Jason’s Reflections
Our annual Impact Report is always an important moment in the Active Essex calendar, providing a moment to reflect on not just what has been delivered, but the change we’ve helped create. It helps us take an honest account of the improvements we’ve made, the shifts in behaviour we’ve supported and the places where we’ve genuinely made a difference.
Please take a look at our Impact Report microsite as I think that it tells a wonderful story in a clear and attractive way. I feel that this year’s report shows clear progress across our four short-term outcomes, with lots of positive delivery and success. However, I always try to lead with courage and I wanted to ensure the team didn’t shy away from the challenges we’ve faced or the lessons we’ve learnt along the way. Acknowledging the things that don’t quite land are moments that allows real learning to happen, and in turn makes us stronger.
One thing that has emerged over the past year is the importance of Active Essex cultivating a universal offer. Our sector traditionally directs investment and resources to targeted areas – whether they are geographical or key audiences. However, true to the principles of proportionate universalism, targeting alone does not create long term impact and change. We have aligned our work with Sport England in creating a universal offer to add depth and value to our place-based working, led so effectively by the five Active Essex hub teams. I feel we are developing a strong blend of targeted and universal implementation, that provides depth and maturity across the whole of Essex.
But if I’m honest, what has impressed me most this year is the resilience, flexibility and determination of the Active Essex team. The range and scope of our work has doubled in the past 10 years, and as you will see in our new Impact Report, we deliver multiple complex programmes in partnership with a variety of funders. I am very proud of the way the team are committed to making a difference to people’s lives and the communities they live in. I feel we have really embraced the principles of place-based working, which is important as we head for major change through devolution, and local government and NHS reorganisation.
I also want to take a moment to say a huge thank you to our partners and stakeholders. You’ve been with us every step of the way, helping to create the conditions that enable communities to take part in sport, be active, and make our communities healthier and stronger. As we collectively look towards the future, I am confident that the seismic changes that are coming will benefit the people of Greater Essex, and I know that sport and physical activity will play a key role in these changes.
Explore the 2025-26 Impact Report at www.activeesseximpact.org
