Get to know Jackie
Having worked in the physical activity sector for several decades, I strongly believe physical activity is not simply a lifestyle choice, it is shaped by the environments people live, work, play and travel through every day. The design of our neighbourhoods, streets, green spaces and community facilities influences whether movement feels easy and natural, or difficult and unsafe.
I support positive change in local places and spaces by advocating for Sport England’s Active Design principles across planning and transport, helping activate spaces to better meet the needs of priority groups, developing community co-created approaches to infrastructure improvement, and building partnerships that promote active travel and access to green and blue spaces.
What do Together Active’s values mean to you and your role?
My approach is rooted in our four core values. I strive to be inclusive, ensuring spaces, opportunities and decisions are accessible and welcoming to all, particularly those who have historically been excluded. I work collaboratively, believing partnership is essential to amplifying voices too often unheard, deepening understanding of the challenges facing priority communities, and strengthening our collective influence over the active environment system. I aim to be creative, recognising the potential in our local places and supporting communities to reimagine environments that reflect their needs, identities and aspirations. Above all, I lead with compassion, showing kindness and empathy and recognising that understanding lived experience is fundamental to meaningful and sustainable change.
What does Together Active’s mission mean to you?
Designing out inactivity means shaping local environments so movement becomes a natural part of everyday life, from walking to local services to accessing green space and welcoming community facilities. Starting with those most excluded from activity helps remove barriers for the least active and creates environments that work better for everyone. By collaborating with communities and partners, we can amplify unheard voices, deepen understanding of local challenges, unlock community-led solutions and influence the systems that shape our active environments.
What does inclusion and access in physical activity mean to you?
In my experience, inclusion and access in physical activity are about creating the conditions where everyone can experience joy, feel they belong, and have the opportunity to thrive through positive experiences of movement, regardless of their background, ability, confidence or circumstances.
By prioritising the needs of those most excluded from physical activity, we can create environments that are more accessible and welcoming for everyone, supporting people to move more in ways that feel safe, enjoyable and part of everyday life.