Can physical activity be the key to reducing reoffending and transforming our prisons?
Blog by James Mapstone, Alliance of Sport CEO
As our prisons face a capacity crisis, and with the Chief Inspector of Prisons painting a bleak picture of life inside, it might seem surprising to suggest that physical activity should be a government priority. However, the evidence is clear: investment in physical activity can be a catalyst for positive change, impacting health, rehabilitation, and ultimately, public safety.

Sport in Prison Learning and Knowledge Exchange
I recently had the privilege of supporting a Sport in Prison learning and knowledge exchange event, hosted by Professor Rosie Meek and Dr. Hannah Hammond. The event brought together around fifty professionals from across the globe, including those from public and private prison sectors, community organisations, and academia. It was a timely reminder of both the challenges and untapped potential of physical activity in our prison system.
At the event, we heard firsthand about the persistent challenges that prisons face, such as under-resourced establishments, underutilised physical education staff and facilities, and missed opportunities to enhance partnerships with community organisations. Additionally, the design of some newer prisons lack adequate spaces for physical activity, resulting in industrial areas being repurposed as gyms and small rooms on wings designed to accommodate physical activity being converted for other uses, such as meeting rooms or kitchens.
Despite these obstacles, research consistently shows that structured physical activity is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve physical and mental health. When delivered as part of a comprehensive programme, physical activity can lead to enhanced education and skills development, foster positive relationships, and reduce reoffending rates.
Using the evidence we have
It was encouraging to hear examples of effective practice from across the sector, although such success stories are far from the norm in today’s climate. Reflecting on my experience as a former Physical Education Manager at HMP & YOI Ashfield, I know firsthand that PE departments if managed well, can serve as the ‘heartbeat’ of secure establishments. Yet, in my opinion, they’re increasingly becoming the prison system’s ‘best-kept secret.’
There is no doubt that physical activity and sport, when used correctly, are powerful tools for reducing reoffending and promoting community safety. Our research from nearly a decade ago remains among the most influential in this area, underscoring the potential impact that structured physical activity can have. The fact that this research still stands as a leading source of evidence highlights the urgent need for renewed focus and investment in this space.
A Call to Action: Why Physical Activity Should Be a Priority
Reflecting on these insights, I am convinced that more people need to understand the positive impacts of physical activity in prisons. We must prioritise strengthening PE services, protecting physical activity spaces, and investing in community partnerships which are geared up to support the continuity of care and the reduction of reoffending. These steps can drive meaningful change and improve outcomes for those in custody, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.
From 2017 to 2018, we played a key role in calling for an independent review of sport in prison, and supported Professor Rosie Meek, the author of A Sporting Chance: An Independent Review of Sport in Justice.
In March 2023, I conducted research to explore the more recent use of physical activity and sport across the Criminal Justice System. This research, the Get Well Stay Well Agreement, launched at the House of Lords, resulting in 10 recommendations – many of which have seen progress. While we have made strides, I believe we can go further. To drive significant change, I believe we can focus on one key recommendation: make it mandatory for all prisons to record and publish physical activity hours.
Why is this so important?
Making physical activity hours a mandatory measure will place much-needed emphasis on PE services. Prompting governors, inspectors, and other stakeholders to prioritise investment and innovation in this area. Such a policy would encourage the development of programmes and partnerships that can address unmet health needs, promote positive behaviour, and better prepare individuals for release into society.
Tracking physical activity hours will also allow us, and others to measure the impact of such activities on prison environments: Do more physically active prisons experience lower levels of violence? Are rates of self-harm and medication use reduced? By focusing on these questions, and others, we can identify opportunities to support those who are inactive, address unmet needs, and provide pathways for positive change.
Unlocking opportunities for cost-effective improvement
Implementing this policy shift presents numerous opportunities to improve our prison system in a cost-effective manner. The Alliance of Sport, as part of our Get Well Stay Well initiative, is building a Community of Practice, aimed at increasing purposeful activity, health promotion and the reduction of reoffending. This work builds on our history of facilitating learning and knowledge exchange and increases support for professionals dedicated to showcasing the transformative impact of sport and physical activity in secure establishments.
As the secretariat, we are also in the process of recruiting new Parliamentary Members to reconstitute the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Physical Activity and Sport in the Criminal Justice System. This will enable us to complete an Independent Inquiry and call for greater and cross-government support to implement key recommendations, including making it mandatory for all prisons to record and publish physical activity hours.
Let’s do this together
If you’re interested in following our progress or contributing to this important work, we invite you to sign up for our newsletter on our homepage, or reach out and contact us to participate in activities that drive this agenda forward.
By working together, we can ensure that physical activity becomes a central pillar in our efforts to improve prisons, reduce reoffending, and ultimately create safer, healthier, and fairer communities.
