Harpers 

Rumours from May 2004 that LC is reducing the staff in its Harpers gyms have been confirmed. It appears that more than Harpers will be involved in the "restructuring".  LC have promoted Harpers for many years with "Full supervision from fully trained, friendly and helpful staff” and customers will have signed up with the reasonable expectation this was part of their contract at least until new terms are made clear before renewal. PB

From: Rez Cameron  To: Paul Burns
Sent: Thursday, June 17, 2004 
Subject: Queries

Dear Paul  I write in response to the queries you raised in our recent conversations and your previous email.

Whilst I cannot make comment on what customers may be saying to you, I can confirm that we were informed formally in a meeting on 13th May but had been notified before this date, of Leisure Connections plan to nationally restructure their staffing.  This included all their Harpers gyms.  As with most changes they will be monitoring the effects of these changes which took place this week.

All customers who use the gym are given an induction in the safe use of the gym equipment which is standard practice in all gyms, Public and Private. This ensures that they are aware of what is safe practice when they are
using the gyms.

I notice that you have pointed out the statement on the Leisure Connection site to them on a couple of occasions.  It is my understanding that they are currently updating all advertising matter including their web site.

It is not unreasonable for the site, at the time of opening to have a minimum of a Receptionist, Duty Manager and a Life Guard on duty. Obviously this would not be the case throughout the day.

Rez Cameron    Recreation Commissioning Officer    Brent Sports Services

From: Paul Burns  To: Rez Cameron
Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2004 
Subject: Staffing Gyms

 Dear Rez, when we met about two weeks ago I reminded you that I would like a response on the issue of staffing gyms at Vale Farm. 

My understanding from users is that while the gym with loose weights would continue to have a member of staff present, this is no longer the case in the room with fixed equipment. Can you confirm this change has taken place?  

Assuming it has, I also wish to know:  

1. How much notice did the council receive that Leisure Connection was changing its staffing arrangements of the gyms?

2. Does the Council accept that the new arrangements are safe and follow recommended / good practice for public gyms?

3. Has the Council pointed out to Leisure Connection that their advertising still speaks of full supervision?  e.g. 

Harpers Fitness is the perfect environment for you to achieve your personal fitness goals, offering you all of the following:   Full supervision from fully trained, friendly and helpful staff” (from http://valefarm.leisureconnection.co.uk/activity5.html )

 I also understand that on at least one recent occasion that Vale Farm has opened with only a duty manager, one lifeguard and one other attendant.

What is the minimum number of staff that the council believes must actually be on site in order for the centre to be fully opened?

What is the number of staff that the council believes is desirable (or specified in the contract), when all or most facilities are in use?