Agenda item

Aspire Trust Annual Update

To receive the annual update of the Aspire Trust.

 

 

Minutes:

7.1      The Chief Executive of the Aspire Trust, Jacquie Douglas, presented the Aspire Sports and Cultural Trust Performance Review Annual Report 2018-19. She summarised the report and brought to Members’ attention key aspects including the financial statements and the Trust’s proposed next steps. Further, she stated that the Trust continued to value the partnership with Gloucester City Council.

 

7.2      Councillor Ryall opened the discussion and asked whether they were working on an exercise prescription as part of their partnership with Gloucestershire NHS Trust. The CEO stated that they did have an exercise prescription programme, and that they had done so for 8 years. She added that they were working with a range of health providers, including mental health providers, physiotherapists and people who welcome patients in GP surgeries.

 

7.3      Councillor Pullen stated that he welcomed the report, moreover, that the developments showed that GL1 had become more than just a sports centre, but a community centre. Noting the £48,000 investment in the gym, he asked whether this had made a difference. Further, he asked whether they had been successful in retaining good staff. The CEO replied to say that the investment was largely about retaining the customer base, as they had lost a number of customers to competitors in the past. On the topic of retaining staff, she explained that this was difficult as they were in competition with neighbouring companies such as Asda, as well retail stores within the City. She added that the difficult hours, as well as the fact that several the roles were only minimum wage exacerbated the issue. As an example, she highlighted that Front of House and Lifeguard roles had a higher staff turnover, compared to others such as Swimming Instructor roles.

 

7.4      Councillor Stephens observed that from its conception, affordability had been a key aim of The Aspire Trust. He therefore questioned whether they offered concessionary rates for the less privileged, and whether the Health and Wellbeing Hub could be rolled out across poorer parts of the City. The CEO advised that concessionary rates of up to 40% which were offered, particularly for individuals on benefits. Moreover, the Health and Wellbeing Hub was currently only £2.50 per visit, with even lower rates being offered for individuals who stay with the Hub in the long term.  She further explained that the Aspire Trust would be looking to other initiatives within the community. The Chair of the Trust added that the Health and Wellbeing hub had the dual benefit of attracting those who wish to use the gym, as well as helping the community.

 

 

7.5      Councillor Hilton questioned how healthy the Trust ‘s financial accounts were. He pointed out for example that in the previous financial year, they had a £44,000 deficit. Moreover, he queried whether the Section 104 Officer had seen the accounts of the last financial year. The CEO responded to say that deficit was to be dealt with by the Aspire Trust as a separate entity on whom any liability would fall. The accounts were in the public domain, and the Section 104 officer saw the trust ‘s financial accounts every quarter.

 

7.6       Councillor Haigh congratulated the CEO and the Chair of the Trust for achieving what she felt were difficult targets in a tough financial climate, particularly as the Trust was no longer receiving management fees from Gloucester City Council. In particular, she believed the fact that the Trust had remained inclusive for everyone was particularly noteworthy.

 

7.7      Councillor Tracey questioned how many staff the Trust employed. She was informed by the CEO of The Aspire Trust that there were 185 staff currently in employment – with 70 of them on full-time contracts. Further, she asked whether they had experienced issues with attracting people due to parking. The CEO responded to say that there were neighbouring car parks in the area, as well as good transport links. Lastly, she informed Councillor Tracey that GL1 ‘s busiest hours were between 4-7pm in the evenings and also on Saturdays.

 

 

7.8      The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure stated that he was delighted to hear the positive news. He noted that The CEO had been passionate and enthusiastic in her role and commended her for looking outside the box even in challenging times.

 

 

7.9      Councillor Organ remarked that in the 10 years that Gloucester City Council had been involved with the Aspire Trust, GL1 had evolved a lot in those years, thus, becoming a Leisure Centre.

 

 

7.10    The Chair echoed these sentiments and congratulated the CEO and the Chair of the Aspire Trust.

 

 

7.11   RESOLVED: - That the Overview and Scrutiny Committee NOTE the Report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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