Councillor Iqbal Hossain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, introduced the first item, and noted the leisure service was brought back into council management at the start of May. The sub-committee received an updated action plan last year, highlighting the progress made to increase access to sport and physical activities in the borough for women and girls, who are less likely to be physically active than boys. Following a series of consultations and community engagement activities; including discussions with over 1,200 women and girls during International Women’s Week, key themes were utilised to shape the service.

Initiatives for the action plan delivery for scrutiny recommendations include the ‘Be Well’ programme of services, aimed at promoting fitness through health, wellness and play with swimming classes, fitness instructor courses and apprenticeship  opportunities. Councillor Hossain noted that the Women's Inclusive Team and violence against women and Girls Team contributed to the development of the new programmes. The aim is to collaborate with London Sport on a London wide networking session, so additional ideas can be shared to increase the participation of women and girls in sports. The possibility for further projects with external partners such as Sport England and resources are ongoing.

Simon Jones, the Head of Leisure Operations, stated that the service was officially insourced last week and all six leisure centres reopened on 7 May. The booking system transferred to the new leisure management system, 4GLOBAL which will  assist in sports participation to increase physical activity. Mr Jones stated that 200 former GLL Better Leisure staff have been integrated into the service and new initiatives will be implemented, A careers fair will take place this month to recruit female lifeguards. Other council departments are collaborating including youth services, young carers and public health.

Councillor Mauim Talukdar, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for   Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning, then informed Members that as part of the sports strategy, six coaches have been recruited to deliver sports and physical activities within the borough’s primary and secondary schools. Engagement with around 1,515 young people, primarily girls will take place to increase sports participation. Further updates will be brought back to the sub-committee.

Further to  questions from the Sub-committee, Councillor Iqbal Hossain, Simon Jones and Ameilia Gonguet, Public Health Manager, Leisure Insourcing;

·       Confirmed that swim clinics will be implemented to target residents who don’t swim often or cannot swim for advice on techniques or beginner swimming lessons. A staggered timetable is being created and the programme will be launched in the first week of June, which will include sessions for school children and adults and water safety sessions. Consideration will also be given to establish creche facilities for parents using the centres. Further details will be posted on the website in due course.

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·       Clarified that lighting issues outside the leisure centres are being addressed following safety concerns raised by residents and feedback from the Community Safey staff.

·       Explained that the payments will be made available for residents to ‘pay as you go’ or pre-book women only appointments to services.

·       Confirmed that community engagement with women and girls is ongoing within the public health department, healthy communities  and sports and activity teams to ensure the service reflects their needs. Feedback can be brought back to the sub-committee for review.

·       Noted that .clarification on why membership has declined from 27% to 24% against a target of 25% for residents under 15, will be brought back to the sub-committee for review.

·       Confirmed that a partnership approach with schools, youth services, leisure facilities and coaches will be implemented to ensure the best outcomes for young residents.

·       Explained that discussions with sixth form schools and colleges are ongoing to promote training and apprenticeship courses in the leisure industry for young women and girls. Consideration will also be given to allow local residents, who are personal trainers an opportunity to establish their own businesses as well as other employment opportunities, such as food and beverages.

·       Confirmed that details on impact of women and girls Sports and Physical Activity Collective Networks meeting will be forwarded for review. Final details on the percentage of women employed by TUPE are yet to be disclosed, however, details will be presented to the sub-committee for review.

The Children and Education Sub-Committee RESOLVED;

1.    That a written brief to clarify why membership has declined from 27% to 24% for residents under 15 to be forwarded to the sub-committee for review.

2.    That Officers collaborate with Joanna Hannan for contacts from the School Games organisers who are funded by Sports England for additional partnership opportunities.

3.    That details on impact of women and girls Sports and Physical Activity Collective Networks meeting to be forwarded to the sub-committee for review.

4.    That a brief overview of the percentage of women staff members to be sent to the Sub-Committee for review once all details have been revealed.

5.    That the presentation be noted.