The Active Partnerships

This chapter explores the evolving roles and responsibilities of Active Partnerships since their inception in 1999, through three key incarnations particularly in relation to their role as interpreters and implementers of sport policy within England. The chapter explains the origins and development of the Active Partnerships through three key phases, characterised by changing policy priorities and organisational (re-)development in response to those priorities. The attention to significant milestones is purposely selective. Discussion of the role of Active Partnerships considers their priorities and role in implementing policy, particularly with reference to ever-changing national directions, before offering consideration of the extent to which Active Partnerships have been involved in the implementation of community sport policy in England.