James Mapstone

James is Co-Founder and Chief Executive of the Alliance of Sport, where he leads the organisation’s strategy, partnerships and international development. He works with governments, national agencies and global institutions to embed sport and physical activity within justice and community and criminal justice systems — advancing prevention, rehabilitation and safer communities.

James previously founded and led 2nd Chance Group CIC, a social enterprise delivering sport-based programmes designed to support desistance, rebuild lives and strengthen futures. It was through this work that the Alliance of Sport was first established as a project in 2015.

For over 20 years, James has championed the role of sport in the Criminal Justice System, influencing policy, unlocking investment, shaping practice and building cross-sector collaboration at national and international level.

He serves as Secretariat to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Sport and Physical Activity in the Criminal Justice System and sits on the HMPPS Effective Practice Sports Panel.