Active Cumbria Welcomes Two New Members to its Advisory Board
October 22, 2026
Active Cumbria is delighted to welcome Amanda Seims and Neil Cooper as new members of its Advisory Board, bringing valuable experience across research, evaluation, safeguarding, leadership and strategic development.
Their knowledge and experience will contribute to the Board’s work supporting Active Cumbria’s ambitions to help people across Cumbria lead healthier, more active lives.
Amanda Seims
Amanda Seims is an Evaluation Fellow at Lancaster University’s Health & Care Evaluation Facility and has extensive experience working with local, regional and national organisations to evaluate public health, community and healthcare interventions and programmes.
Her experience includes five years supporting the research and evaluation of Bradford’s JU:MP project, which aims to increase physical activity among children through a whole-systems approach. Amanda is a member of Helm Hill and Ambleside AC fell running clubs.
Speaking about joining the Advisory Board, Amanda Seims said:
“I am deeply passionate about the benefits of physical activity for our physical health and mental wellbeing, particularly for children. I spent five years supporting the research and evaluation of the Bradford JU:MP project which aims to increase children’s physical activity through a whole systems approach, including active schools and faith settings, co-designed green spaces, and active travel.
“As a resident of Cumbria, I am excited by the opportunity to use my knowledge and experience to shape regional physical activity strategies and plans to support the health and happiness of people across Cumbria.”
Neil Cooper
Neil Cooper brings extensive national-level experience across sport, including leadership, governance, safeguarding and strategic development.
His recent roles have included Project Director for UK Safe Sport, where he led the design and development of a UK-wide safeguarding system for sport and collaboration between sports councils, national governing bodies and government. This work contributed to the establishment of the Active Partnership Sport Welfare Officers network.
Neil Cooper said:
“Having worked at a national level across sport, including leadership, governance, safeguarding and strategic development, I wanted to bring that experience and knowledge back to the local community in Cumbria.
“Sport and physical activity have played a huge part in my life, both personally and professionally, and I recognise the enormous benefits they bring to individuals and communities.
“Joining the Active Cumbria Advisory Board provides an opportunity to use my experience to help shape local strategies, remove barriers to participation and ensure that people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can lead healthier, more active lives. For me, it's about making a positive difference in the community I call home.”
The appointments bring additional expertise to Active Cumbria’s Advisory Board, strengthening the breadth of knowledge supporting its work to improve lives through physical activity.