Our Team

Paul joined Active Oxfordshire in August 2018 as part of the transformation project. Paul has previously worked at Sport England (and Sports Council as was) at a national and regional level. Having worked in local government for over 10 years Paul was part of the team that helped create Bromley Mytime as a new leisure trust in 2004. Before coming to Oxfordshire Paul worked as a consultant and was a Lead Quest Assessor working across the country with facilities and development teams.

Favourite Motto: Do not curse the darkness, light a candle

Hero or Heroine: Hugh Laurie. So brilliant at everything he touches!

Josh joined Active Oxfordshire in Summer 2016, in the role of Youth Sport Officer, coordinating the Oxfordshire School Games and delivering events on behalf of Active Oxfordshire. Since then Josh has fulfilled the role of Youth Sport Manager and now leads on the Children & Young People work of Active Oxfordshire as well as Safeguarding.

Before joining Active Oxfordshire, Josh worked in delivering Physical Education and coaching to young people across the Thames Valley.

Favourite Motto: Aude Sapere – Dare to be Wise

Hero or Heroine: As a Welshman growing up in rural Devon, Scott Gibbs' try in the 1999 5Nations to prevent an England Grand Slam gave me a few months of bragging rights.

Lucy Tappin - Active Communities Manager (Lead for Mental Health, Older People and Co-Lead for Disability and Long Term Health Conditions.

Lucy has worked within the Sport and Physical Activity sector across Oxfordshire since 2002.

Lucy has specialised experience and extensive knowledge in developing and promoting physically activity opportunities for people with disabilities and mental health conditions.

She has been involved in participating, officiating, coaching and volunteering at a Local and National level and has led the delivery of Active Body Healthy Mind, Boccia Revolution, OxForward, InSport, Wheels for all and many cross cutting projects to encourage people to be more Active.

Favourite Motto - No matter what life throws at you, there is always somebody worse off than you. Be thankful for what you have.

Hero or heroine - Tanni Grey Thompson - gifted and courageous sportswomen, influential and iconic figure, massive ambassador for disability sport.

Steph joined Active Oxfordshire in October 2018 as the new Children and Young People Manager to deliver Sport England funded programmes. Steph's expertise lies in volunteer and event management where she has worked for the past 10 years in various roles and areas. Highlights have included recruiting volunteers for film premiers in London, the London Marathon and organising Countywide sports days for elderly residents living in Care Homes. Steph has always been a passionate sports player and sees the benefit that sport and physical activity can have, both physically and mentally. She is really looking forward to working with children and young people to enable them to be more active and make a real difference to the lives of those living in Oxfordshire.

Favourite Motto: "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give"

Hero or Heroine: My mum. Full of energy, selfless and never gives up, she is my heroine!

Annie joined Active Oxfordshire in April 2019 to work collaboratively and strategically with key partners and stakeholders across the county to reduce physical inactivity, improve population health and address priority health needs in line with the NHS Long Term Plan. Annie has extensive experience in strategic and operational management of Health business at National and European level, with specific expertise in physical activity and cardiovascular health. Previously, Annie managed various community health services, working closely with Public Health Commissioners and has just completed a 2-year project working as the Executive Director of the National Institute for Prevention and Cardiovascular Health, at the West of Ireland Cardiac Foundation, based in Galway, Ireland.

Favourite motto: You are the CEO of your own life – go for it!

Lucy joined Active Oxfordshire in August 2019 having previously worked alongside the team for work experience during her studies at Oxford Brookes University. Recently, taking up the role of Communications and Engagement Executive, Lucy works on specific areas of work across the organisation alongside developing our website and e-communications.

A fitness fanatic, Lucy takes part in various classes throughout the week at her gym.

Favourite Motto: "Who you are tomorrow begins with what you do today".

Casey is working across the Active Partnerships in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire West on a Sport England innovation project aiming to get more people active through upskilling healthcare professionals.

Casey was previously part of the NHS, working on implementing the Making Every Contact Count Programme across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West. Prior to this Casey was part of Public Health England and Cancer Research UK, supporting projects that aim to communicate lifestyle factor information to the public and create behaviour change. Casey studied Biomedical science at Warwick University and Public Health at Imperial College London.

Matt joined Active Oxfordshire in January 2020. Matt has worked in local government, third sector community, and sport organisations as well as national and regional level for Sport England. In 2011, he took a break from the sport for development sector to write a book; 'The Other Olympics', and work as a journalist in Myanmar.

Hero/Heroine : Tommie Smith, for his use of sport as a tool for good, both in his 1968 Olympic protest and his subsequent youth and education work.

Helen joined Active Oxfordshire in April 2020 in the role of Communications and Engagement Manager. Helen leads on all aspects of external and internal communications including managing key campaigns, website and digital development, increasing organisational profile, engagement events and media relations. Before joining Active Oxfordshire Helen has worked within marketing, communications and fundraising in the third sector since 2005 for a range of organisations including ActionAid, regional hospices and, most recently, Aspire Oxford.

Favourite motto: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." (Margaret Mead)

George joined Active Oxfordshire as a work placement student from Loughborough University in September 2020. Having taken the role of Physical Activity Project Officer, George will work across various areas and campaigns within the organisation with a specific focus on Children and Young People.

George has always actively participated in sports in a variety of roles including as a participant, coach, referee and event organiser. His personal highlight was being part of the team to organise a Derby County Under 23's fixture against his beloved Arsenal at Loughborough Football Stadium.

Favourite Motto: "You didn't come this far to only come this far"

Richard joined Active Oxfordshire in December 2021 following over 15 years working in the leisure and Community Development sector. As Business and Programme Manager Richard will be supporting delivery of our Sport England funded programmes and Active Oxfordshire's 'Healthy for life' pillar of work, promoting and creating opportunities for older people, adults with long-term health conditions and those living with a mental health problem to benefit from physical activity to improve their health.

Richard is also responsible for overseeing Active Oxfordshire's governance to ensure effective management and administration of the charity.

With specialist experience in exercise prescription, including exercise on referral and cardiac rehab, Richard is passionate about the positive impact of sport and physical activity for everyone and continues to work as a Personal Trainer around his role at Active Oxfordshire.

Richard regularly attends the gym and enjoys finding different ways to be active, including years of playing football locally.

Favourite Motto: "Someone else is dreaming about the things you take for granted"