Jenny Patrickson, Managing Director
Jenny has over 25 years of experience within the active leisure sector, leading the development of specialist health and fitness related awarding organisations to achieve year-on-year growth and excellence in service provision. Whilst developing an in-depth understanding of regulatory frameworks and their requirements, Jenny has been responsible for strategic planning, business development and business process improvement. With a BA (Hons) in Adult Education, and having also worked within the training provider environment, Jenny has a clear understanding of the need for creative and flexible awarding organisation provision, in line with Active IQ’s values.
On an international level, Jenny was involved in the development and implementation of accreditation and quality assurance activity for the European Health and Fitness Association (now Europe Active), the Register of Professionals (REPs) Ireland and the International Confederation of Registers of Exercise Professionals (ICREPs).
Gavin Baxter, Head of Business Development
Gavin is Active IQ's Head of Business Development helping to maintain their position as a sector leading Awarding Organisation and End-point Assessment Organisation. He manages the UK Business Development team and oversees international growth. Gavin has more than 15 years' experience in the Health and Fitness sector working as a sports coach, outdoor activity instructor, group training instructor, personal trainer, consultant, manager and senior manager. Before joining Active IQ, Gavin developed a diverse portfolio of companies he has worked for, including; The British Army, Saudi Aramco (Saudi Arabia), British Military Fitness, Rathbone, PGL and was a company director for Operation Fitness.
Gavin is passionate about using education to strengthen health and fitness opportunities for all. He studied BA(h) Sports Development with coaching at Northumbria University and is now back in education currently studying a post graduate Level 7 senior leadership programme with Sheffield Hallam University. He is a fully qualified Tutor, Assessor and Internal Verifier who is on a mission to help improve the sector's applied standards on a global scale.
Kerry Fearnley, Head of Marketing
Kerry has over 17 years marketing experience and began her career within the label industry, followed by 12 years within the healthcare industry and was delighted to join the Active IQ team in 2017. During her career she has proven ability to develop and implement key marketing campaigns and has successfully completed a range of marketing qualifications with the Cambridge Marketing College including the completion of the Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing - Level 7 in 2018. Kerry is a member with the Chartered Institute of Marketing and enjoys taking part in regular CPD training. Kerry is passionate about marketing and is looking forward to supporting the strategic growth and vision of the Active IQ brand, including collaborating with our approved centres.
Kerry enjoys spending time with her husband and both enjoy skiing and keeping an active and healthy lifestyle.
Lee Buck, Head of Product Development
Lee starting working in the sector in the early 90’s, running after-school activity sessions, clubs and activity camps. After completing a degree in Sport Science, Lee moved into Leisure Operations where she was successfully involved in running a number of health clubs. During 2004, Lee moved from an operational role to a sector role where she was responsible for shaping national occupational standards and the Register of Exercise Professionals. In 2008, Lee joined Active IQ and has been responsible for qualification development for almost the last 10 years. During this time, Lee has helped to grow Active IQ’s offering from a handful of qualifications to over 100. Lee is able to take her knowledge of the industry, and her understanding of the educational and awarding sectors, to develop high quality, fit-for-purpose qualifications which meet the needs of the sector.
Mandie Percival, Head of Quality Assurance
Mandie started her career in the active leisure sector in 1995 as a group exercise instructor and then as a gym instructor and gym supervisor, before moving into education as a tutor, assessor and IV of vocational and work-based learning qualifications. Mandie joined Active IQ in 2007 as an external verifier and has remained within the quality assurance team since that time progressing to Lead External Verifier in 2012, and then again to Head of Quality Assurance in 2014. Mandie is passionate about the provision of fit-for-purpose and valuable education and training opportunities to ensure that learners completing Active IQ qualifications meet the needs of the industry. Mandie is committed to driving a robust, collaborative and dynamic approach to Active IQ’s quality assurance activities and is supported by a very experienced team of external verifiers.
Stuart Liversedge, Head of Operations and Customer Relationships
Stuart Liversedge is an experienced Health & Fitness professional and was a Business Development Manager at Active IQ until May 2024, where he started in November 2019, focusing on the North of England and Scotland.
His career in the sector spans two decades, during which he has advanced from roles such as Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer to General Manager and Regional Manager. Stuart has also enriched the sector's educational standards by working as a Tutor and Assessor for Active IQ qualifications and mentoring Personal Trainers on business and sales strategies.
Recognised for his dedication to fitness education, Stuart was a finalist in the Fitness Manager of the Year category at the Liverpool Fitness Awards. Beyond his professional life, he is a passionate advocate for health and fitness, participating in charity runs for MIND and the Stroke Association, and staying active as an amateur footballer and gym enthusiast. Based outside Liverpool, England, Stuart promotes a balanced lifestyle, seamlessly integrating his professional commitments with personal health and wellness.
Whilst at Active IQ, Stuart has represented the organisation and himself at events as well as on international stages, including events in Dubai, Singapore, and Vietnam, and has also participated in podcasts and panel discussions.