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Our Aims

Physical activity must be part of the Government’s health agenda. The evidence is clear and policy makers around the world recognise the crucial contribution of active lifestyles to tackle obesity, cardio-vascular diseases, many forms of cancer, mental ill-health and other conditions.  Being active is good for us all.

The UK health sector is now in radical restructure, affecting health promotion and physical activity.  Now more than ever, a national representative voice is needed for the  physical activity sector.  The Physical Activity Alliance (PAA) was formed  -  by organisations working across physical activity promotion and delivery  -  to be that national voice for the sector.  With time and costs donated by the various bodies, and support from the Department of Health (DH), we carried out a national consultation of over 300 bodies and individuals with an interest in physical activity.  This showed strong and clear support for the Alliance.  The PAA today is structured along three thematic lines: indoor physical activity, outdoor physical activity and active travel. 

Our aims are to:

  • serve as a national umbrella and connecting body  - to be a catalyst for the whole physical activity sector, by encouraging creativity and bringing national consistency and commonality;

  • be your advocate for physical activity with national and local government and other partners, reflecting your experience, issues (and great ideas);

  • provide expert input to government and other consultations, to help ensure development of the most effective physical activity policy & programmes;

  • support DH in developing and implementing an “Evaluation Framework” for physical activity, generating evidence for interventions and reporting standards;

  • work with our partners to increase the scope and range of physical activity opportunities available to local people in every community, particularly to those who are least active.


The Alliance is fit & ready to pursue these vital aims, on behalf of the sector.  The PAA Board and Steering Group, along with Mark Harrod, recently appointed as CEO, invite you to join us and become a member; your contribution will ensure that PAA delivers on these aims and can support you effectively in enabling others to live healthier and more active lives.