There were two changes of membership for this meeting; Councillor Dychton replaced Councillor Rindl and Councillor Crout replaced Councillor Kent.

There were no disclosures of interest. It was noted that councillors were customers of the Colosseum.

The minutes of the meeting held on 27 September 2016 to be submitted and signed.

Copies of the minutes of this meeting are usually available seven working days following the meeting.

(All minutes are available on the Council’s website.)

The minutes of the meeting held on 27 September 2016 were submitted and signed.

Report of the Corporate, Leisure and Community Client Section Head

Following their tour of the Colosseum, the Scrutiny Committee is asked to review the progress of the contract.

The Panel began by thanking the representatives from HQ Theatres for providing a tour of the Colosseum.

The Corporate, Leisure and Community Client Section Head provided the Panel with some background to the annual report.  This was the first such report that had been produced and followed good practice demonstrated in other contracts.  Officers held monthly client meetings with HQ Theatres covering landlord issues, performance indicators and customer feedback. 

Alvin Hargreaves provided members with an overview of HQ Theatres and the venues operated.  He described the role of head office underlining that responsibility for programming lay with the Theatre Directors who best understood the venues and the local communities.  The programme offered by the Colosseum was diverse and included high-profile entertainment, comedy and music. HQ Theatres focused on the whole customer experience and hospitality was therefore an important part of the offer.  This enabled them to reduce the reliance on the revenue grant from the council.  He invited the Panel to consider whether there were ways that HQ Theatres could better report on their activities to the council, including direct and indirect economic and social outcomes.

Jo Ditch underlined how the venues operated by HQ Theatres differed and that there was a strong network of venue directors.  She provided examples of recent successes in programming.

Alvin Hargreaves outlined the challenges experienced by the venue.  These included the availability of acts as it was not a producing theatre.  They were dependent on tours and this meant there were busy seasons and quieter seasons. 

They were open to suggestions on how the programme could be developed and improved.  However, could the Colosseum offered hospitality and themed events which they produced themselves.

Officers described that they worked well with HQ Theatres to help them achieve their objectives and to ensure the building remained in a good condition.

There was a discussion about the programming process following a suggestion that there could be more music to appeal to the black and minority ethnic communities in Watford.  It was explained that programming needed to be on the right scale for the venue. HQ Theatres were open to considering the acts described. The Colosseum was a commercial and receiving venue.  All sections of the community were part of the outreach work undertaken. Representatives from HQ Theatres undertook to look at whether there would be any suitable acts and to meet with Councillor Dhindsa separately to discuss the matter further.

Following a question about community events, officers explained that the hire rates had been negotiated and the community days were no longer part of the contract.  It was found that the special community hire rates were intended for Watford residents or Watford-based groups. The Panel were reminded that other venues in the town, such as the community centres, were available for smaller community events. It was hoped that community rates could be agreed for other areas of the Colosseum than the main auditorium.

The Panel considered the Colosseum's use of volunteers.  Representatives from HQ Theatres described how  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

The Scrutiny Committee to consider their conclusions and recommendations arising from the item.

Officers provided an overview of their working relationship with HQ Theatres which was positive. The company was making longer-term plans which demonstrated their commitment.

The Panel considered the conclusions.

The following was agreed:

·        the end of year report be noted.

·        that the Panel recommend that more consideration be given to sourcing musical acts for the Black and Minority Ethnic Communities.

·        that more detail be brought to members on staff ethnicity and disability.

• that further customer satisfaction feedback be sought by the Colosseum staff.
• that monthly meetings with officers continue and Members to be kept updated on the financial situation.

Councillor Dhindsa agreed to share the contact details of the relevant person at the Prison Service who arranged work placements.

Officers agreed to share the link to the customer satisfaction survey with the Panel.

RESOLVED

1. that the report and Members’ conclusions be noted.
2. the actions requested be undertaken.