Meet Jez: The Engagement Director Promoting Movement and Motion for Wellbeing

From his early days studying sports science at university, Jez Belas has always been interested in the power of movement.

With over a decade of experience in Education (most recently as the Director of Sport, PE, and Wellness at a prestigious independent school), our engagement director brings an energetic mindset and depth of knowledge to his role at youHQ.

Working as our engagement director means no two days are the same for Jez, whether that's liaising with staff for user feedback, delivering student workshops, attending conferences, or presenting our flagship webinar series.

We sat down for an interview with Jez, asking him about the experiences that shaped the co-founding of youHQ - and his passion for wellbeing in schools.

Where does your passion for education, safeguarding and wellbeing come from?

As a former PE teacher, Director of Sport, lover of all things physical and parent, I’ve combined all of this to form a passion for teaching and learning, how movement impacts our physical, social and mental health and the direct links to overall wellbeing. I spent several years in sports marketing before my 16 years in teaching. I met Jon, Marty and Alistair (Dr Bear) at University studying Exercise and Sports Science and a reunion around 2020 sparked what has become Life On Time Ltd and youHQ.

What attracted you to pursue youHQ full-time?

The ability to impact the narrative in education. To put students and staff first and create authentic, person-centric communities.

If you could wave a magic wand, what would it do linked to wellbeing and safeguarding?

It would put this as the priority in every school around the world and push back against the academic pressures that drive wellbeing issues for key stakeholders.

What’s one random fact most people don’t know about you?

I met the queen once and spoke to her when I shouldn’t have…

Favourite Film:

Carlito's Way (I love Al Pacino)

Favourite Song:

Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits (best guitar solo)

Any hobbies? What’s your favourite thing to do in your spare time?

Currently run! But, anything physical 👌🏼

Jez attending the youHQ-sponsored Berkshire U13 & U15 Girls' Football League - June 2025

Jez's drive to shift the focus in schools from academic pressure to movement and personal growth is one of the foundational pillars of youHQ's mission. Whether he's creating new resources for our upcoming wellbeing framework - or he's on the road to represent youHQ at an event - Jez continues to make an impact on the education community, our platform, and our user schools.

Want to meet Jez? Book in a chat online to hear more about youHQ - or catch him at an in-person event soon! Keep an eye on our socials to see where he's headed next 🌍