Agenda item

Agenda item

Leisure Centre Contract - SLM

A report of the Head of Community and Environmental Services.

Minutes:

The panel received a report from the Head of Community and Environmental Services.

 

The Watford Contract Manager for SLM, Gary Foley, made a presentation for the panel. The presentation was attached to the agenda.

 

The presentation provided an overview of the structure of the new contract, recent refurbishment works, the social value and impact of the contract, the partnership work undertaken and the key performance indicators.

 

The panel noted that SLM managed the paddling pools in Cassiobury Park. Members sought assurances that there would not be the number of closures that had been experienced in the past.  SLM advised that as they were operating economies of scale, specialist contractors were in place and issues could be dealt with quickly.  Staff had undertaken intensive training in the plant facilities and electricians were on standby.  It was noted that in the year before SLM managed the pools, there were 52 occasions of closures, last year under SLM there had only been nine, some of which were scheduled for regular maintenance.

 

With reference to the market, the panel asked for further details about what assistance SLM have given for this facility. Officers advised that a number of members of staff had been made available to the council supporting the cleanliness in particular.  As a result, the market had remained open during the transition period.

 

Members discussed popularity of classes at the centres which were often oversubscribed. SLM advised that more studio space had been created and that 158 virtual cycling classes had been added each week. Exercise classes were reviewed quarterly so that more spaces could be created at the most popular sessions.

 

It was confirmed that a sauna/steam room was planned for Watford Central, planning was underway but there were no timelines available yet.

 

SLM ran a GP referral scheme and also sought to work with other local organisations to reach target groups. The positive case studies from the programme had helped their Quest inspection scores. 

 

Amongst the other groups that SLM worked with were children and young people and those in sheltered housing. The Sports Development Officer was involved in securing further funding for these outreach programmes.

 

SLM representatives highlighted key areas from the annual report including a reduction in sugar in the food available at the centres, increasing recycling levels and other environmental measures.

 

Discussing the sporting champions scheme which supported young athletes, SLM described the process of encouraging applications from individuals at local clubs. The number of applications had increased from two to 11 in the last two years; all of which were given funding. Councillors were encouraged to share details of the scheme with local residents.

 

Future areas for development included, baby CPR workshops delivered by lifeguards, a project to tackle holiday hunger and providing dementia awareness training for staff.

 

Officers summarised that it was a positive and mature relationship and described the oversight arrangements. There were ambitious targets for the contract and some good case studies. It was suggested that SLM be invited back in 12 months to discuss progress.

 

The panel expressed their thanks to SLM and the officers.

 

RESOLVED –

 

1.      that the report and presentation be noted.

2.      that the actions requested be undertaken.

 

Supporting documents:

 

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