Three Rivers District Council

LC ran leisure facilities for this council up till the end of 2005 when Hertsmere Leisure (HL), a not for profit organisation took over. The report below makes some interesting observations. 

From LEISURE & COMMUNITY POLICY PANEL – 18 APRIL 2007  /  EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – 21 MAY 2007 http://www.threerivers.gov.uk/GetResource.aspx?file=07%2004%2018%20LC%20i%20-%20(08)%20lfm%20extension%20perf%20review.doc    

2.4   The Output Specification set performance targets for the first contract year (covering 15 months from 1 January 2006 – 31 March 2007). Following HL’s appointment, targets for the first quarter (January - March 06) were mutually agreed, based on the reported usage by the previous operator, Leisure Connection. 

2.5   Soon after appointment, a review of performance indicators for the period April 2006 – March 2007 was mutually agreed, due to HL’s concerns about the soundness of previously collected data which had been used to set targets, and the Council’s own review of indicators to match strategic objectives. Revised targets were approved by the Panel on 21 March 2006 (L.PP89/05 refers), and applied for the remainder of the first contract year (April 2006 – March 2007). Performance indicator returns to date are summarised in Appendix A.

2.6   Throughout the year, HL have continued to challenge the basis of the previously reported attendance figures, particularly for swimming, as their financial returns show income as exceeding previous years (with no significant increase in charging), and their actual results are higher than comparable figures for other similar facilities...

2.12 Throughout the year, officers have found the directors and staff of Hertsmere Leisure to be fully co-operative and transparent in their working practices. In particular they have given considerable time and expertise to the preparations for the refurbishment of William Penn Leisure Centre. Officers have concluded that Hertsmere Leisure have complied with the requirements of the Output Specification as described in 2.3 above.