Agenda item

The Chair welcomed Nigel Ashton, General Manager of Everyone Active to the meeting to provide an update and answer questions thereon.

The Service Lead: Community and Wellbeing introduced the report providing further detail on the wider health and wellbeing offer. Members’ attention was drawn to the ‘Outstanding’ rating achievement given in the Quest accreditation of the Winchester Sports and Leisure Park (WSLP) in May 2024 as one of only four facilities in England to achieve this rating, the National Operator of the Year award given to Everyone Active at the UK Active awards on October 2024 and working alongside this to get the WSLP shortlisted in the Regional Centre of the Year award and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion award for the Winchester Gold Programme which reinforced that there was a high quality operator working to deliver positive impact across the district.

Members were reminded that there was a formal contract management process in place which included member representation via the advisory board.

The committee proceeded to ask questions and comment on the following matters which were responded to by the Cabinet Member, the Service Lead: Community and Wellbeing, the Contract Manager and the General Manager, Everyone Active.

(i)          Capacity levels and footfall figures for wet side and dry side activities          and plans to maximise capacity and increase membership uptake at    WSLP and Meadowside Leisure Centre.

(ii)        The measures taken to ensure the safety and security of the leisure            facilities managed by Everyone Active.

(iii)      Further clarification was sought on the financial performance of the leisure facilities and how it compared to the projected targets.

(iv)      Customer satisfaction levels and the feedback received from users of         the leisure facilities and digital accessibility.

(v)        Additional information was requested on the maintenance and upkeep       of the facilities, particularly in relation to any recent upgrades or     renovations.

(vi)      The accessibility of leisure facilities for individuals with disabilities and        the measures in place to accommodate their needs.

(vii)        Further details were sought on the marketing and promotional           strategies employed to attract more users to the leisure facilities.

(viii)       The impact of leisure facilities on the local community and any          initiatives in place to engage with residents.

(ix)      Clarification was requested on the staffing levels at the leisure facilities       and any challenges faced in recruiting and retaining staff.

(x)        Environmental sustainability practices adopted by Everyone Active in          managing the leisure facilities.

(xi)      Additional information was sought on future plans for the leisure       facilities and any upcoming projects or developments.

(xii)        The measures in place to ensure the safety of children using the      leisure facilities.

(xiii)       Further clarification was sought on the pricing structure of the leisure          facilities and any plans for future adjustments.

(xiv)      The training programmes available for staff at the leisure facilities.

(xv)       Additional information was requested on the partnerships and           collaborations with local organisations to enhance the services offered         at the leisure facilities.

(xvi)      The promotion of inclusivity and diversity within the leisure facilities.

(xvii)     Further details were sought on the impact of the leisure facilities on the      physical and mental well-being of the community.

(xviii)    The feedback mechanisms in place for users to provide suggestions           and complaints.

(xix)      Clarification was requested on the measures taken to ensure the     cleanliness and hygiene of the leisure facilities.

(xx)       Emergency procedures and protocols in place at the leisure facilities.

(xxi)      Additional information was sought on the technological advancements        and innovations being implemented at the leisure facilities.

At the conclusion of debate, the committee thanked Nigel Ashton and officers for their attendance, the positive achievements and for providing detailed information regarding contract performance.

            RESOLVED:

                        That the contents of the report be received, and the comments         raised by the committee, as summarised above, be noted.