How does the Project Work?
Community of Practice
Key to the project's success is working with a network of local experts who have strong relationships with their beneficiaries.
Capacity Building
By investing in people and their needs, we are building a solid and sustainable infrastructure best suited to driving long-term change.
Public Health Approach
A three-tier approach ensuring we provide the right intervention at the right time, always bearing mind that prevention is better than cure.
Evidence Informed
Collectively demonstrating, celebrating and amplifying what works is crucial to achieving a Level Playing Field.
Where we work
London
- LB Croydon
- LB Lambeth
- LB Lewisham
- HMYOI Cookham Wood
- HMYOI Feltham
- Oakhill STC
West Midlands
- Birmingham
- Wolverhampton
- Coventry
- Rainsbrook STC
- HMYOI Werrington
South Yorkshire
- Sheffield
- Rotherham
- HMYOI Wetherby
Gwent
- City of Newport
- HMP&YOI Parc
- Hillside SCH
Strategic Operational Group
Rudro SenProject Manager for LtPF
Rudro is Project Manager for LtPF and has a strong background in Sport for Development. Rudro was previously manager of the Just For Kicks programme in his native Mumbai, India, and more recently was a regional manager in Richmond and Hounslow for the National Citizen Service, working with 15-17-year-olds from diverse backgrounds. Rudro is responsible for day to day delivery of LtPF and providing support to the Community of Practice.
Keith FraserYJB Chair
Keith was appointed Chair of the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales in April 2020. A former Superintendent and Chief Inspector in the West Midlands Police, Keith is also a trustee at The Work Force Development Trust Limited, Advisor for the National Police Chiefs Council Digital Engagement Project for Young People, and Chair of Employability UK. Keith chairs the LtPF Steering Group bringing together key stakeholders and operational leads.
Mike DaleContent and Comms
Mike Dale leads on content and communications for LtPF. He has over 20 years' experience in sports journalism, starting at the Press Association before working for Ananova.com, Orange UK, sportscoachUK (now UK Coaching) and then York-based agency Sport Acuity. Whilst there, he worked on contracts for high-level sports federations (UEFA, the PFA, European Rugby and the European Clubs' Association), as well as several sport-based charities including the Alliance of Sport. He now works across both the AoS and LtPF.
James MapstoneCEO, Alliance of Sport
James is Co-Founder and Chief Executive of the Alliance of Sport in Criminal Justice. James also co-chairs the Sports Forum, a group that convenes multiple government departments to provide national support for the role of sport in crime prevention and criminal justice. James led the initial development of Levelling the Playing Field, provides ongoing support, and moving forwards will play a key role in scaling up across England and Wales.
Hannah HammondResearch Fellow, University of Birmingham
Dr. Hannah Baumer is a Research Fellow in the University of Birmingham’s Monitoring and Evaluation team and will work closely with LtPF conducting impactful research to understand the physical activity and sport needs of individuals and communities in diverse populations. With a PhD in Psychology and Criminology from School of Law at Royal Holloway, the University of London, Hannah’s research interests include sport for development within the criminal justice system.
Justin ColemanCOO, Alliance of Sport
Justin is Co-Founder and COO of the Alliance of Sport in Criminal Justice. Justin leads on AoS' Communities of Practice, service delivery, monitoring and evaluation. Justin has extensive knowledge of the Criminal Justice System (prison and community) and received ‘Best Practice’ from HM Inspectors for his work with Long Term Offenders. Justin provides strategic support for LtPF and leads on the development and delivery of the Project at Tier 3.
Joan DudaProfessor, University of Birmingham
Prof Joan Duda is the Principal Investigator/Lead of LtPF’s Monitoring and Evaluation team. She is one of the most cited researchers in her discipline and is internationally known for her expertise on optimising motivational climates, motivation, sustained engagement and well-being in sport, exercise, and dance. Joan is the major developer of the theory- and evidence-based Empowering CoachingTM family of training programmes which are being delivered to coaches (recreational to elite), parents and teachers in the UK and abroad.
Alison O'Connell MBEWest Midlands Regional Coordinator
Alison advises and liaises with our specialist partners in the West Midlands to help them maximise and evidence their impact on young people. Alison joined us from our local strategic partners Sport Birmingham in September 2022. She previously founded FITCAP (Fitness in the Community and Active Play) and the MAD (Make A Difference) project. She received an MBE for her work with young people in 2014.
Information Hub and
Resource Library
Our aim is to keep a strong and engaged Community of Practice informed. Strategic and delivery partners can access a range of services including from peer support, knowledge sharing and information and resources, and training opportunities
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