Meet the Team - Active Environments & Partnerships

The team focuses on developing the Councils Leisure Facilities Strategy, Playing Pitch Strategy and the Local Football Facility Plan as well as supporting the development of community leisure provision and assets across North Northamptonshire. We also focus on developing and securing S106* contributions to drive investment into leisure, sport and play facilities and assets across North Northamptonshire.

Joe Bailey – Principal Leisure Manager, Active Environments & Partnerships

My role is to lead on the contract management of the Councils external leisure facilities contracts and leased sites across North Northamptonshire. I also lead on and manage a team focusing on the strategic provision and development of leisure facilities and leisure assets across North Northamptonshire.

My team focuses on developing the Councils Leisure Facilities Strategy, Playing Pitch Strategy and the Local Football Facility Plan as well as supporting the development of community leisure provision and assets across North Northamptonshire. We also focus on developing and securing S106 contributions to drive investment into leisure, sport and play facilities and assets across North Northamptonshire.

1 How long have you worked for North Northamptonshire Council for?

I originally worked for East Northants Council within the Environmental Services Team and moved into Leisure Services in 2017. In total, I’ve been working for the Local Authority for 25 years now!

2 What is the most rewarding part of your job?

I really enjoy working with all of our delivery partners, whether that’s a large national leisure operator like Freedom Leisure or Places Leisure who manage our sites across East Northants, Kettering and Wellingborough, or whether it’s one of our larger community sports clubs operating one of our leased sites, or whether it’s a community sports club operating out of a pavilion with a single pitch or court to manage. Everyone is there for the same purpose; to be part of the community and to support people to be healthy and active.

So, if I can support the improvement and development of the service and the improvement and development of the facilities through the work that we do, I know that this has a positive impact on our communities, and I find that really rewarding.  Taking a tired old asset and turning it into a shiny new one is brilliant!

3 How do you unwind after work?

I’m a dad of 3 so there’s not much unwinding time in the day, especially with a dog to walk too. I enjoy being outdoors running and on my mountain bike and just about still manage to play Vets Football on a Sunday morning.

4 Which flavour of ice cream do you prefer?!

I’ll go with Neapolitan, sliced and between two wafers, a retro classic!

Left to right: Joe Bailey, Viv du Pille, Liz Hudson and Quintin Allen.

Quintin Allen - Leisure Manager Active Environments

My role consists of several different elements, principally involving insight and oversight of projects that support investment into infrastructure for sport and leisure.

1 How long have you worked for North Northamptonshire Council for?

I have worked for North Northamptonshire Council since inception. My previous experience within the sector includes Sports Development Manager, Sports Workforce Manager and Sports Project Manager.

2 What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Sport is my passion. I understand that most of the provision is resultant of a dedicated army of volunteers, working tirelessly to improve their communities. I meet some brilliant people and it’s great when I can support them by helping provide the type of environment their commitment deserves.   

3 How do you unwind after work?

By doing more work! My position with NNC is very strategic but I work for the Football Association as a Coach Educator as well, it’s a role that I very much enjoy. I have been involved in coaching, coach mentoring and tutoring for more than 25 years. I still enjoy the odd kickabout myself (injuries permitting) and play Cricket throughout the summer months. I am a fair weather runner and like to plod along the trails when the sun is out.

4 Which flavour of ice cream do you prefer?!

Dark Chocolate with a chopped Banana and Almonds.

 Liz Hudson - Leisure Manager for Community Leisure

My role includes project managing community-based capital improvement works for sports surfaces and facilities and completing funding bids to support the capital investments. Working in partnership with sports clubs, groups and organisations are key to understanding local need and achieving successful projects which improve our active environment.

1 How long have you worked for North Northamptonshire Council for?

I have worked in leisure services within local authorities for 39 years, moving to Corby Borough Council in 2000 before NNC.

2 What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Delivering projects which have included leisure and community facility improvements; resurfacing tennis courts, Astro-turf football pitches and multi-use games areas across North Northamptonshire to vastly improve facilities for our residents. The projects have seen an increase in usage and have made a positive impact in increasing physical activity levels.

Viv du Pille - Leisure Contracts Officer

My role is to support the contract monitoring of the Councils external leisure contracts and leased leisure facilities.

I oversee contracted sites across East Northants, Kettering, and Wellingborough, ensuring that our operators meet their contractual obligations. This includes conducting regular site inspections, audits and monitoring planned and reactive maintenance schedules to ensure facilities are operating efficiently and remain well-presented.

1 How long have you worked for North Northamptonshire Council for?

I’ve been with the council for 20 years! I started in 2005 as an Admin Manager for East Northants Council (ENC), moved to Customer Services in 2007, and stayed there for 17 years before joining the Leisure team in December 2024.

2 What is the most rewarding part of your job?

There are so many aspects of the job that are rewarding. I really enjoy seeing improvements across our sites—especially with my customer service background. Whilst we have made some great progress with the bigger projects, I notice the little things! Sometimes it’s the small wins, like tidy hedges, freshly cut grass, or clean signage, that makes me happy. I want our centres to feel welcoming and well looked after.

I also love building good relationships with our operators—hearing that I’ve made a difference is always a great feeling. And working with other teams across the council has been brilliant; everyone has been so supportive and helpful.

But the biggest reward? Working with an amazing team. I’ve been given the trust and freedom to “get on with the job”, and the support and feedback I receive makes me feel truly valued. Honestly, this past year in Leisure has been the best of my 20-year career at the council. 

3 How do you unwind after work?

With a 7-year-old and a 17-year-old, there’s not much downtime during the week! However, I love planning my next day trip or holiday! (yep if you have been around me – I’m a planner!) Love going away with my family, but also some child free time with my sister, who also loves getting away.

4 Which flavour of ice cream do you prefer?!

Easy - chocolate. But only if it’s proper Italian gelato!

 *S106 refers to Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

A Section 106 agreement is a legally binding agreement between a local planning authority and a developer. It sets out things the developer must do to make a development acceptable in planning terms.