Making our Mark Annual Report 2013/2014 Introduction | 01 Annual Report 2013/2014 | Making our Mark

We now generate an increased income of £2.1 million per year These achievements and performance are not possible without Our Story (73%) in comparison to our first year of operation back in 2004. the commitment and hard work of our employees, the effective 2013/2014 We have also successfully secured investment in excess of leadership, expertise and innovation of our managers and £4.296 million that has directly gone into improving facilities Board members and the support of Council and all Sandwell Leisure Trust is delighted across Sandwell. These investments are also now generating our partners. We sincerely thank them all for their contribution to report on its tenth successful additional income. and support. year of operation, 2013/14. Once again during a continuing tough and This increased income has allowed Sandwell Council to reduce Sandwell can be proud of a successful leisure trust that challenging financial climate SLT its subsidy to us by over £1.2 million per year, an overall 27% not only continues to perform year on year but also is fall from the original level. We have delivered this reduction benchmarked and performs well alongside the best operators has delivered service improvements in subsidy without reducing services, whilst delivering award nationally. Sandwell Leisure Trust is committed to delivering and exceeded targets agreed in winning services including RoSPA Gold Medal, Investors in ‘Excellent’ services that play a key role in contributing towards partnership with Sandwell Council. People and Quest. We have also made efficiencies of £126k the Sandwell Scorecard for Great People, Place, Prospects Increases in attendances and growth during 2013-14 by continuing to review systems and processes. and Performance. in memberships, in conjunction with We continue to work with partners and within the local further investment, have maintained a community to help develop new activities, host and support positive contribution to Sandwell and a wide range of events and actively promote opportunities to the continuous improvement of SLT. increase participation in physical activity and sport in Sandwell. We contribute significantly towards the priorities of Sandwell and the wider by increasing participation and actively promoting physical activity and sport. We have also continued to support the ‘5x30 Time to get Active’ initiative first introduced by SLT and adopted by delivery partners in Sandwell.

Our achievements to date are helping to meet the challenges ahead and we will continue to work with our partners to Lois Taylor enhance the ‘Value for Money’ that we provide to Sandwell. Chair of the Board The continued delivery and achievement of Key Performance Indicators also provides the measure of our ongoing success Paul Slater and commitment to deliver and contribute towards council Chief Executive priorities including those identified in Sandwell’s Scorecard. On Our Marks

It has been a wonderful year for Sandwell with the opening of two state of the art leisure centres, the first new centres in the borough for almost 40 years. Sandwell Leisure Trust is proud to be operating these facilities and is delighted at how well they have been received by Sandwell residents. Together, the new centres offer a full range of activities including fitness 1 gyms, fitness classes, swimming, Swim School, sports and indoor climbing. On Your Marks | 03 Annual Report 2013/2014 | Making our Mark

301,000 Total visits in 2013

A Golden Opening for Tipton Leisure Centre

Double Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Rebecca received the plaque as it was swam “We can all agree that it is fantastic to see this Adlington officially opened Tipton Leisure across the centre’s pool by four Swim School superb building open to the public, offering Centre on Friday 19 April 2013 alongside pupils. Rebecca, who also won a bronze state of the art leisure facilities that the people the Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor medal at London 2012, held a swimming of Tipton and Sandwell deserve.” - Mayor of 40,000 Children Swim School Keith Davies. lesson with children from Summerhill Primary Sandwell 2012-13, Councillor Keith Davies. attendances School in Tipton.

“I’ve seen many swimming centres in my time as I’ve been going to them since I was four, and this is really one of the best and a really amazing place for people to come in Tipton.”

– Rebecca Adlington.

SLT Customer Service Award For stretching beyond his remit, using his own initiative and taking Ellis Sabin – Tipton Leisure Centre on additional tasks throughout the opening of the new centre. This included attending lifeguard training and attending work in his own 50,000 time to train as a receptionist. Gym attendances On Your Marks | 04 Annual Report 2013/2014 | Making our Mark

Tipton – One year on

“The new centre has brilliant We celebrated Tipton Leisure Centre’s Tipton Leisure Centre has also been first year with the first customers that the most popular pool since the facilities and the staff here used the centre when it opened in introduction of Sandwell Council’s free are so welcoming.”

March 2013. swimming initiative back in July 2013, – Ray Brothwood having already received over 9,600 free The £8.1m centre replaced the ageing swimming attendances to date. Tipton Swimming Centre which was opened in 1933. The new centre Tipton Civic Society Chairman Ray provides the people of Sandwell with an Brothwood MBE, 74, and his wife improved facility featuring a greater mix Denise Brothwood, 72, were the first of activities. customers through the doors when the centre opened. They have been using In its first year, the centre has proven so the centre every day ever since. popular that it has already introduced additional public swimming times and swimming lessons and extra fitness “It’s unbelievable how many people, especially older people, come in classes to meet with demand. and use the centre first thing in the morning to try and stay healthy.”

– Denise Brothwood. On Your Marks | 05 Annual Report 2013/2014 | Making our Mark

Portway Lifestyle Centre’s first customer loses 3 stone

Steve Cartledge, aged 50 from “I’ve been using the gym on and off Rowley Regis, was Portway Lifestyle for years and then slipped a disc last Centre’s first customer when the Christmas which meant I had to take doors were opened by Councillor 6 months off working out. Steve Eling on 23 September 2013. “I decided to join the Since then, Steve has been using the new centre when it centre between 8-10 times a week Portway Lifestyle Centre and has lost over 3 stone in weight. opened to help me opens its doors 75,000 His fitness routine has been made shift the extra weight up of workouts every morning as well I’d put on.” Attendances as two or three nights every week. The landmark £18m Portway Lifestyle Centre opened to the - Steve Cartledge in first 6 months Steve’s diet was also key to his weight public on Monday 23 September 2013. The ethos of the centre loss success – eating good food, is to serve people with and without disabilities equally, offering cutting down on carbohydrates and health and leisure services under one roof. eating more protein. The centre is the result of a partnership between Sandwell Council, Sandwell Leisure Trust, Sandwell and West Birmingham “SLT is delighted to be CCG and NHS England, Portway Family Practice, Sandwell LIFTCo and Sport England. The entire project was aided by £1.5 managing this fantastic facility million of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Olympic for the people of Sandwell. and Paralympic legacy programme, Iconic Facilities.

“Portway Lifestyle “This is a fantastic centre that is a real bonus Centre will help to deliver for the community. The combination of health a first class facility for health, and leisure services with special facilities for well-being and physical people with disabilities must rank among the activity in the borough.” best in the country.”

- Paul Slater, SLT Chief Executive – Councillor Steve Eling, Sandwell Council’s deputy leader. Building Speed

We have continued to invest in the facilities that we manage in Sandwell. During 2013/14 £296,000 was invested into centres to make a direct impact 2 on service quality for our customers. Building Speed | 07 Annual Report 2013/2014 | Making our Mark

“I am delighted that the “The classes and gym at new car park is now Leisure Centre open for customers are brilliant. On my days at this popular leisure off I set myself a triple centre. I’d like to thank challenge of two classes local residents and and a session in the gym. partners for being so The One Card membership supportive during the offers me great value. The gym and reception New car park opens at car park’s construction.” team offer great friendly customer service. – Sandwell Leisure Trust’s Chair The centre plays a role in my social life.”

Haden Hill Leisure Centre of the Board, Lois Taylor – Linda Cresswell, customer

We purchased the Municipal Buildings The £1/4million car park development gave adjacent to Haden Hill Leisure Centre from us 98 spaces increasing the overall car Sandwell Council in order to secure the parking capacity. £248K land for the development of a new car park Haden Hill LC for customers. The new car park was opened on schedule Car Park Development on 22 November 2013 following a 12-week We sold part of this land to programme of work. Fire Service for the creation of a new fire £70K £12.5k Tipton SA Track Replacement Tipton SA Shutters station for and . £3.4K £34K Smethwick SC New Haden Hill LC Reception Area Sauna & Changing Area

£3.5K £5.5K Haden Hill LC Haden Hill LC Small Expanded Spin Studio Pool Improvements Building Speed | 08 Annual Report 2013/2014 | Making our Mark

Gym & Fitness SLT Personal Achievement Award Developments Sean Ryan – Tipton Leisure Centre

We installed 115 pieces of kit into the gym at the new Portway Lifestyle Centre. This included For being instrumental in both the opening of Tipton Leisure Centre a Synergy 360 rig and Discover CV equipment and Portway Lifestyle Centre and equipped with ‘Lifescape’ - a real time virtual supporting the Trust Management reality workout platform that allows the user to run Team in his role as Deputy or cycle actual courses from around the world. We Operational Manager. also installed a wide selection of Inclusive Fitness Initiative accredited pieces which can be used by people with disabilities and therefore enabling everyone to workout together.

Our existing facilities continued to flourish with the expansion of Haden Hill Leisure Centre’s Spin Studio as a result of customer demand.

Development of staff also featured heavily in the year seeing us work closely with industry expert Dr. Paul Bedford to enhance customer experience at our centres. Gym teams also attended training workshops to up-skill them in the latest products from LifeFitness.

“Portway Lifestyle centre’s gym is by far the best I’ve Over 200 GP Referrals ever used. The Synergy training kit has helped me to We work in partnership with My Time Health to deliver Sandwell’s improve my fitness levels and I’ve tried new ways of only exercise referral programme at five of our centres. working out” GPs can refer patients onto the programme when they consider – Mr John Brittain, Oldbury structured physical activity would improve their medical condition. Positioning and Tactics

We continue to pursue external funding. Achieving this supports participation across Sandwell. The Active Women programme was a tremendous success and our PADOs (physical activity development officers) have had more successes in supporting local sports clubs and associations in applying for small grants to help these Sandwell clubs 3 remain sustainable Positioning and Tactics | 10 Annual Report 2013/2014 | Making our Mark

Keeping Women Active

Research reported that women in Sandwell Activities were held in venues across Sandwell participate in sport less than men in Sandwell including sports clubs, leisure centres, do. It was also found that there is a link to levels community centres, temples, church halls, of deprivation with a lower uptake in sport and schools, children’s centres and parks. physical activity. The Sport England funding allowed us to target With the support of local sports clubs and women in some of the most challenging areas of organisations, we secured Sport England funding Sandwell and engage with some hard to reach to help us engage 500 women into activity. community groups. This helped to breakdown barriers to support participation in sport and The three year ‘Active Women’ programme began physical activity by using local community in January 2011 and aimed to tackle the barriers facilities and providing childcare for a number of to physical activity that are facing women. the sessions.

We worked with a variety of local sports clubs The project ended in December 2013 and was and community organisations to deliver a deemed an overwhelming success. programme of activities which included dance, group fitness, water polo, badminton, cycling, fencing, swimming, netball, multi-sports, and gym sessions. “ I just wanted to let you know that I am really enjoying the netball Active Women Project 13-14 sessions. I am very pleased to have found a sports group like this in my local area. I hope to come more regularly in the future, and get a lot more out of it. Thank you” 1,599 total women took part – Laura Davies, Smethwick

1,079 came from a deprived area 2011 - 2014 8,473 women took part 528 had childcare responsibilities over three years Positioning and Tactics | 11 Annual Report 2013/2014 | Making our Mark

C Engaging young people in sport Case Study

We have a strong partnership with Since the programme began we have Our Streetgames Doorstep Sports Club for young Streetgames which is a sports charity that launched two clubs with a further four people with disabilities has been running at takes sport to the ‘doorstep’ of young clubs planned for launch in 2014. The Portway Lifestyle Centre since the start of October. people in disadvantaged communities clubs have proven extremely popular with across the UK. In the past 12 months attendees, with the disability-focussed club “Dan is 11 years old and started going to doorstep we have successfully linked to both the based at Portway Lifestyle Centre having a club in September last year after we heard about it Doorstep Sport Clubs and Streetgames Co- real impact on those who are attending. last few years, were also recognised at from a friend. Dan has mobility problems and I just Operative Young Volunteers programmes. the Streetgames Co-Operative Young wanted to keep him mobile as he had spent time in hospital and also in a wheelchair. The Doorstep Sport Club programme is In 2013, one of our first doorstep sport Volunteers National Awards for their designed to engage young people aged clubs was shortlisted by Streetgames contributions to sport. They won the “Doorstep was great because he can do as much 14-25yrs that live in deprived areas into a for the new project of the year award. national award for best youth led activity or as little as his body allows as his movement regular weekly multi-sport opportunity at a Two of our young volunteers, who have and runner up for best new young changes day to day. He really enjoys coming, the convenient and accessible location. contributed hundreds of hours over the volunteer. staff are fabulous with him and he enjoys playing

with Kam and Carl. He loves basketball and the ‘chill room’ as he calls it.

Working in partnership “Dan has Autism also so the club has been great SLT Drive for Excellence Award for socialising. He seems able to approach people We have a good reputation and track Sports Development & Physical Activity Team better since he has been coming and interacts record of developing strong and with people better.” - Dan’s mother, Karen. effective partnerships with a broad range of organisations and agencies For demonstrating strong performance, providing across sectors. savings to the Trust, building strong working relationships, maintaining high standards of service, winning awards This includes partnership working with public, private via the ‘girls athletics programme’ and for being the first and charitable organisations that add value for partners, deliver high in the country to be awarded ‘excellent’ in Quest. quality outcomes that meet both parties objectives, and contribute to improving the overall levels of physical activity and health and wellbeing of the local population.

SLT is a member of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport Since joining the club, Dan was lucky enough to and Physical Activity. The Chartered Institute has been established to win two tickets to the ATP World Tennis final at the raise the standards in professional practice and to develop the workforce O2 in London through a Streetgames prize draw. through continuous professional development. Edging in Front

Two key areas of our business that continue to expand are swimming lessons and memberships. These are bringing more people into SLT centres every year, helping us to achieve our mission of ‘Creating an Active Sandwell’. We continue to drive for excellence by developing our business, launching new products and services that are on the cutting edge of the leisure and fitness industry, and by 4 developing our staff through training, courses and effective recruitment. Edging in Front | 13 Annual Report 2013/2014 | Making our Mark

Teaching Sandwell to Swim

Our Swim School programme teaches Lifestyle Centre. Being several degrees people of all ages, from baby to adult, to warmer than a regular pool, the hydrotherapy swim. Swimming is an essential life skill pool has allowed us to increase parent & as well as a great way to keep healthy. Our toddler sessions and offer more lessons for lesson programme continues to grow and children with disabilities. The new swimming we were delighted to be able to extend programme at Tipton Leisure Centre has also our programme by adding lessons into increased the number of people learning to the hydrotherapy pool at the new Portway swim with SLT.

C

Case Study

“I am writing to say how wonderful Kirsty lights; thankfully my son isn’t one of them. UP 14% is teaching the Special Needs swimming To her simple but concise instructions to on 2012/2013 class at Portway Lifestyle Centre on Friday the children about safely entering the water. evening. I enrolled my son who has Autism Although my son was anxious entering the to attend swimming lessons with some water he was in the pool in seconds. I sat trepidation. We have tried several classes at watching him from the spectators area and other centres and they have never seemed was amazed at the confidence he showed 4,000 to be suitable, however, the second Kirsty in putting his chin in the water (which he Swim School introduced herself to the class my worries swore blind to me he would never do) to Pupils “My son has not stopped talking about went away. splashing and attempting to float on his back. I was bursting with pride and it was Kirsty and how much he enjoyed his lesson “Her sensitivity in asking the children if all down to Kirsty showing enthusiasm and and can’t wait to go back. Thank you.” the lighting was suitable was so refreshing encouragement and most importantly fun. – Swim School Parent to see as some children are sensitive to Edging in Front | 14 Annual Report 2013/2014 | Making our Mark

Sandwell Council re-introduced free swimming for Free Swimming young people during school holidays and those Top News Story of the Year Award aged 60+ to help people keep fit and healthy in the Tipton Leisure Centre in Sandwell borough.

The Council agreed an initial two-year pilot scheme For their hard work and dedication during the closure of the old site and which started in Summer 2013 to offer free public opening of the new site. They have worked additional hours to ensure that swimming sessions for Sandwell residents. the centre was ready on time to open to the public. The scheme has been very successful so far, especially at the new Tipton Leisure Centre which has seen 15,841 free swims.

“We are delighted to be supporting Sandwell Council’s free swimming initiative at SLT pools. We hope that more young people and over 60s take up this opportunity to become “Swimming is a great form more physically active by swimming more frequently.” of exercise and we hope – Chief Executive of Sandwell Leisure Trust, Paul Slater 15,841 residents aged 16 and under Free Swimming Attendances or 60 and over will take up these sessions. By offering free swimming to young people 9235 9293 7978 during the school holidays, we 7020 are helping them to do more 4531 4919 physical activity and boost 3901 their health, as well as adding to our already extensive holiday activities programme.”

– Councillor Paul Moore,

2012 - 2013 2013 - 2014 2012 - 2013 2013 - 2014 2012 - 2013 2013 - 2014 2012 - 2013 2013 - 2014 Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Health & W ellbeing Haden Hill Leisure Centre Langley Swimming Centre Smethwick Swimming Centre Tipton Leisure Centre Edging in Front | 15 Annual Report 2013/2014 | Making our Mark

C Case Study

“I’d never been to a gym before in my life but I wanted to lose weight so I thought Membership I’d give it a try. I chose Portway because it’s a good facility and they’ve got a large car park so it’s easy to get to. I was a Our Direct Debit membership continues to bit nervous when I went for the first time grow each year. During 2013-14 the Gold but it was fine. When I got there, the staff membership was re-launched as the ONE showed me how to use all the equipment. Card. This rebranding has helped us to They were very friendly. To start with, promote and advertise the unique benefits sometimes, I had to ask for their help, but of SLT’s all inclusive membership which after a few visits I felt confident enough includes the use of eight facilities, unlimited to use the machines by myself. I found personal programmes and one-to-one I really like it! I would do a bit of weight training sessions for the lifetime of the training and then some cardio things like membership. going on the treadmill.

“I was a bit nervous when I went for the first time but it was fine. With the relaunch of our membership, staff “The main thing for me was losing weight have all received further customer service When I got there, the staff showed me how to use all the equipment. but going to the gym is keeping me fit and and membership sales training which has They were very friendly.” active as well. I’m a driving instructor so empowered our staff to deliver a better there’s not much walking around as I’m – Davinder, aged 62 service within the membership business. just sitting in the car. I used to try to go to the park in the morning for an hour or so to get a bit of exercise but now I go to the

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507 staff attended 35 different learning activities

Investing in Staff

We are proud to have maintained our Investors in People accreditation following our assessment in December 2013. 221 Many areas of our business were identified as areas of strength staff attended and best practice including: improvement groups and projects, ‘learning together’ day communication, performance management, KPI monitoring and staff performance feedback.

“My visit was positive overall and highlighted that people are Developing our Staff proud to work for the Trust. Over the years you have developed and improved a number of policies and practices relating to managing and developing your people and these are well SLT Learner The Trust has delievered significant Learning Development activities and embedded. of the Year Award investment throughout the year supporting the delivery of a high quality Christine Malkin service. Learning and Development has been identified through the key “Discussions with senior managers suggested that you are aims of the Trust including Health and Safety courses supporting the developing a more structured approach to succession planning, Trust’s RoSPA Gold award, Safeguarding, Disability Awareness, STA defining and building teams for the future and this can only be an For moving to the Human Resources Seminars and Updates, Data Protection and Violence and Aggression. extremely beneficial approach. team and learning the complexities of the department. She has shown the Once again the Trust held its annual Staff Learning Together event. willingness to learn and has Staff have also been supprted through various educational courses “Building capability as well as flexibility is a clear embraced a new challenge. including working in conjunction with the Trust’s preffered NVQ provider, priority and investment has been continuous in ICON, and Loughborough College for the delivery of the Higher learning and development.” Professional Diploma. – IIP Assessor Pushing the Barriers

Our Sports Development and Physical Activity Team continues Trevor Collins memorial tournament at Hadley Stadium and to successfully deliver and support a whole range of events Disability Summer Olympics event which all took place in 2013. across the borough. Events range from local sports events for We work with a range of local, regional and national partners schools such as the indoor athletics league, school football including local sports clubs, Black Country Sports Partnership tournaments and outdoor athletics championships, through to and National Governing Bodies of Sport to provide high quality Black Country-wide school games events and regional Level events that give all participants a positive competitive or 4 boccia competitions. We also deliver and support a range of participatory experience. 5 community events such as the Santa Trail at Haden Hill Park, Pushing the Barriers | 18 Annual Report 2013/2014 | Making our Mark

Businesses that volunteered at the Give & Gain Day 2013

AF Blakemore Electrium Sales Ltd Jardine Motors Hadley Industries Higgs & Sons Give & Gain Day Lloyds Banking Group Mid-Counties Co-op On Friday 17 May 2013, 150 volunteers from Mondolez International “We’ve run these events for a number of years and they are local companies helped out at the Give & Pinsent Masons Gain Day 2013 at Tipton Sports Academy always popular with children and volunteers. The West Midlands Squire Sanders aimed at encouraging young people to has high levels of childhood obesity and many children from Tata Steel lead healthy lifestyles. The day was called deprived neighbourhoods don’t participate in sport. We hope that Tulip Ltd ‘Tipton Fit for Fun’ and included an Athletics by engaging children with positive role models from business it Pentathlon and five-a-side football league. will inspire them to lead more active and healthy lives and avoid The event welcomed 400 school pupils health problems later in life. Children get the chance to try out from primary and secondary schools in new activities they haven’t done before such as volleyball and Birmingham and the Black Country to “The children were fully engaged by the participate in activities such as obstacle everybody has a lot of fun!” volunteers leading each section of their races, tag rugby, ‘Run to Spell’ and – Phil Hunt, Employee Volunteering Manager, BITC West Midlands. day and fed off the enthusiasm given by ‘Supermarket Sweep’. Volunteers were tasked with designing and running the them. We had a thoroughly enjoyable “We all really enjoyed the day which was very well organised. It was activities to encourage children to adopt day and the children all came away with good to be involved again, we got a real feel good factor from it.” healthy lifestyles. smiles on their faces.” – Naresh Lal, Lloyds Banking Group – Mrs Baker, Year 5 Teacher, Great Bridge Primary School. Pushing the Barriers | 19 Annual Report 2013/2014 | Making our Mark

SLT Work Smart Stay Safe Award Sue Ruston

For her role in the Health and Safety committee and supporting the policies and procedures of the Trust.

“From my point of view knowing that the centre is fully inclusive and has been built on Black Country School the basis to cater for people with disabilities, Games Boccia Tournament makes choosing the centre to run events, competitions, and community sessions a Boccia is a Paralympic sport for athletes Level 4 (West Midlands) competition. The Eleven schools from across the Black ‘no brainer’. This is because no additional with disabilities. It is a target ball sport level 2 Sandwell schools competition was Country participated on the day, playing a where the idea is to roll, kick or release also hosted at Portway. league format, semi finals and the final. planning needs to done to ensure that all the balls to land closest to the Jack ball. participants can access the centre, there’s An important part of the BCSG legacy Streetly Academy from Walsall qualified Boccia came into focus in Sandwell with programme is the involvement of young for the Level 4 regional Lord’s Taverners adequate access and parking, toilet facilities the opening of Portway Lifestyle Centre in leaders. With funding from Boccia competition. and changing all of which make it easier for September 2013. England, students from Oldbury Academy were selected to take the young officials the disabled people we engage to have an Boccia England identified Sandwell as a course in preparation for the level 2 priority area through its whole sport plan. competition where they assisted in enjoyable time. It was great to see so many officiating. schools and teams there enjoying boccia and We organised and hosted the Level 3 Black Country School Games (BCSG) Students from Ormiston Sandwell hopefully a fair few will be interested in the Boccia Competition at Portway, then Community Academy acted as media club we’ve set up on a Saturday.” assisted the Lord’s Taverners Regional leaders and event leaders. – Marc Scott, Boccia England Sprint Finish

Despite continuing to face reductions in the management fee along with a difficult financial climate, we are pleased that by investing in services we have continued to increase participation and continued to exceed many performance targets. We have exciting times ahead of us with the new Wednesbury Leisure Centre opening in 2015. We look forward to adding this new centre to our portfolio of leisure facilities managed on 6 behalf of Sandwell Council. Sprint Finish | 21 Annual Report 2013/2014 | Making our Mark

Keeping Wednesbury Active

Whilst Wednesbury Leisure Centre is being redeveloped, the Sports Development and Physical Activity Team has continued to work with a variety of partners in the town. We have worked with community groups, sports clubs, schools, A New Leisure Centre youth services and venues to provide a wide range of sport for Wednesbury and physical activity opportunities for children, young people and adults in their local area.

We are working in partnership with Sandwell Council “We look forward to managing this exciting new facility in Activities that have taken place include: to fast track the building of a new Wednesbury Leisure Wednesbury that will provide a quality range of swimming, Centre. sport and fitness facilities to support the local community it • Athletics competitions with local schools • Wednesbury girls join ‘Girls in Athletics’ team The leisure complex will open in 2015 and will replace will serve.” • Tennis with Wednesbury Tennis Club the old centre’s two pools that were closed following – Paul Slater, Chief Executive of Sandwell Leisure Trust • Coached tennis for young people maintenance inspections that put the facilities beyond • Football in the park economic repair. • Men’s and women’s football league “One of our top priorities is helping more people be active, • Wednesbury teams in the Sandwell Minor League The new centre will have a 25-metre pool, a learner fit and well by providing high quality leisure facilities.” • Fitness classes at schools pool, two dance studios, a 100-station fitness suite and – Councillor Steve Eling, Sandwell Council’s Deputy Leader and • Zumba in Wednesbury Town Hall sports hall. Cabinet Member for Strategic Resources • Sport England community dance project Sprint Finish | 22 Annual Report 2013/2014 | Making our Mark

Ryland Centre, Bromsgrove

The last year has been one of considerable growth and and Redditch Athletics Club, Bromsgrove Gymnastics Club, development of the centre both in terms of the activities and Bromsgrove Tennis Club, Bromsgrove Hockey Club and Walking events taking place at the centre and raising the profile of the for Health who have linked up with the centre to start a weekly free centre across the local community. health walk.

The centre has continued to grow its class programme to The centre has also been successful in partnership with Agewell 40 classes per week featuring a mix of old school favourites in securing over £7,000 of funding from ‘Awards for All’ to provide and cutting edge training techniques. A brand new nutritional five new weekly activities for local older people including seated bootcamp product has been created and launched to provide exercise classes, activity mornings, tea dances, short mat bowls customers with a holistic perspective on their training and health and line dancing. Part of the project also includes establishing a needs. The centre is also home to Worcestershire’s first wireless community garden consisting of greenhouse, raised beds and fitness programme which sees participants enjoying music and allotment area which will be used by local residents, groups such instructors teaching through wireless headsets while exercising outdoors. The gym has recently undergone a re-modelling to incorporate more weight based training and functional fitness in response to customer feedback.

“Fantastic atmosphere! Staff support you 100% in achieving your goals. Worth every penny, as Amber Support together with local schools. New, exciting and innovative activities have been introduced including a weekly great value!!” Friday night roller disco that regularly attracts over 250 young people along with Bromsgrove’s first silent disco. This continued The Ryland Centre was selected to host the Bromsgrove Mile, expansion of activities means there is something for everyone in part of the national Sport Relief fundraising effort which saw over the community from aged 18 months upwards ensuring the centre 150 local people running, jogging, walking and crawling round the achieves its mission of providing affordable fitness for all. centre’s track to raise money for this fantastic cause. The number and range of activities provided has increased dramatically over The growth and development over the past twelve months has put the last twelve months with over 9 new clubs and groups starting firm foundations in place for the future success of the centre and regular weekly activities ranging from pre-school gymnastics continued delivery of “affordable fitness for all” through to line dancing. Many of these activities have been developed in partnership with local clubs including Bromsgrove Medal Ceremony

We continue to benchmark ourselves against the industry, in both the private and public sectors in order to offer quality services to residents and best value to Sandwell Council. We are also pleased that we continue to be recognised both locally and nationally for our performance and services by achieving a fantastic portfolio of awards. Going forward we will continue to carefully balance our social ethos with our commercial aspirations and work in partnership to contribute towards the Sandwell 7 Balanced Scorecard for Great People, Place, Prospects and Performance. Medal Ceremony | 24 Annual Report 2013/2014 | Making our Mark

WINNERS! Best Small Chain

We are delighted to have been awarded ‘Best National Small Chain’ in the Members’ Choice Health Club Awards 2013. Excellent at getting

We also performed a clean sweep in residents active the West Midlands category for the ‘Best Mid-Market Club’. Our Sports Development and Physical Activity Team was governing bodies to increase participation, health and well being. recognised for offering an excellent service to the residents of Quest is the most well known improvement programme within

Tipton Sports Academy won bronze; Sandwell in the independent national quality scheme Quest. the leisure industry and its rigorous assessments challenge even Ryland Centre (Bromsgrove) received silver; and the former the very best leisure centres and teams in the UK. Wednesbury Leisure Centre was awarded gold. The team is the first in the country to be awarded the score ‘Excellent’ by Sport England’s leading scheme, Quest, in the new framework. By taking part in the Quest assessment process, Sandwell

The Members’ Choice Health Club Awards are the only awards in Leisure Trust is committed to the on-going improvement of its the industry where winners are selected purely on the feedback The team was recognised for offering a broad range of activities service and continuing to identify and meet the needs of local from the people that use the facilities – the members. to residents and for working successfully with clubs and national residents.

The Health Club Awards in partnership with Health Club “The team offers an excellent service to the residents of Sandwell. There is a broad range of Management is open to all private health clubs, gyms and leisure activities to attract users, whether non-users or those seeking to excel in a specific sport.” centres in the UK. – Quest Assessor Julie Gibson.

Strikes Gold

We were awarded a gold medal award for our approach to health and safety by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

The gold medal was awarded to us for having achieved the RoSPA gold award for seven years in a row. Medal Ceremony | 25 Annual Report 2013/2014 | Making our Mark

Sports Development Officer Howard Court was Howard Court - Employee recognised as our Employee of the Year for his successful mentoring and support of the ‘Girls in of the Year Award Athletics’ Programme, Young Volunteers Programme along with several associated projects. These programmes continue to be recognised both nationally and regionally with five national accolades being awarded to the team in 2013.

Howard and his teams have been hailed for taking athletics to under privileged and disadvantaged communities as well as to people with disabilities in Sandwell. As well as being awarded these accolades the Sandwell young volunteers have been described as “truly amazing” as well as being regarded as one of the best in the country.

“The girls are amazing. I am so proud to have them on this wonderful inspirational journey, making a difference and changing young peoples lives one day at a time. Sandwell Leisure Trust has made a difference and continues to make a difference within athletics, sports development and volunteering opportunities.”

– Howard Court, Sports Development Officer

National Award Winners National Awards Runners Up Midlands Regional Awards

• National volunteer team of the year • Coach of the Year • England Athletics - Best Programme/Partner • “Kids Count” National Inspiration award winners • Young Coach of the Year • Midlands Volunteer of the Year • UK/England Athletics Young Volunteer of the Year • Midlands Regional Awards • Midlands England Athletics Volunteer of the Year • National Unsung Hero • England Athletics - Best Programme/Partner • Best youth led activity [for our athletics quadrathon] • Midlands Volunteer of the Year • Midlands England Athletics Volunteer of the Year Medal Ceremony | 26 Annual Report 2013/2014 | Making our Mark

SLT Highlights

80,168 Active outreach attendances Over 200 134,000 259,966 Fitness classes Fitness class Gym each week attendances attendances

Over 83,000 Over 196,000 Junior swimming attendances 25,833 Attendances at swim school classes Sandwell Leisure Pass Members

8,115 15% Concessionary passes up on 2012/2013 1.6m active visits 4% up on target Figures | 27 Annual Report 2013/2014 | Making our Mark

Headlines - Income & Expenditure 2013/14 2012/13 VAR Headlines - Balance Sheet 2013/14 2012/13 VAR

Total Incoming Resources (Income) £000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s

SMBC Management Fee 3,589 3,548 41 Fixed Assets 2,027 2,025 (2)

Unrestricted Income from Charitable Activities 5,026 4,067 959 Current Assets (non cash) 267 529 (262)

Other Income 67 64 2 Cash at Bank and In Hand 2,016 1,403 612

Trading Activities 223 203 21 Creditors - due within 1 year (1,271) (1,669) 398

Investment Income 10 10 0 Creditors due after 1 year 0

Restricted Grants 101 150 (49) Net Assets (excluding Pension Scheme Liability) 3,039 2,288 751

9,016 8,042 973

Pension Scheme Liability* (2,213) (3,302) 1,089 Total Resources Expended (Expenditure)

Staff Costs 5,555 5,211 (343) Net Assets 826 1,014 1,840

Other Employee Costs 69 83 14 Source: Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2014 (unaudited). Premises 1,074 1,336 (262) *Responsibility of SMBC. Transport 0 4 3

Professional Fees 88 197 110

Other Expenditure 1,392 1,815 422

Trading Activities 173 149 (24)

Governance Costs 56 59 3

Restricted Expenditure 196 210 14

8,602 9,063 461

Other Recognised Gains (Losses)

Actuarial Gains (Losses) on Pension Scheme 1,426 (661) 2,087

Net Movement in Funds 1,840 (1,682 3,522

Source: Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year to 31 March 2014 (unaudited)