Issue - meetings

To receive a verbal update on the Leisure Service from the Operations Manager for Leisure.

A verbal update on the Leisure Service was provided by the Operations Manager for Leisure. This included the following information:

·       The Leisure Service was proud to have finished the financial year ahead of target not only financially but in participation numbers as it placed a lot of focus on getting the community active.

·       July would see the first of three wellbeing walks being trialled in Crediton, Cullompton and Tiverton, with a view to giving potential volunteers confidence to lead walks themselves.

·       Two junior park runs had been approved and funding was currently being sought.  

·       The service was currently out to tender for the access controls which formed an essential part of the digital transformation project.  These would help the service manage entry, making the leisure centres more secure and provide better data around participation numbers.

·       The opening hours at Active Tiverton had been extended freeing up space in the afternoon to offer more family swimming time.

·       A student campaign was running currently and 57 had been sold in June so far.

·       The summer campaign would be live soon which offered families the chance to use the facilities for 6 weeks of the summer holidays for just £60, it was a really popular offer last year and had been built upon again this year.

·       The carers initiative had been launched on the 1^st May, offering unpaid carers under the age of 18, free access to leisure facilities, and adult carers discounted use.  The Leisure Centres were now officially registered as ‘carer friendly’.

·       The launch of the new App had already seen 3570 downloads and additions to the app were being worked on which would further enhance the experience and customer journey. The app would really be at its most beneficial when the access controls were in place, making entry into the centres quick and seamless.

·       A recent latent demand report which provided far more information than the service had previously had, this enabled it to identify visually where members were coming from, what quartile of the index of multiple deprivation they were in and therefore helped to ensure services were affordable and accessible to those areas. A leisure database report titled ‘the state of the industry’ showed the market penetration national average for local authority leisure providers was 4.8%, Mid Devon’s leisure service was above this with an average of 7.12% penetration rate.

·       The Pool changing rooms project at both pools was now complete and the service had had very positive feedback on it. Customers had commented on what an excellent investment this was, making swimmers feel safer as they walk around.

Consideration was given to:

·       Some concern with access issues and users having to queue to sign in. It was hoped the increased use of the digital membership card would ease this situation and reduce the burden on the front of house staff as well as the users. This was an improving situation.

·       The pleasing work being undertaken with regard to the carer’s initiative. Connections were being made with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10