Link4Life, the cultural trust operating leisure services on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council, has appointed Gillian Bishop as chief executive on a permanent basis.

Bishop, who has served as interim chief executive at Link4Life since September 2013, will take up her new position from 1 April. She has a strong background in working with local authorities, having previously been corporate director at Wigan Council, as well as holding senior positions with both Allerdale and Rossendale Borough Councils.

“I have a strong belief that the social enterprise model is the way forward in ensuring a secure future for publicly owned leisure and cultural services,” said Bishop.

“My priority will be to focus on the future direction of the Trust to ensure it is best placed to meet local needs and I am looking forward to working with board members and colleagues at Link4Life, together with Rochdale Council and wider partner organisations, to deliver on this.”