has embraced the opportunity to continue developing her career while achieving a positive balance between work and family life. 

As Assistant Manager at Blaydon Leisure Centre, Jenn enjoys meeting new people, supporting customers and creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued. She takes great pride in being a friendly face within the centre and helping people make the most of the facilities and opportunities available to them.

"GLL has supported my development in ways that make me feel recognised and valued. Being acknowledged as part of the team has given me confidence, and I've recently had the opportunity to enrol in a development scheme, which I'm excited about for my future progression."

For Jenn, the values at GLL play an important role in her day-to-day work.

"The values help keep me grounded, focused and aligned with what we aim to deliver every day. I enjoy supporting those around me and continue to learn from my manager and colleagues."

One of the things Jenn values most about GLL is the people and culture.

"There's a strong sense of community and a genuine appreciation for staff and the contribution we all make. I've found opportunities to connect with colleagues both inside and outside of work, creating a supportive and enjoyable environment."

One of Jenn's proud achievements was working alongside Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to introduce vital water safety sessions for children in our community. This initiative helped educate young people about staying safe around water while building valuable partnerships to support community wellbeing 

Reflecting on her experience with GLL, Jenn believes the organisation is a place where people can grow and thrive.

"GLL is a great place to work. It's a forward-thinking organisation that is always looking to improve and move with the times. I feel valued, supported and motivated to continue developing both personally and professionally."

One of Jenn's proudest achievements was working alongside Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to introduce vital water safety sessions for children in our community. This initiative helped educate young people about staying safe around water while building valuable partnerships to support community wellbeing

Meet Andy – Duty Manager, Blaydon Leisure Centre

I am currently a Duty Manager with GLL and joined the organisation in April 2025 after transferring from Go Gateshead/Gateshead Council, where I began my career in 2011. Throughout this time, I have worked with a wide range of colleagues, customers and community groups, helping me develop both professionally and personally.

I was attracted to GLL because of its strong community focus, commitment to inclusive, high-quality leisure services, and the opportunities it provides for learning, development and career progression.

What I enjoy most about working for GLL is the variety each day brings. As a Duty Manager, I support customers, lead teams, maintain operational standards and ensure our facilities are safe, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone. Being able to make a positive difference to people's experiences is particularly rewarding.

GLL has been highly supportive of my development through training opportunities, guidance from managers and access to professional development programmes. This support has helped me build confidence, broaden my skills and take on new responsibilities.

GLL's values are central to my day-to-day work. They mean treating people with respect, working collaboratively, taking ownership and always striving to deliver the best possible service. These values help create a positive environment for both staff and customers.

What makes GLL stand out is its people and culture. There is a genuine sense of teamwork, with colleagues always willing to support one another, while the organisation encourages growth, development and new ideas.

One achievement I am particularly proud of is helping to deliver the smooth operation of our centre during busy periods and major events. Working as part of a team to overcome challenges and provide an excellent customer experience is something I take great pride in.

Overall, my experience with GLL has been extremely positive, and I look forward to continuing my career with an organisation that values its people, supports development and makes a real difference to the communities it serves.

Meet Chris – Duty Manager, Blaydon Leisure Centre.

I am one of the Duty Managers at Blaydon Leisure Centre and have been part of the GLL partnership for the past 16 months. This year also marks over 25 years working in the leisure industry, supporting people of all ages to improve their health, wellbeing and confidence.

I joined GLL as part of the transition from Gateshead Council. Like many colleagues, I was initially uncertain about the changes, but it quickly became clear that GLL's commitment to investing in facilities, programmes and people would benefit both staff and customers. Looking back, I can honestly say the move to GLL has been one of the best things to happen to our Gateshead team.

What I enjoy most about working here is the variety and purpose each day brings. As a Duty Manager, no two days are the same. Whether supporting staff, assisting customers or ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the centre, I know my work makes a positive difference. Seeing customers achieve their goals and benefit from our services is particularly rewarding.

GLL has been excellent in supporting my personal and professional development. Through ongoing training and development opportunities, I have continued to build my skills and knowledge. Most recently, I renewed my Pool Plant qualification with the support and encouragement of colleagues and managers. It is reassuring to work for an organisation that genuinely invests in its people.

GLL's values are reflected in my day-to-day work through a strong focus on customer service, teamwork, professionalism and community impact. I take pride in helping customers feel welcome and working collaboratively with colleagues to deliver the best possible experience.

What makes GLL stand out is its people and culture. There is a genuine sense of teamwork, and staff are encouraged to learn, develop and progress. Even after more than 25 years in the leisure industry, it is refreshing to work for an organisation that continues to provide opportunities for growth.

I would highly recommend GLL as a place to work. It offers excellent training, strong support networks, career development opportunities and a culture that genuinely cares about both its employees and the communities it serves.

One of my proudest achievements has been supporting the successful transition to GLL, particularly through helping staff and customers adapt to increased use of smart technology. Using my ICT knowledge, I have been able to resolve issues, support colleagues and improve the team's overall confidence with technology. Being part of a team that has embraced change, expanded opportunities for customers and strengthened community engagement has been incredibly rewarding.

It is a privilege to work with such a dedicated team at Blaydon Leisure Centre, and I look forward to continuing our success together.