West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust

Note of Board Meeting 22 February 2024

Present:              

David Marshall (DM)  Independent Director (Chair)
David McBride (DMcB)  Partner Director (Vice Chair)
Clare Steel (CS)  Partner Director
Tony Dempster (TD) Employee Representative Director
David Smith (DS) Independent Director
Tony Waclawski (TW) Independent Director
Charlie Gibson (CG )  Independent Director
David McCowan (DMcC) Independent Director

Apologies:        

Jonathan McColl (JMcC)  Partner Director

In Attendance:  

  • John Anderson (JA  General Manager (WDLT)
  • Fiona McGuigan (FMcG)  Company Secretary (WDLT)
  • Bobby Kerr (BK) Development Officer (Minutes)
  • Karen Shannon (KS) WDC Finance (via Video Link)

1. Welcome, Introductions and apologies

David Marshall (Chair) welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. Declaration of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

3. Minutes of Meetings of 23 November 2023 and Any Matters Arising

There were no matter arising

6.4.  The Chair brought forward item 6.4 - Investment Opportunities 

Having heard the Karen Shannon, Section Head-Financial, Administration & Control and the General Manager in further explanation of the report, and in answer to Board Member's questions, the Board agreed:

1. to approve the draft Investment Policy for 2024 - 2025; and

2. for the General Manager to advise the Council in writing of the Board's decision

Karen Shannon left the meeting

Presentation - Learn to Swim Programme

There followed a presentation by the Active Schools, Sport & Physical Activity Manager, Alan Crawford and Swimming Development Officer, Lorna Smith on the progression of the WDLT Learn to Swim programme.

The Chair thanked both Alan and Lorna for their presentation and for the great work that was being undertaken; and on behalf of the Board asked them to pass on the Board's thanks to all staff that are involved within the Learn to Swim programme.

Reports for Monitoring

5.1 Financial Report

Report 458 was submitted by the WDC Finance Manager to advise the Trust Board on the financial performance of the departmental revenue budgets 2023/2024 for the period to 31 December 2023.

Having heard the General Manager in further explanation of the report and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:

1. to note the content of the report.

5.2 Workforce Monitoring 3rd Quarter – 1 October to 31 December 2023

Report 459 was submitted by the General Manager to provide the Board with employment information for the Period 1 October to 31 December 2023 (3rd Quarter).

Having heard the General Manager in further explanation of the report and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:

1. to note the content of the report; and

2. for the General Manager to add details of how many employees are on 3rd and 4th stage absence reviews to future Workforce Monitoring reports

5.3 Performance Report – 3rd Quarter – 1 October to 31 December 2023

Report 460 was submitted by the General Manager to advise the Board of the key performance areas for the Trust for the period 1 October to 31 December 2023 (3rd Quarter)

Having heard the General Manager in further explanation of the report, and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:

1. to note the content of the report.

5.4 Investment Projects Update

Report 461 was submitted by the General Manager to advise the Board of the progression of Investment Projects which have previously been approved.

Having heard the General Manager in further explanation of the report, and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:

1. to note the content of the report and the progression of projects.

Reports for Approval

6.1 Draft Delivery Plan

Report 462 was submitted by the General Manager seek approval from the Board for the 2024/25 Delivery Plan to assist achieve the Strategic Objectives and Priorities identified within the five year Strategic Plan (2023 - 2028).

Having heard the General Manager in further explanation of the report, and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:

1. to note the contents of the report and attached appendices; and. 

2. to approve the Draft Delivery Plan for 2024 - 2025

6.2 Draft Health & Safety Plan

Report 463 was submitted by the General Manager to seek Board approval for the implementation of the West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust’s (WDLT) Annual Health & Safety Plan for the financial year 2024 - 2025

Having heard the General Manager in further explanation of the report, and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:

1. to note the content of the report and attached appendices; and

2. to approve the Draft Annual Health & Safety Plan for 2024 - 2025

6.3 Draft Director Role Profiles

Report 464 was submitted by the General Manager to present to the Board draft Role Profiles for the Board to consider.

Having heard the General Manager in further explanation of the report, and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:

1. to note the content of the report; and

2. for Directors to review the Role Profiles and submit comments to the General Manager in time for an updated report to be submitted to the next Board Meeting on 23 May 2024.

6.5 Proposed Service Charges 2024 -2025

Report 466 was submitted by the General Manager to seek approval from the Board for the implementation of the Service Charges from 1 April 2024.

Having heard the Director and the General Manager in further explanation of the report, and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:

1. to note the content of the report; and

2. to approve the Service Charges for 2024 - 2025; and

3. to allow access to the discretionary £5,000 fund to those groups who find the costs of Community Facilities lets challenging similar to the scheme for Denny Civic Theatre groups.

6.6 Budget and Management Fee 2024 - 2025

Reports 467 and 469 were submitted by the General Manager to seek the Board's approval for the use of reserves to offset the 2024/25 budget shortfall caused by savings imposed by West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) and to advise the Board of the proposed Management Fee from WDC that is required to deliver a balanced budget for 2024/25.

Having heard the Company Secretary and General Manager in further explanation of the reports, and in answer to Board Member's questions, the Board agreed:

(1) to approve the release of £621,288 of unrestricted funds as specified at point 4.2 of report 467; and

(2) for the General Manager to update the Board on the outcome of the Council's Budget Meeting on 6 March 2024 and for the General Manager and the Senior Leisure Trust Officer if appropriate to prepare a report for a Special Board meeting if required.

Reports for Noting

7.1 WDC Community Facilities Review

There followed a verbal update report from the General Manager regarding the West Dunbartonshire Council’s Community Facilities Review.

7.2 Update of Board Sub Committees for the period 1 October to 31 December 2023

Report 468 was submitted by the General Manager to provide the Board with an update and copies of all Committee minutes for the period 1 October to 31 December 2023

Having heard the General Manager in further explanation of the report, and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:

1. to note the content of the report and the additional information contained in the Appendix 1

8. Proposed Future Agenda Items

Directors are invited to propose items for future agendas to be forwarded to the General Manager for consideration by the Chairperson by Wednesday 10 January 2024.

9. Any other Competent Business

The General Manager noted that Council Officers now report to Council and JTUs on an annual basis regarding Workforce information. Following a brief discussion, Directors felt as a smaller organisation that it was best, if possible, to retain quarterly reports. J.A. to consult with HR colleagues to see if their assistance could be continued at existing levels.

10. Next Meetings

  • Appeals Committee: Wednesday 10 Apr 2024, 1.30pm
  • Health & Safety Committee: Friday 19 Apr 2024, 1.30pm
  • Audit & Risk Committee: Thursday 09 May 2024, 5pm
  • JCF Meeting: Tuesday 14 May 2024, 10am
  • Board Meeting: Thursday 23 May 2024, 6.00pm (Clydebank LC)

Signed   David Marshall, Chair

 

                        David Marshall (Chair)

Board of Directors Meeting 

Thursday, 22 February 2024

Agenda

1 Welcome, Introductions & Apologies

2 Board Development Session – Learn to Swim Scheme

Presentation as part of the annual development sessions for Board Directors

3 Declaration of Interest

To receive declarations of interest by Directors relating to items contained within the agenda

4 Minutes of Meeting of 23 November 2023 and Any Matters Arising

To consider the accuracy of the minutes and to receive verbal reports on action taken to progress issues referred for action                     

Reports For Monitoring 

5.1 Financial Report

Report 458 to advise the Board on the financial performance of the revenue and capital budgets             

5.2 Workforce Monitoring Report 3rd Quarter 2023/24

Report 459 to provide the Board with key employment information for the period 1 October to 31 December 2023 (3rd Quarter)  

5.3 Performance Report 3rd Quarter 2023/24

Report 460 to advise the Board of the key performance areas for the trust for the period 1 October to 31 December 2023 (3rd Quarter)

5.4 Investment Projects Update

Report 461 to advise the Board of new projects/purchases the General Manager has approved and the progression of Investment Projects which have previously been approved

Reports For Approval

6.1 Draft Delivery Plan 2024/25

Report 462 to seek Board approval for the Delivery Plan 2024/25

6.2 Draft Annual Health & Safety Plan

Report 463 to seek Board approval for the draft Annual Health & Safety Plan 2023/24

6.3 Draft Director Role Profiles

Report 464 to seek Board approval for the introduction of Role Profiles for the Chair; Partner/Independent; and Employee Representative Directors

6.4 Investment Opportunities

Report 465 to update the Board on current investments and future opportunities to invest surplus funds

6.5 Draft Service Charges

Report 466 to seek Board approval for the Service Charges for 2024/25

6.6 Proposed Management Fee & 2024/25 Budget

Reports 467 & 469 to advise the Board of the proposed Management Fee and Financial Budget for 2024/25

Reports For Noting

7.1 WDC Community Facilities Review Update

Verbal report to update the Board on the Council’s Review of Community Facilities

7.2 Committees Update

Report 468 to update the Board on Committees during the period 1 October to 31 December 2023

8. Proposed Future Agenda Items

Directors are invited to propose items for future agendas to be forwarded to the General Manager for consideration by the Chairman by Wednesday 10 April 2024

9. Any other Competent Business

10. Next Meetings

  • Appeals Committee: Wednesday 10 Apr 2024, 1.30pm
  • Health & Safety Committee: Friday 19 Apr 2024, 1.30pm
  • Audit & Risk Committee: Thursday 09 May 2024, 5pm
  • JCF Meeting: Tuesday 14 May 2024, 10am
  • Board Meeting: Thursday 23 May 2024, 6.00pm (Clydebank LC)

1. Welcome, Introductions & Apologies

2. Declaration of Interest

To receive declarations of interest by Directors relating to items contained within the agenda

3. Minutes of Meeting of 22 February 2024 and Any Matters Arising

To consider the accuracy of the minutes and to receive verbal reports on action taken to progress issues referred for action

Reports For Monitoring 

4.1. Workforce Monitoring Report 4th Quarter 2023/24

Report to provide the Board with key employment information for the period 1 January to 31 March 2024 (4th Quarter)

4.2. Performance Report 4th Quarter 2023/24

Report to advise the Board of the key performance areas for the trust for the period 1 January to 31 March 2024 (4th Quarter)

4.3. Investment Projects Update

Report to advise the Board of new projects/purchases the General Manager has approved and the progression of Investment Projects which have previously been approved

4.4. Annual Health & Safety Review 2023/24

Report to advise the Board of the Health and Safety performance during 2023/24.

4.5. Strategic Plan – One Year Update

Report to advise the Board of the progression of the five year Strategic Plan 2023 – 2028    

Reports For Approval

5.1. Draft Director Role Profiles

Report to seek Board approval for the introduction of Role Profiles for the Chair; Partner/Independent; and Employee Representative Directors

Reports For Noting

6.1. Committees Update

Report to update the Board on Committees during the period 1 January to 31 March 2024

7. Proposed Future Agenda Items

Directors are invited to propose items for future agendas to be forwarded to the General Manager for consideration by the Chairman by Wednesday 24 July 2024

8. Any other Competent Business

9. Next Meetings

  • Appeals Committee: Wednesday 5 June 2024, 1.30pm
  • Appeals Committee: Wednesday 7 August 2024, 1.30pm
  • Audit & Risk Committee: Thursday 08 August 2024, 5pm
  • Health & Safety Committee: Friday 09 August 2024, 1.30pm
  • JCF Meeting: Tuesday 13 August 2024, 10am
  • Board Meeting: Thursday 22 August 2024, 6.00pm (Clydebank LC)

West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust

Note of Board Meeting 23 May 2024

Present:              

David Marshall (DM), Independent Director (Chair)
David McBride (DMcB), Partner Director (Vice Chair)
Tony Dempster (TD), Employee Representative Director
David Smith (DS), Independent Director
Jonathan McColl (JMcC), Partner Director
Charlie Gibson (CG ), Independent Director
Tony Waclawski (TW), Independent Director (via video)                      

Apologies:

Clare Steel (CS), Partner Director       
David McCowan (DMcC), Independent Director                 

In Attendance:   

  • John Anderson (JA), General Manager (WDLT)
  • Fiona McGuigan (FMcG), Company Secretary (WDLT)
  • Bobby Kerr, Development Officer (Minutes)

Welcome, Introductions and Apologies

David Marshall (Chair) welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. Declaration of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

3. Minutes of Meetings of 22 February 2024 and Any Matters Arising

Item 9 – AOCB – J.A. confirmed that the Workforce reports would continue, however Disciplinary / Grievance information would only be provided on an annual basis (May Report) following advice from HR colleagues.

Reports for Monitoring

4.1 Workforce Monitoring Report 4th Quarter 2023/24
Report 469 was submitted by the General Manager to provide the Board with employment information for the Period 1 January to 31 March 2024 (4th Quarter).

Having heard the General Manager in further explanation of the report and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:

  1. to note the content of the report.

4.2 Performance Report - Period 1 January to 31 March 2024 (4th Quarter)

Report 470 was submitted by the General Manager to advise the Board of the key performance areas for the Trust for the period 1 January to 31 March 2024 (4th Quarter).

Having heard the General Manager in further explanation of the report and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:

  1. to note the content of the report.
  2. to look at releasing good news stories on the work of the Leisure Trust via local press and social media.
  3. for the General Manager to liaise with appropriate staff to resolve excess temperatures within the Denny Civic Theatre.

4.3 Investment Projects Update

Report 471 was submitted by the General Manager to advise the Board of the progression of Investment Projects which have previously been approved

Having heard the General Manager in further explanation of the report, and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:

  1. to note the content of the report and the progression of projects.

4.4 Health & Safety Annual Review 2023/2024

Report 472 was submitted by the General Manager to advise the Board of the Health and Safety performance of the Leisure Trust during the twelve-month period from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.

Having heard the General Manager in further explanation of the report, and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:

  1. to note the content of the report and the appendices.

4.5 Strategic Plan 2023 – 2028: First Year Update

Report 473 was submitted by the General Manager to provide the Board with an annual progress report regarding the progression of the implementation of the agreed objectives and priorities in West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust’s (WDLT) Strategic Plan (2023 – 2028).

Having heard the General Manager in further explanation of the report, and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:

  1. to note the content of the report and the appendices; and
  2. for the General Manager to re-instate the 100% attendance letters to staff

Reports for Approval

5.1 Draft Director Role Profiles

Report 474 was submitted by the General Manager to present to the Board draft Role Profiles for the Board to consider.

Having heard the General Manager in further explanation of the report, and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:

  1. to note the content of the report; and
  2. to approve Role Profiles for Directors (Trustees); the Chair; and the Employee Representative Director.

Reports for Noting

6.1 Update of Board Sub Committees for the period 1 January to 31 March 2024

Report 475 was submitted by the General Manager to provide the Board with an update and copies of all Committee minutes for the period 1 January to 31 March 2024.

Having heard the General Manager in further explanation of the report, and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:

  1. to note the content of this report and the additional information contained in Appendix 1 to 3

8. Proposed Future Agenda Items

Directors are invited to propose items for future agendas to be forwarded to the General Manager for consideration by the Chairperson by Wednesday 24 July 2024.

9. Any other Competent Business

  1. It was agreed that a Senior Council Officer be invited to attend a future meeting around the time of the 2025-2026 budget preparations to advise the Leisure Trust on the Council's financial position and the proposed management fee settlement for the Trust.

10. Next Meetings

  • Appeals Committee: Wednesday 5 June 2024, 1.30pm
  • Appeals Committee: Wednesday 7 August 2024, 1.30pm
  • Audit & Risk Committee: Thursday 08 August 2024, 5pm
  • Health & Safety Committee: Friday 09 August 2024, 1.30pm
  • JCF Meeting: Tuesday 13 August 2024, 10am
  • Board Meeting: Thursday 22 August 2024, 6.00pm (Clydebank LC)

Signed David Marshall (Chair)

West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust

Note of Board Meeting 22 August 2024

Present:            

David Marshall (DM), Independent Director (Chair)
David McBride (DMcB), Partner Director (Vice Chair)
David Smith (DS), Independent Director
Charlie Gibson (CG ), Independent Director
Tony Waclawski (TW), Independent Director (via video)
Clare Steel (CS), Partner Director

Apologies
Tony Dempster (TD), Employee Representative Director
Jonathan McColl (JMcC), Partner Director
David McCowan (DMcC), Independent Director

In Attendance:   
John Anderson (JA), General Manager (WDLT)
Fiona McGuigan (FMcG), Company Secretary (WDLT)
Laura Ann Paton, WDC Finance
Bobby Kerr, Development Officer (Minutes)

1. Welcome, Introductions and apologies

David Marshall (Chair) welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. The Board toured the newly refurbished gym at the Meadow Centre followed with a Q&A on the refurbishment process.

3. Declaration of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

4. Minutes of Meetings of 23 May 2024 and Any Matters Arising

Minutes were agreed as an accurate record.

Matters Arising

1. J.A. noted that there had been no further issues, however progress with regards to improving the high temperatures within the Denny Civic Theatre was still ongoing due to the Council changing their contractor; and

2. J.A. noted that a senior Council Finance Officer will attend the November board meeting as requested to update Directors on the financial position of the Council and implications for West Dunbartonshire Leisure.

Reports for Monitoring

5.1 Financial Report 1st Quarter 2024-2025

Report 476 was submitted by the W.D.C Finance Manager to advise the Trust Board on the financial performance of the departmental revenue budgets 2024/2025 for the period to 30 June 2024.

Having heard the General Manager in further explanation of the report and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:-

1. to note the content of the report.
2. for the General Manager to discuss the high cost of the District Heating currently supplying the Clydebank Leisure Centre with senior Council Finance Officers.

5.2 Workforce Monitoring Report 1st Quarter 2024-2025

Report 477 was submitted by the General Manager to provide the Board with employment information for the Period 1 April to 30 June 2024 (1st Quarter)

Having heard the General Manager in further explanation of the report and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:-

1. to note the content of the report.

5.3 Performance Report - Period 1 April to 30 June 2024 (1st Quarter)

Report 478 was submitted by the General Manager to advise the Board of the key performance areas for the Trust for the period 1 April to 30 June 2024 (1st Quarter).

Having heard the General Manager in further explanation of the report and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:-

1. to note the content of the report.

5.4 Investment Projects Update

Report 479 was submitted by the General Manager to advise the Board of the progression of Investment Projects which have previously been approved and to advise the Board of the approval by the Chair & Vice Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee of the decoration of the gyms.

Having heard the General Manager in further explanation of the report, and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:-

1. to note the content of the report and the progression of projects.

5.5 Performance Measurement 2023/24

Report 480 was submitted by the General Manager to provide the Board with an update on the outcome of the Performance Measurement for 2023/24.

Having heard the General Manager in further explanation of the report, and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:-

1. to note the content of the report.

Reports for Noting

6.1 Update of Board Sub Committees for the period 1 April to 30 June 2024

Report 481 was submitted by the General Manager to provide the Board with an update and copies of all Committee minutes for the period 1 April to 30 June 2024.

Having heard the General Manager in further explanation of the report, and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:-

1. to note the content of this report and the additional information contained in Appendix 1 & 2.

7. Proposed Future Agenda Items

Directors are invited to propose items for future agendas to be forwarded to the General Manager for consideration by the Chairperson by Wednesday 23 October  2024.

8. Any other Competent Business

1. T.W. informed the meeting his intention of retiring at the AGM. D.M. thanked Tony for his service and said a formal thank you would take place at the AGM;

2. J.A. noted that the recruitment process for the replacement of an Independent Director will take place in time for the successful candidate to be in place for the November Board meeting;

3. J.A. noted that two Independent Directors are due to retire at the AGM and explained the process for their replacement and the change of Chair from Independent Director to Partner Director. He also noted vacancies on two sub committees and asked Directors to consider filling the roles;

4. J.A. explained the Directors replacement process at the AGM along with vacancies for committees; and

5. J.A. advised the Board that Swimming Development were one of three finalists selected for Scottish Swimming Provider of the Year Award. The other two were Edinburgh Leisure and Sport Aberdeen with the winner being announced on 21 September 2024.

9. Next Meeting

Annual General Meeting: Thursday 5 September 2024, 6.00pm (Clydebank LC)
Appeals Committee: Wednesday 2 October 2024, 1.30pm
Health & Safety Committee: Friday 25 October 2024, 1.30pm
Audit & Risk Committee: Thursday 07 November 2024, 5pm
JCF Meeting: Tuesday 12 November 2024, 10am
Board Meeting: Thursday 28 November 2024, 6.00pm (Clydebank LC)


Signed   _______________________________

David Marshall (Chair)

Board of Directors meeting number: 60

Thursday, 22 August 2024

Agenda

1. Welcome, Introductions & Apologies

2. Board Development Session – Gym Refurbishments

Tour of the Meadow Centre’s refurbished Gym and Question and Answer Session on the refurbishment process as part of the annual development sessions for Board Directors.

3. Declaration of Interest

To receive declarations of interest by Directors relating to items contained within the agenda

4. Minutes of Meeting of 23 May 2024 and Any Matters Arising

To consider the accuracy of the minutes and to receive verbal reports on action taken to progress issues referred for action

Reports For Monitoring

5.1 Financial Report Report 1st Quarter 2024/25

Report to provide the Board with key employment information for the period 1 April to 30 June 2024 (1st Quarter)

5.2 Workforce Monitoring Report 1st Quarter 2024/25

Report to provide the Board with key employment information for the period 1 April to 30 June 2024 (1st Quarter)

5.3 Performance Report 1st Quarter 2024/25

Report to advise the Board of the key performance areas for the trust for the period 1 April to 30 June 2024 (1st Quarter)

5.4 Investment Projects Update

Report to advise the Board of new projects/purchases the General Manager has approved and the progression of Investment Projects which have previously been approved

5.5 Performance Measurement 2023/24

Report to advise the Board of the Performance Measurement for 2023/24

Reports For Noting

6.1 Committees Update

Report to update the Board on Committees during the period 1 April to 30 June 2024

7. Proposed Future Agenda Items

Directors are invited to propose items for future agendas to be forwarded to the General Manager for consideration by the Chairman by Wednesday 23 October 2024

8. Any other Competent Business

9. Next Meetings

Annual General Meeting: Thursday 5 September 2024, 6.00pm (Clydebank LC)

  • Appeals Committee: Wednesday 2 October 2024, 1.30pm
  • Health & Safety Committee: Friday 25 October 2024, 1.30pm
  • Audit & Risk Committee: Thursday 07 November 2024, 5pm
  • JCF Meeting: Tuesday 12 November 2024, 10am
  • Board Meeting: Thursday 28 November 2024, 6.00pm (Clydebank LC)

Board of Directors AGM Number: 12

Thursday, 05 September 2024

Agenda

 

1. Welcome & Introductions

2. Declaration of Interest

To receive declarations of interest by Directors relating to items contained within the agenda

3. Minutes of Annual General Meeting of 7 September 2023 and any Matters Arising

To consider the accuracy of the minute and to receive verbal reports on action taken to progress issues referred for action

4. Chairperson’s Report

Verbal report from the Chairperson

Reports for Approval

5.1. Audited Accounts and WDLT Annual Report 2023-24

To seek approval from the Board for the final audited financial accounts for the period to 31 March 2024 and the WDLT Annual Report for 2023/24.

5.2 Retirement of Independent Directors and Appointment of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson

To advise the Board of the Retirement of Independent Directors and the appointment of a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson

5.3 Schedule of Board & Committee Meeting 2025/26

Report to seek approval from the Board for the implementation of the schedule of Board and Committee Meetings for the financial year 2025/26 and agreement of Director representation at Committee Meetings

Reports for Monitoring

6.1 Attendance at Board Meetings

To advise the Board of the attendance levels of Directors at Board Meetings since the last AGM in September 2024.

West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust
Note of Annual General Meeting 5 September 2024

Present:            

David Marshall (DM)Independent Director (Chair)
David McBride (DMcB)Partner Director (Vice Chair)
David Smith (DS) Independent Director
David McCowan (DMcC)Independent Director
Clare Steel (CS) Partner Director
Gordon Scanlan GS)Partner Director
Charlie Gibson (CG )Independent Director
Tony Waclawski (TW)Independent Director

Apologies:

Tony Dempster (TD)Employee Representative Director

In Attendance:                                                 

John Anderson (JA) General Manager (WDLT)
Fiona McGuigan (FMcG)Company Secretary (WDLT)
Laura Ann Paton, Finance Manager (W.D.C.)
Scott Gillon (SG) Wbg (Audit Limited) (External Auditor)
Bobby Kerr (BK) Minutes

1. Welcome, apologies and introductions

David Marshall, Chair, welcomed everyone to the Trust’s 12th Annual General Meeting.

2. Declaration of Interest

It was noted that there were no declarations of interest in any of the items of business on the agenda.

3. Minutes of meeting 7 September 2023 and Matters Arising

The minutes were submitted and approved as a correct record.  

There was one matter arising:

5.1(3) for the Company Secretary to liaise with WDC to review the ongoing Auditor’s recommendation for cash receipting between WDC and WDLT with potentially to write-off the outstanding miscellaneous debt. The Company Secretary and General Manager indicated that due to the replacement of the previous two Accountants this had not yet been completed, but discussions to resolve would now be undertaken to progress. 

4. Chairperson’s Report

It gives me great pleasure to present my report to you for the year ending 31 March 2024.  The last financial year saw the Trust report that the financial position has equated to a use of reserve funds for the year of £611,211.  The budget profile had initially been projected to utilise a larger amount of reserve funds in the region of £871k to achieve a balanced outturn.  However, the unanticipated major factors that have reduced this outturn to a smaller usage of reserves include staffing savings in main sites, increased investment income and additional income from sports development.
Following our move from a three-year to a five-year Strategic Plan we have made great strides in our first year to achieving our objectives and priorities. Highlights within the first year included:

  • Overall attendances increased by 13%;
  • The Learn to Swim Scheme usage increased by 26%;
  • Free swimming and gym during School Holidays increased by 37%;
  • Active Schools targeted participants usage increased by 32%;
  • Overall income increased by 16%;
  • Health & Fitness Income increased by 19%;
  • Health & Fitness memberships increased by 14%; and
  • Sports Development Income increased by 25%.

It has been a thoroughly rewarding year as the Trust has continued to make substantial progress following the Covid pandemic and then the Cost-of-Living crisis. Whilst driving improved commercial performance, essential to the sustainability of the Trust, we are proud of the range of initiatives that have been developed, using physical activity to affect not just the physical, but also the mental and social wellbeing of our communities.
Notwithstanding the growth and success of the year, the prevailing financial challenges and the unceasing investment demands that a tiring portfolio of assets brings should not be under-estimated. The Board and management team have worked well to drive immediate in-year improvement and savings whilst also establishing strong strategic agility in economically challenging and uncertain times.
What remains clear is the positive impact that active well-being can have on local communities. Therefore, ongoing and more effective interventions between the health service and ourselves will have a vital role on assisting us in achieving our mission of 'Inspiring Healthy and Active Communities'
2024-25 will bring us exciting opportunities including enhanced partnership working with Education; the Health & Social Care Partnership; and sportscotland through the development of the Sport, Physical Activity & Health Strategic Working Group to ensure as an authority we plan collaboratively to deliver shared priorities for the residents of West Dunbartonshire.
To conclude I would like to take this opportunity to thank our management team, employees, Board of Directors, West Dunbartonshire Council and all strategic partners for their dedication and commitment over the previous 12 months, as well as our valued customers for all their ongoing loyalty and support.

Reports for Approval

5.1 Audited Accounts and WDLT Annual Report 2023-2024

The final audited financial accounts for the period to 31 March 2024 were submitted for approval from the Board along with the Annual Report for 2023-2024

Having heard the General Manager, Finance Manager and External Auditor in further explanation of the financial aspect of report 482, and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:-

1. to note the content of the report and Wbg (Audit Limited) WDLT Annual Report to the Board of Trustees on the External Audit for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (Appendix 1) and the Draft Annual Report and 2. Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (Appendix 2);

2. to approve a spend balance transfer of £255 into General Reserves after depleting the surplus funds to offset the funding gap;

3. to note that there are no surplus funds to allocate; and

4. to recommend to the Board of Directors to approve the Trust’s Annual Report 2023/24 and for the Chair and Vice Chair to sign the Letter of Representation contained within Appendix 1 at its Annual General Meeting on 5 September 2024; and

5. to thank staff at Wbg (Audit Limited)  and officers at West Dunbartonshire Council’s Finance section and the Leisure Trust for their work in producing the accounts.

S Gillon left the meeting

5.2 Retirement of Independent Directors and Appointment of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson

Report 483 was submitted by the General Manager to advise the Board of the process for the Retirement of Independent Directors and the appointment of a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.

Having heard the General Manager in further explanation of the report, and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:-

1. to note the content of the report;

2. to retire only Charlie Gibson Independent Director, and to then re-appoint as an Independent Director due to the retirement of Tony Waclawski; and

3. to appoint Clare Steel as Chairperson following the nomination by D.McB. and seconded by J.McC. and to appoint Charlie Gibson as Vice Chairperson following the nomination by D.M. and seconded by D.S.

5.3 Schedule of Board & Committee Meetings 2025 / 2026

Report 484 was submitted by the General Manager to seek approval from the Board for the implementation of the schedule of Board and Committee Meetings for the financial year 2023/24 and agree representation at Committee Meetings

Having heard the General Manager in further explanation of the financial aspect of the report, and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:-

1. to note the content of the report;

2. to approve the schedule of Board and Committee Meetings for 2025/26;

3. to approve the current Director Representation at Committee Meetings and;

4. to elect Councillor Clare Steel onto the Appeals Committee and Councillor David McBride onto the Audit & Risk Committee.

Reports for Noting

6.1 Attendance at Board Meetings (September 2023 – August 2024)

Report 485 was submitted by the General Manager to advise the Board of the attendance levels of Directors at Board Meetings since the last Annual General Meeting on 7 September 2023

Having heard the General Manager in further explanation of the report, and in answer to Board Member’s questions, the Board agreed:-

1. to note the content of the report.

A.O.C.B.

A brief presentation was made to Tony Waclawski who retired as a Director after 12 years on the Board.  The Chair, David Marshall thanked Tony for his commitment and wise counsel over his term as a Director.  In reply T.W. said he enjoyed his time putting something back into the community where he learned new skills.  He thanked fellow Directors past and present.
The Chair also thanked Bobby Kerr who retires shortly for his work as Board Administrator over the past 12 years.
The meeting concluded by D.M. thanking everyone for attending and was followed by a tour of the refurbished gym.

The meeting concluded by D.M. thanking everyone for attending and was followed by a tour of the refurbished gym.

Signed:                                                                      

David Marshall (Chair)