Ben Humphrey - Physical Activity & Inclusion Manager

Tell us about yourself 

My passion is inclusion and equity, I enjoy using physical activity as a tool to improve the health and well-being of Swindon residents. I am proud to work in the Public Health Team and engage those furthest away from participation. I have been working at SBC since 2007, I joined after completing a PGDip at Glos Uni in Sport Development.

What attracted you to join SBC?

It was a conscious decision for me to work in the public sector. I worked in Banking for a number of years and felt unfulfilled – so I retrained and was successful in getting a role at SBC. I like to feel connected to the community I serve and know that the projects and programmes I manage are making a difference to the lives of Swindon residents.

I am now also responsible for service design and strategic planning. I enjoy developing new opportunities based on research and evidence.

What do you most enjoy about working here?

I enjoy problem solving as a team, nurturing my team members and I also make sure I get to at least one community session a week to stay connected to the clients.

Describe a typical day in your role

A typical day will start by reviewing the staffing for the day, a one to one with a team member, some budget monitoring, evaluation of our programmes and then meeting with partners to plan future service.

What motivates you at work?

I am motivated by our vulnerable residents. Particularly those with disabilities, poor mental health and inactive. I believe that our adapted physical activity offer can support them to live healthier and happier lives.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Outside of work I help co-ordinate the local wheelchair basketball team, I also enjoy exploring the mountains and the beaches of UK in my VW camper van.

Where is the best place you have visited?

Africa has a special place in my heart. I have been lucky enough to visit Malawi, Kenya and Uganda on Sport for Development projects. However, I still love London – the opportunities, culture, diversity and history (& The Arsenal!).

Who are your dream dinner guests?

Alan Thynne, Keely Chalk, Oliver Green, Chloe Green, John Rendell, Lisa Cliff & Kayleigh Humphrey – friends of mine (and my wife!) that live all over the country now and we are never organised enough to get together!

What is your favourite film or book and why?

My favourite film is 24hr Party People. I am very interested in the 80s and 90s independent music scene. Particularly how Manchester was the music centre of the world at that time with so many bands myths and legends.

What are your ambitions/aspirations?

My professional ambition is to support every mainstream environment in Swindon and make it more inclusive to those underrepresented groups that suffer health inequalities. Personally, I hope to raise and provide for a healthy and happy family.