Welcome Jannine!

IMAS is delighted to announce that Jannine Walker has been appointed to its Board as a Non-Executive Director!

Jannine is a senior leader in inclusive sport and physical activity, with more than 20 years’ experience in developing and leading programmes and events that challenge barriers and create meaningful opportunities for disabled people to be active, visible and valued. At the heart of her work is the belief that everyone belongs in sport, and everyone should feel that they do.

Jannine’s current role is Head of Events and Programmes at Activity Alliance, where she leads a national portfolio of inclusive programmes, events and initiatives. She works closely with partners across sport, health, education, local government and the voluntary sector, with a strong focus on creating systems, cultures and environments where inclusion is embedded as standard, not treated as an add‑on.

“For me, inclusion is about more than participation; it’s about belonging, choice and feeling genuinely welcomed”, Jannine said.

“The mission and values of IMAS resonate deeply with both my professional ethos and my personal values. I’m particularly drawn to IMAS’s commitment to genuinely mixed, community‑based participation, peer education and inclusive governance. Its focus on belonging and shared leadership reflects what I believe inclusive sport should look and feel like, where difference is embraced and people with lived experience are central to decision‑making.”

As a Non‑Executive Director, Jannine will bring a combination of strategic insight and practical, frontline experience, alongside her commitment to ensure our organisation continues to be values‑led and accountable to the people we serve.

Jannine added: “I’m proud to support IMAS as it continues to grow its national and international impact, and I’m committed to helping the organisation stay true to its founding vision: using sport as a powerful force for connection, equality and belonging, where everyone truly has a place.”

IMAS Director Mark Goodwin said, “We are incredibly grateful to Jannine. Her exceptional knowledge and experience would be crucial as we move towards expanding our operations both nationally and internationally. Moreover, the knowledge developed in organising and delivering inclusive events will benefit the planning and implementation of the forthcoming new IMART cycle. The whole Board of Directors welcomes Jannine, and we look forward to working together!”.