Sandwell Leisure Trust Annual Review 2016/17 Creating an Active Sandwell Leisure Trust 2 Annual Review 2016/17

Foreword The SLT Board Welcome to our Annual It is heartening to see Review for 2016/17. that in a competitive Our Board is made up of private business professionals and partner market with challenging organisations and includes Council and staff representatives. Sandwell Leisure Trust local demographics, SLT (SLT) is a social enterprise, continues to deliver service established as a company All our Board Members are self motivated, forward thinking people with an improvements and exceed Ash Rai limited by guarantee, and a Chief Executive interest in sport, health, fitness and customer service. targets, agreed in partnership registered charity, managing with Sandwell Council, to award-winning sport and Board Members for 2016/17 were: increase participation in Importantly, leisure facilities. physical activity and sport we also continued to receive We are non-profit distributing throughout the borough. excellent feedback from Andrew Fry (Chair) and Lynda Bateman (Chair), Neil Griffiths (Vice Chair), which means we reinvest our customers on how we Miriam Sharma, Veronica Nembhard, Penny Venables, Dinah McLannahan, 100% of any surplus to Overall membership are changing their lives. Michael Tuohy and Valerie McFarland (Employee representatives), maintain, improve and deliver increased by 12% this year A selection of their stories Cllr Peter Hughes, Cllr Linda Horton and Cllr Bill Gavan quality services for the whole and attendances at our and comments are featured (Sandwell Council representatives). community to enjoy, socialise sports and leisure centres throughout this report. in and become more active. also increased, which is great news. Figures also show, yet Sandwell Council’s vision is This was our 13th year again, how popular swimming to create a more physically of operation and we are continues to be for all ages active Sandwell and SLT SLT was established in 2004. delighted to report on another continues to play a leading across the borough. successful year. role in the successful delivery Since then, we have: of this vision. The Trust manages 9 sports Other notable highlights and leisure centres, including include receiving a RoSPA All of our achievements 6 swimming pool facilities, Gold Presidents Award for would not be possible without and a golf course in Sandwell, the 10th consecutive year, in the commitment and hard and delivers a wide range of recognition of our continued work of our employees, popular sports development commitment to deliver safe the effective leadership, activities throughout the facilities for our customers expertise and innovation of borough, on behalf of and to enjoy. our managers and Board in partnership with Sandwell Members and the support We also maintained Quest Council. of Sandwell Council and all accreditation for the quality of Generated Secured £4.5m of Enabled Sandwell our partners. We also manage a 10th our facilities and our Sports increased income of investment to improve Council to reduce sports and leisure centre Development & Physical We thank everyone for their £4m per year facilities across its subsidy to SLT by outside of Sandwell – the Activity Team maintained their continued contribution and Sandwell £2.4m per year Ryland Centre in Bromsgrove. ‘Excellent’ Quest status. support. Sandwell Leisure Trust Sandwell Leisure Trust 3 Annual Review 2016/17 Annual Review 2015/16 1

2016/17 Key Highlights 13 up 15% 2.11m 13th year Active attendances at our (from last year) of operation 598,631 sport and leisure centres Website Visitors (up 24%)

Over £313,000 Maintained QUEST Quality 290,000 Invested Assurance Status 200 staff Public Swimming to improve the quality attended the annual Staff of our facilities Lessons Delivered Learning Together Day (up 28%) 1st 238,888 Fitness Class Received a RoSPA Attendances Membership increased to Gold Award for 10th year running (up 19%) 38 up Different learning actvities 21% delivered to SLT employees 55,054 (from last year) 82,798 Active Outreach £ Attendances Borough-wide up Secured £61,254 (up 14%) 26% of external funding 23,523 from last year Free swimming 340,624 registrations Gym Attendances

Investor in People accredited Sandwell Leisure Trust 4 Annual Review 2016/17

Attendances and membership

Attendances and Continually inspiring membership at our sports interest by introducing new Increasing and leisure centres classes and experiences increased again this year. and investing in facilities Membership and equipment to improve Active attendances rose the experience for our 2014/15 by 15% to 2.11m. Fitness customers remains a top class attendances and priority. gym attendances rose by 19% and 4% respectively. Our first virtual spin sessions were introduced at Haden 40,644 Attracting new members Hill Leisure Centre this year, and retaining existing to help support live classes members remains a key and enable us to deliver objective and overall 2015/16 non-instructor led sessions membership increased by at non-peak times. Our Sports and Leisure Centres 12% this year to 55,054. A full replacement of the SLT manages a portfolio of 9 sports and leisure centres and a golf Ongoing sales training gym equipment by Life continued to be delivered, course in Sandwell. Between them a full range of activities are on Fitness at Haden Hill Leisure as well as a new module 49,146 Centre and Smethwick offer to residents including fitness gyms, fitness classes, swimming based around improving sessions, Swim Academy, indoor and outdoor sports. member retention. We Swimming Centre was engaged with Pro-sight also undertaken, including mystery shoppers again to new cardio equipment and 2016/17 enable us to independently functional training space. assess and improve our 2016/17 at a glance performance. The three In addition, Clubbercise phases of our sales process fitness classes were (telephone calls, emails successfully introduced at a and visits to centres) were number of our centres and 340,624 238,888 25,523 focussed on this year to investment into fast track 55,054 support the development kiosks at Ryland, Haden Hill Gym attendances Fitness class attendances Free Swimming Registrations of a benchmark score and Wednesbury Leisure from from from that drives improved Centres to improve the last last last  4% year  19% year  26% year performance. member experience. Sandwell Leisure Trust 5 Annual Review 2016/17

Sandwell Council’s Free Swimming in Sandwell Swimming Initiative The demand to learn to swim in Sandwell continues to grow year We continued to deliver Sandwell on year which is great news. Council’s popular free swimming Swimming is a life skill and initiative, which allows school age we believe everyone should be residents to attend free public encouraged to learn. swimming sessions during school holidays and older residents aged 60+ to swim for free daily up to 1pm.

Sandwell residents who are registered with a disability are also able to attend any public session Swim Academy free of charge.

Our Swim Academy provides This year, 23,523 residents aged lessons for baby/parent, toddler/ 16 and under and 60+ registered School Swimming Lessons Those who achieve Gold parent, pre-school, school age, onto the scheme (up by 26% from status are eligible for a 20% older children and adults, as last year) enjoying 48,348 free A fully comprehensive school discount on one of our pool well as sessions for pupils with a swims in Sandwell. disability who cannot cope with a swimming programme is delivered lifeguard programmes once mainstream programme. to Key Stage 1 & 2 pupils with 94 they reach 16, leading to schools attending our leisure employment with SLT. centres. This equates to over 26,000 lessons in an academic Lifeguard & Swimming year. Teacher Courses

Junior Lifeguard Academy Two Pool Lifeguard Courses, and Free Swimming Registrations two Swimming Teacher Award All pupils up to the age of 16, and Swimming Teacher Certificate 2014/15 – 14,260 who have been through our Swim Courses were delivered this year. Academy programme, can move on to join our popular Junior These provided successful 2015/16 – 18,726 Lifeguard Academy. The aim of participants with the opportunity this popular programme is to to apply for casual, part time or progressively challenge learners full time employment with us and 2016/17 – 23,523 to attain survival and rescue skills enabled SLT to recruit Sandwell that can really save lives. residents. Sandwell Leisure Trust 6 Annual Review 2016/17

Improving the quality of our facilities Listening to our Customers

We continued to invest in providing quality facilities Here are some examples of customer feedback received and equipment for our that we have now addressed by investing to improve customers to enjoy. facilities:

This year we invested over Haden Hill Leisure Centre £313,000 in refurbishment ❝Put better gym equipment in to cater for all levels/ and replacement of strengths and ages, I struggle to find things to do except for equipment at SLT centres. using the treadmills and using the mats upstairs. I have to wait a long while to go on the machine I want as the other This included:- one has been taken away. It doesn’t cater for all strengths ✔ Investment in fingershield and I found it a lot better when the old equipment was in protection guards, door the second room.❞ Miss C Davies entry locks and improving CCTV supporting the ❝I enjoy activities, my issue is the showers are always cold health and safety and and go off.❞ Miss L Coggins supervision of our Major investment has now been made on gym and fitness customers at centres equipment and maintenance scheduling on areas such ✔ Redecoration of dance as showers is closely monitored to ensure issues are studios, gyms and rectified quickly. refurbishment of shower areas at centres ✔ Major refurbishment Smethwick Swimming Centre to the sauna, gym and ❝Clean the steam room, blue paper in the dispenser, soap replacement of gym in the soap dispensers, new equipment like Portway. equipment at Smethwick Generally clean sauna area. Shower cubicles needed Swimming Centre preferably with a lock.❞ Mr J Singh ✔ Major gym refurbishment ❝Showers at early morning sessions are always cold.❞ and new gym equipment at Haden Hill Leisure Mr D Moore Centre ❝The steam room has been faulty for a while now.❞ ✔ Improving external sports Mr C Hughes pitches at Tipton Sports The sauna and steam room has now been fully refurbished Academy and any issues with the showers are rectified quickly. ✔ Improvements at Brandhall Golf Course Sandwell Leisure Trust 7 Annual Review 2016/17

Wednesbury Leisure Centre One Year on .... Changing Lives in Sandwell Our newest Leisure Centre is proving very popular as the following highlights from its first 12 months of operation show: 71-year-old Edward is a We all get on and look out ✔ More than 7,600 ✔ Hosted the Trust’s first ✔ Introduced a ✔ New physiotherapist at regular at Tipton Leisure for each other and that’s members including Water Polo Gala, which number of new clubs the centre is working with Centre half the battle when you’re the largest One Card saw over 50 children including Rugby Tots, several groups starting out and a bit unsure membership in the Trust’s taking part representing Cheerleading Group, He first tried out the gym of yourself like I was. history all pools, alongside all Karate and an additional ✔ Main centre for internal there two years ago and Polo and Swimming Badminton Club training including hasn’t looked back since. “My instructor showed ✔ Over 130 fitness classes Clubs Swimming Teacher and He trains five to six times a me the ropes and devised per week (the largest ✔ Ran successful holiday Lifeguard courses. week, has lost three and a some specific programmes fitness class programme ✔ Hosted a National camps, with an average The Swimming Teachers half stone and has a well- and ongoing targets and I at any centre) targeting Dog Show daily attendance of 20+ Association also uses honed physique that puts just got more and more every level of fitness the centre to deliver their men half his age to shame. into it. I’ve surprised myself training courses at how well it’s all gone ✔ Success of the Swim He explains: “I absolutely and I do well in the regular Academy with lessons at love it and it’s been the gym challenges – I’m over 90% occupancy making of me since I regularly in the top five for ✔ New Triathlon Club now retired. Tipton Leisure the press up challenge up using the centre as its Centre is great. There’s against all the youngsters, training venue a real camaraderie. The so there’s life in the old boy staff and facilities are yet. I honestly feel 40 rather excellent and it’s not posy than 71, so long may and macho or anything. it continue!” Sandwell Leisure Trust 8 Annual Review 2016/17

The Ryland Centre in Bromsgrove

It’s been another busy and successful year at the Ryland Centre in Bromsgrove, which SLT has been managing since September 2012.

The centre is now an established and sustainable provider of affordable fitness for all, with a busy timetable of weekly activities for all ages that consistently hit maximum capacity. This year membership increased by a further 3%.

2016/17 achievements include: ✔ Sustaining a fitness class ✔ Launching meditation sessions, ✔ Continuing the success of our ✔ Launcing Myzone, a heart rate timetable of 50 classes per which are additional to the ‘Couch to 5k’ programme which technology wearable device week, with classes all year round membership package runs every 9 weeks, with an which gives an accurate account consistently hitting maximum average of 150 sign-ups to of your workout effort ✔ Developing the membership capacity each course offer to include annual, 12 month A large screen has been ✔ Adding a fast track kiosk which direct debit, 30-day pay as you ✔ Launching a number of installed in the studio enabling allows customers to swipe in go, and a junior membership online programmes such as the class instructor to interact for classes and improves the 7 day water challenges and on a meaningful basis with large ✔ service we offer to new and Devising a beginners Yoga 7 day healthy eating classes existing members workshop which is additional challenges to the membership package. Myzone members receive a ✔ Expanding day time clubs ✔ Launching Ryland Live, live myzone belt, one personal Courses are offered every 8 running from the centre, workouts via facebook so training session per week, weeks and they sell out including hartbeeps, little kickers members can workout with access to one group training and baby dance classes ✔ Repainting the gym, installing us at home and potential new session per week, free access to ✔ Launching a new party package new flooring and making members can view a session our online programmes and free which has seen every weekend improvements to the free without coming into access to additional sold out with birthday parties weight area the centre fitness events Sandwell Leisure Trust 9 Annual Review 2016/17

We successfully secured £61,254 of external funding to support and/or deliver a variety of initiatives, and continued to support local sports clubs and organisations to access funding streams directly to grow localised sporting and physical activity opportunities in response to community need.

Here’s a selection of what’s been achieved this year: Specific Programme Achievements

Partnership working with NHS Trusts

SLT successfully developed partnerships with both Sandwell and West Hospitals NHS Trust and Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in 2016, supporting both organisations to offer new physical activity sessions for their workforce.

Three pilot programmes were set up initially, two of which have already become self-sustaining, and plans are being developed to expand the current offer in 2017. Both the pilates and boxercise sessions proved popular and staff from the two Our Sports Development and health-focussed employers are requesting more activities to be offered in the future. Physical Activity Team The Sandwell Disability Activation Fund This project, delivered in partnership between SLT and Black Country Consortium Ltd SLT’s Sports Development and Physical Activity Team had another has been ongoing since May 2014. It aims to support local sports clubs and busy year encouraging residents from across the borough to become organisations across Sandwell to increase more physically active. The number of outreach attendances for sport and physical activity opportunities for people aged 14+ with a disability. 2016/17 totalled 82,798, which is a 14% increase from last year. The fund is still supporting a number of projects, but to date: 2016/17 at a glance • 155 hours of coached activities have been delivered • 187 participants have been engaged, 160 of which declared a disability 82,798 £61,254 • 1,876 attendances out of a possible outreach attendances in external 2,436 have been achieved, which borough-wide funding secured equates to a 77% attendance £ rate overall Sandwell Leisure Trust 10 Annual Review 2016/17

Streetgames Doorstep Sport Clubs In addition, the development This longstanding initiative takes sport to the ‘doorstep’ of young people aged 11 to programme at Tipton 24 living in deprived areas across the UK. SLT are currently delivering Year 4 of our Sports Academy involvement with Doorstep Sport, and have recently secured a grant to expand the age continued to go from range offer of our specialised disability doorstep multi-sport club to support children as strength to strength, young as 5 to now access a ‘doorstep’ opportunity. with approximately 180 children and young Sandwell Minor League people participating weekly. Managed by SLT, the Sandwell Minor League continues to support teams from U8’s to U15’s in both competitive and non-competitive fixtures. The league currently operates at We also worked in Sandwell Valley and Hydes Road, and we are currently working with Birmingham County partnership with The FA to develop a girls league, 5 a-side mini-soccer for U7’s and U8’s. Princes Trust again this year, delivering a tennis Tennis Development programme to disaffected young people from local The SLT tennis development team delivered an impressive parks project this year, Black Country schools. supporting coached family activity in three of Sandwell’s green spaces. Plans are already in place to deliver a similar project in 2017/18.

Rounders Report

Coached rounders sessions were delivered in four parks this year, along with the first Sandwell Rounders League. Supported by Rounders , the sessions engaged 95 new regular participants as well as seeing the return of 35 participants from previous years.

InGaging InActive Programme

This Sport England Small Grants funded programme completed this year.

The project supported a range of activity sessions including jogging groups, multi-activities in care homes, and group fitness/bootcamp activities in parks and green spaces. Sandwell Leisure Trust 11 Annual Review 2016/17

• Better retention of year 10 & 11 girls Athletics Development (aged 16/17) BME participation in athletics and volunteering SLT first began the Sandwell Athletics Development Programme back • Links with school inclusion/behaviour in January 2005. Today the whole of the secondary schools athletics unit, using athletics as engagement tool • GCSE/A Level support for those programme is run by SLT, providing an all year round sport with taking athletics as an option several hundreds of Sandwell pupils participating. We have also built excellent partnerships with the primary schools sports co-ordinators With every Sandwell secondary school where we deliver all of the primary school participating, we have established: athletics event programmes (Indoor, Summer Track and Field, Cross Country) and support schools in putting on sports days. • Activities that deliver excellence in all athletics disciplines across Sandwell Changing Lives in Sandwell • A comprehensive competition structure to enable competitive opportunities for all athletics ages. Smethwick Swimming Centre staff says: “We developed a specific functional The indoor athletics league is full helped radio presenter, Katy Poulsom, training programme for Katy - using the to capacity with 350 eleven to get into shape for her wedding likes of Kettlebells, Viprs, Powerbags and bodyweight movements – and her tone, fourteen year olds competing in The 32-year-old Capital FM Breakfast shape and definition all came on leaps six different leagues for years presenter put a plea out on air and and bounds. 7,8,9 with separate leagues for instructors from Smethwick Swimming girls. The summer competition programme begins Centre were only too happy to oblige. “Katy also took advantage of some one-to- with the largest attended event in school sport in Sandwell - the Sandwell Schools one tuition with me and the team and like a Katy explains: “The SLT fitness team were Championships. Every Sandwell secondary school turns out for this event for school lot of people was surprised to find that it’s straight onto me and they spoke a lot of years 8/9 (under 15) and 10/11 (under 17). From the championships we select the free at all eight SLT facilities across sense. I went for a tour and quickly saw Sandwell team to compete in the Schools competition, managing and the borough.” that Smethwick Swimming Centre is a great coaching the team up to the event and on the day itself. facility and offers several different options to • A successful athletics young volunteer programme in partnership with StreetGames help you get fit and stay fit, so I became a • Infrastructure for young coaches /volunteers which encourages individual progression member there and then. • Girls in Athletics programme • Active Girls using athletics training and equipment for non sporty girls “All the staff are really friendly and helpful, • Quality coaching programmes and personnel to support and nurture young talented plus whilst the gym instructors push you athletes on the journey from school to club athletics hard (and I need that!) they are very giving • Good links with local clubs including Tipton Harriers, Wolverhampton & Bilston and approachable.” • Links with regional Smile events encouraging disabled participants to be able to SLT fitness coordinator Bradie Taylor-Booth compete and take part on the same stage as the able bodied Sandwell Leisure Trust 12 Annual Review 2016/17

Sandwell Santa Dash 2016 The ongoing partnership between Supporting and SLT and MyTime continues to thrive. Delivering Events SLT were once again a key partner The joint working currently supports in the Sandwell MyTime Santa a seamless health, wellbeing and We also continued to deliver and support a number of highly popular Dash. leisure service programme across Black Country-wide, mass participation events. the whole of the borough which The event in December, saw 750 includes lifestyle support, health Santas complete a 3km route checks, 1-2-1 programmes and Run for Joel 2016 supporting bereaved family around Sandwell Valley. motivation sessions. members of murder, manslaughter and terrorism victims across England and Wales.

Suzy said: “I’m absolutely overwhelmed at how many people came. The queues of people waiting to join in at the start were Valley Country Park for providing unbelievable. Well done everyone the venue. - you are all amazing people that stood together as one and “Many thanks also to BBC WM for supported #Smileforjoel. supporting us all the way and all the local businesses who backed “To each and everyone of you I us, and not forgetting Walsall say thank you from the bottom FC manager Jon Witney and the SLT, in partnership with Smile of my heart, but special thanks Mayor of Sandwell Julie Webb for for Joel (set up by Suzy Evans, must go to the Sandwell Leisure kindly starting the races. the mum of Tunisia terror victim Trust team - without you guys, Joel Richards, and younger we couldn’t have done it – plus “Joel would have absolutely loved brother Owen) Victim Support Sandwell Council and Sandwell today, and I truly stand by his and Sandwell Council, hosted moto: Together the inaugural ‘Run for Joel’ wE Achieve Other successful events held or supported event at Sandwell Valley Park in More.” this year included: West Bromwich on Sunday 11th September. ✔ Cross Country ✔ Give and Gain Day The event was a huge success Championships ✔ 2016 Sport Relief Mile with nearly 1,100 people taking ✔ Nova Games at Sandwell ✔ Summer in the Valley part and £27,000 raised for Victim Valley ✔ Great British Tennis Support, an independent charity ✔ Disability Sports Day Weekends Sandwell Leisure Trust 13 Annual Review 2016/17

Astute E-Learning Changing Lives in In July, a brand new E-learning Sandwell programme was launched, which is web-based, allowing users’ access via SLT’s intranet or any desktop Wednesbury stroke victim says Portway is or mobile device. This gives staff ‘the best thing that’s ever happened to me’. more accessibility and flexibility in 53-year-old Harsha suffered two mini strokes completing the E-learning modules. but is defying the odds and walking again after regular recovery sessions at Portway Lifestyle Board Members have also been Centre are improving her balance, strength given access to the new system in and stability. order to undertake Safeguarding training. She now walks freely with the aid of a stick and has regained a lot of the sensation and feeling Multi-skilling down her right side, plus her speech patterns have greatly improved and she’s got much of We continued to develop the skills her former confidence and positivity back. of existing staff by supporting them Our Staff through various courses. She explains: “I quickly felt at home here and hit it off with instructor Scott Parish straight away. SLT are Investor in People accredited and this was reaffirmed Swimming Teacher and Pool during our reassessment in March this year. Over 500 hardworking Lifeguard Courses were made Husband Dinesh adds: “Portway turned out to be the light at the end of the tunnel for us. Scott members of staff are dedicated to providing a first class service to our available to internal staff as part of their continuous professional and all the staff here are superb and the place customers. Developing and investing in them continues to be a priority development (CDP) and externally just radiates positivity.” and significant investment has been made this year. to attract new talent for those wishing to embark on a career in leisure.

2016/17 at a glance Staff in specialist roles attended specialist training in their professional field. Essential Health and Safety training has also been 200 38 key to supporting centres in staff attended the different learning maintaining the Trust’s RoSPA annual staff Learning activities were Gold Award. Together Day delivered this year Sandwell Leisure Trust 14 Annual Review 2016/17

RoSPA Gold Award the prestigious RoSPA this award is not only Gold Presidents Award for internationally recognised An ongoing commitment maintaining this over ten but has fast become one to maintaining the highest consecutive years. of the most sought after level of health and safety accolades by organisations for all customers and staff Awarded by the Royal from every sector, not just is a top priority and we are Society for the Prevention the leisure industry. delighted to have received of Accidents (RoSPA),

Quest Accreditation Our Sports Development staff team focused on the and Physical Activity Team organisation’s vision and Importantly, we was the first such team in goals, with excellent local also maintain Quest the country to be awarded knowledge, networks and accreditation, a continuous ‘Excellent’ status, which expertise of working with improvement tool and the team have retained local sport.’ In addition, the leisure industry’s from when the Quest 2012 the team were praised only recognised Quality scheme was launched. for their ‘strong evidence Assurance scheme for of delivery including facility management The team have maintained outreach attendances and sports development their ‘Excellent’ status this increasing year on year and Our Awards and Accreditations year with the assessor exceeding performance and designed to measure how effective organisations are. noting the ‘strong, programme targets.’ Providing award-winning services is a priority for SLT. Maintaining passionate and committed and achieving external accreditation demonstrates how we are benchmarked within the leisure industry nationally, so our customers can be assured they are receiving the best quality, safe services. Investor in People interviews with staff at all appreciation for the support levels, SLT continues to be and hospitality afforded The Investors in People accredited as an Investors during our visit. Individuals Standard has been in People organisation at the we met were very positive 2016/17 at a glance developed over 25 years Standard Award Level for about the future of the and organisations that the next 3 years. organisation and were meet the World-recognised very open and forthcoming Received a Maintained Standard reflect the very Feedback from the external with their responses and best in people management assessor stated: ‘We would keen to contribute to future 1st RoSPA1st QUEST excellence. like to congratulate the improvements.’ Gold Award for 10th Quality Assurance organisation on retaining year running Status Following external its IiP accreditation since assessment including 2004 and express our Sandwell Leisure Trust 15 Annual Review 2016/17

We have also developed a number of people to participate in a physically features to improve the visitor experience. active event. These have included: • Adding downloadable Guest Passes • Making the website mobile friendly. This for the first time so potential members change was needed due to the high could download a voucher to try a increase of users accessing the website workout with SLT. by mobile devices rather than the • Adding a data capture tool to build a traditional desktop. Mobile device usage database of those who are interested in increased by 48% from last year. working for SLT. These customers now • Launching a new bespoke timetables receive regular updates of the current job page which now creates a PDF based on roles available. the needs of the individual or facility. The • Adding a new function whereby customers function to have this timetable emailed to can request a call back from our fitness you weekly is now also available. or swimming teams at a particular centre. • Adding Family Membership as a new We also moved forward with our website membership product with the functionality content, realising that previously too much to enable existing members to upgrade, sales content had been featured. as well as new members to join. Website Activity New content is now being created that holds • Amending the Contact Us page to route the attention of website visitors for longer and enquiries to the team which can best benefits the social media channels too. The SLT website remains the most favoured tool for new and existing help in the quickest time possible, thus Overall, website visitors increased to customers to obtain information about our services. This year we were increasing customer satisfaction. 598,631, an increase of 24% from last year. successfully granted a Google Charity Grant which will support long • Creating an event booking page to The site search engine optimisation paid term pay as you click campaigns to increase traffic to our website. support the Run 4 Joel charity run in dividends as there was also a 5% increase in Sandwell Valley which enabled local first time visitors.

Website Visitors Mobile Device Visitors 47.72% Increase in Mobile 598,631 261,440 255,812 Device Visitors 377,872 Mobile Visitors Mobile Visitors Website First time in 2015/16 in 2016/17 visitors  24% visitors  5% Sandwell Leisure Trust 16 Annual Review 2016/17

Instagram Twitter Facebook

The largest growth in the Twitter once again Facebook had another year was with the Instagram increased in terms of positive year with followers channel where followers followers, impressions and on the main SLT page increased by 225% to engagements. As well as increasing by over 10%. 1,100. Recognising the being a great retention and However the biggest huge potential growth in sales tool, Twitter plays an growth was seen in the the channel from all ages, important role in reaching pages of individual centres. but particularly younger local partners and decision All centres appointed a people, regular posts profile makers. voluntary social media the latest images from the champion who really took centres proved very popular. 11.9k people saw our tweet ownership of their own about SLT being an award- pages. Customers really got behind winning organisation, 7k campaigns including the promoting Run 4 Joel, 6k Haden Hill’s monthly social #sweatieselfie, where Meet the member Della media reach surpassed they uploaded photos of Barnsley and 5k Harsha 133,000 immediately, with themselves and friends defies the odds. one video post to promote at the end of their SLT the new Clubbercise class workout. reaching over 16,000 Social Media Activity individuals’ timelines.

Our social media channels continue to be of great value to the organisation but also to our followers who are customers, future customers and also partners.

2016/17 at a glance 5792 7195 1119 FOLLOWERS LIKES FOLLOWERS

COMBINED WITH SLT CENTRES 17506 LIKES Sandwell Leisure Trust 17 Annual Review 2016/17

I have been a member of I would just like to say how On behalf of Wolverhampton SLT for many years using the brilliant Bev’s Wednesday & Bilston Athletic Club I facilities on a regular basis to Zumba classes are at would just like to say thank keep fit. However 10 months ago I Portway. Great dance moves, fun and you for all the work your staff put in decided to have a personal programme friendly atmosphere, only criticism is before, during and after our YDL (Youth written. I started at 33% body fat, very it’s only once a week. Brie’s classes Development League) match on Sunday little muscle and a MET age of 45. All are really good too on a Friday and 29th May. They were all helpful, supportive, this I couldn’t have done without the Saturday! Highly recommended! organised and dealt with first aid issues advice and motivation of Kev Daly. Helen when needed promptly. The event went The man is an absolute credit to SLT. smoothly thanks to your team... Customer Review When people ask me how I look so April 2016 Noel good I always recommend Kev and Youth Development League your centre to help them get fit too. Just We actively encourage feedback May 2016 from our customers through the keep on delivering the service that you I just want to say how deliver, it’s fantastic. brilliant Natasha is at ‘We love feedback’ section on our Denise Portway Lifestyle Centre, she Not only are the gym staff website. Here customers can let us Customer Review is the best instructor I have ever known. at Haden Hill extremely know how we might improve our March 2016 She listens to what you want to achieve friendly and professional they and helps you achieve it. Her classes service and request a response to have always gone out of their way to (boxfit, HIIT Circuits, Kettlebell, Insanity) push me and made me realise that I can I cannot thank you enough their feedback directly. are absolutely brilliant especially her do things that I never thought I could do. for all your help, information insanity classes where she mixes things For someone who once used to have a and the generous amount of to make it harder. Thanks Natasha for phobia of the gym I am now an avid gym Customers can also share their time you gave to showing us around everything you do at Portway you are user. They inspire and motivate you to Portway Lifestyle centre yesterday. inspirational stories and provide the best instructor there and everyone improve yourself and put such passion You, your staff and customers made us should know about it. and effort into their classes and their a testimonial which we really feel so very welcome. I was incredibly personal training sessions. Without the appreciate. It’s great to see how impressed by the centre, how it works Jessica unwavering support and encouragement and what you offer. It is genuinely Customer Review SLT is helping the people of of staff members such as Kirk, Uz and inclusive and it is something we should April 2016 Hayley I would not be as physically fit Sandwell to enjoy taking part in aspire to for our hydrotherapy users and or confident as I am today. They are a sport and physical activity. potential customers in Peterborough. Fab yoga session at Portway credit to SLT and deserve recognition for We left feeling inspired and enthused. today @SLTGetActive #yoga it as they really are an invaluable asset Please do pass on our appreciation and #allaboutthebreathing to the company. Here’s a selection of some of the gratitude to everyone involved. comments we have received this Hardeep Karen Miss S. Bi Customer Review Customer Review year: Hydrotherapy, Peterborough May 2016 June 2016 March 2017 Sandwell Leisure Trust 18 Annual Review 2016/17

Reece at Haden Hill is one of @SLTGetActive Insanity with Thanks to Jon the best swim teachers my Tasha at Portway tonight was @SLTGetActive for Changing Lives in children have had, he great. Best class going. another fab 1-2-1! Keeps Sandwell me motivated and always coming up somehow gets them all listening... well Ian done Reece! with ways to push myself! Customer Review 29-year-old Lee is defying medical Clair July 2016 Lizzie predictions after regular rehabilitation Customer Review Customer Review workouts at Portway June 2016 January 2017 A serious car accident left him paralysed I’ve been a member at Haden down the right hand side, but he is now Hill for a few months. walking again. Awesome variety of classes I concentrated on using the Bespoke functional programmes and on offer 7 days a week gym equipment in the beginning but now I love how clean Smethwick mentoring are improving his overall #likingthenewadvertising I’ve found the confidence to join a class. baths are. The staff are fitness, helping him lose weight, and Heather Clubbercise is so much fun, dancing always really polite and specifically improving his balance and Customer Review around to 90’s music with a couple of friendly. Brilliant for families with lots of co-ordination. changing room and pushchair space. June 2016 glow sticks whilst trying to keep up with Lee explains: “Portway gym has become the instructor. I’ll definitely do it again. Ruby an essential part of my recovery. Week in, The dance studio was packed which just Customer Review week out, I see and feel improvements. added to the atmosphere. The hour went Had a great time at Hadley February 2017 I’m slowly getting my old confidence by so quick. Can’t wait until next week. Stadium today for a teenage back and can even manage weight lifts, birthday roller party, parents Yvette roll outs and squats now!” even got to have skate! @SLTGetActive Customer Review great staff and venue. January 2017 Just to say how much we all enjoyed the pool at Portway – Emma everything about it, not just Customer Review Been with SLT over how warm it was but also the fact that July 2016 10 years... use the gym there was someone to help Roger and classes on a regular because he had a stroke and left him basis. The staff and instructors go out with limited movement. We would @SLTGetActive wanted to of their way to provide an excellent recommend it to anyone with limited say a very big thank you to customer service. The children have movement and for people like both me Carolyn this morning Haden weekly swimming lessons and it’s very and my sister-in-law who have arthritis. Hill 7am, nice one Sandwell thanks. good value for money. Once again thank you all. Ian Raj Margaret Customer Review Customer Review Customer Review July 2016 February 2017 February 2017 Sandwell Leisure Trust 19 Annual Review 2016/17

Finance matters

Headlines - Income & Expenditure 2016/17 2015/16 VAR Other Recognised Gains (Losses) £000s £000s £000s Actuarial Gains (Losses) on Pension (5,663) 1,695 (7,358) Total Incoming Resources (Income) £000s £000s £000s Scheme SMBC Management Fee 2,932 3,085 (153) Unrestricted Income from 7,152 6,476 676 Charitable Activities Net Movement in Funds (6,235) 764 (6,999) Source: Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year to 31 March 2017 (unaudited) Other Income 86 73 13 Trading Activities 234 228 6 Investment Income 3 6 (3) Headlines - Balance Sheet 2016/17 2015/16 VAR Restricted Grants 53 49 4 £000s £000s £000s 10,460 9,917 543 Fixed Assets 1,367 1,551 (184) Current Assets (non cash) 240 278 (38) Total Resources Expended (Expenditure) £000s £000s £000s Cash at Bank and In Hand 3,727 3,143 584 Staff Costs 6,978 6,470 (509) Creditors - due within 1 year (2,150) (1,775) (375) Other Employee Costs 207 163 (44) Creditors due after 1 year 0 Premises 1,553 1,759 206 Net Assets (excluding Pension Scheme Liability) 3,183 3,197 (14) Transport 0 0 0 Professional Fees 63 84 21 Other Expenditure 1,985 2,088 103 Pension Scheme Liability (10,763) (4,542) (6,221) Trading Activities 151 150 (1) Governance Costs 51 57 6 Net Assets (7,580) (1,345) (6,235)

Restricted Expenditure 42 79 37 Source: Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2017 (unaudited) 11,030 10,850 (180) The Pension Scheme liability is the responsibility of SMBC Our Centres:

Brandhall Golf Course Langley Swimming Centre Tipton Leisure Centre Heron Road, Oldbury, B68 8AQ Vicarage Road, Langley, Oldbury, B68 8HS Alexandra Road, Tipton, DY4 8TA

Haden Hill Leisure Centre Portway Lifestyle Centre Tipton Sports Academy Barrs Road, , B64 7HA Newbury Lane, Oldbury, B69 1HE Wednesbury Oak Road, Tipton, DY4 0BS

Hadley Stadium Leisure Centre Ryland Centre Wednesbury Leisure Centre Wilson Road, Smethwick, B66 4NL New Road, Bromsgrove, B60 2JS High Bullen, Wednesbury, WS10 7HP

Harry Mitchell Leisure Centre Smethwick Swimming Centre Broomfield, Smethwick, B67 7DH Thimblemill Road, Smethwick, B67 5QT

www.slt-leisure.co.uk 0300 012 0121

For information about coaching, community sport and activity sessions, sports specific advice and club/coach/volunteer support, contact our Sports Development & Physical Activity Team on 0121 506 4980.