Leisure and Youth Policy and Review Panel - Monday, 15th January, 2018 7.00 pm - Agenda and minutes

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 4th September, 2017 and the Minutes of the Joint Meeting of the Environment and Leisure and Youth Policy and Review Panels held on 7th November, 2017 (copies attached).

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 4th September, 2017 and the Minutes of the Joint Meeting of the Environment and Leisure and Youth Panels held on 7th November, 2017 were agreed as a correct record.

Following the joint meetings of the Panels, where it had been proposed that the decision regarding the future of the Southwood Golf Course be deferred for twelve months while all other options were pursued, it was noted that the Cabinet decision had been to close the Golf Course.

To receive a presentation on the working arrangements at the Hampshire Cultural Trust from Ms. Janet Owens, Chief Executive Officer. A copy of the Hampshire Cultural Trust Annual Review is attached for reference.

The Panel welcomed Ms. Janet Owen, Chief Executive Officer, Hampshire Cultural Trust, who attended the meeting to give a presentation on the working arrangements for the Trust.

The Panel was advised that the Trust had been founded in November, 2014 to promote Hampshire as a cultural county and to operate the 23 venues within its portfolio, two of which, the Aldershot Military Museum and the West End Centre, were in the Borough. The Trust had an annual turnover of £7.5 million, employed 138 staff, assisted by over 400 volunteers, and cared for 2.5 million objects. The Trust had been established to enrich and transform the lives of people through cultural experiences, which connected well with the Rushmoor priorities. It was advised that the Trust was led by a strong leadership team supported by a number of trustees, with varying skill sets, to help drive the trust forward.

It was advised that a refurbishment programme was currently underway and the Aldershot Military Museum had benefited from an updated logo, new signage and a refresh of the shop and café facilities. A new ticketing system had also been introduced that allowed annual entry with tickets purchased with Gift Aid.

Supporting and empowering local communities had been a priority for the Trust, an example in the Borough of this had been The Gurkha Connection, an exhibition of photography, by young people in Hart and Rushmoor, of serving Gurkhas, veterans and local members of the Gurkha community. This exhibition had first been displayed in the Military Museum and had recently opened in Southampton. Other projects included the Arts Council funded Reaching Out Project, a curriculum linked learning programme for young people in heritage venues, and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation funded Horizon 20:20 project, which worked with vulnerable people in venues such as the West End Centre.   

Ms Owen informed the Panel of the financial position of the Trust, and reported that, year on year, a financial surplus had been achieved with unrestricted reserves of circa £700,000. Performance management had significantly improved during 2017/18, including clarity on key performance indicators and targets at venue level.

Ms Owen explained that, moving forward the Trust had identified what worked effectively and had segmented their portfolio into four categories:

·         Social Impact through community arts and museum venues (Aldershot Military Museum)

·         Cultural partnerships – education and wellbeing

·         Milestones

·         Culture Hubs – including arts centres (The West End Centre)

These categories helped identify what worked and prioritised the focus for each venue. 2018/19 would see the West End Centre become part of the new Cultural Hub and Community Work Streams and the Aldershot Military Museum would welcome a dedicated Community Manager. It was also noted that a new website was being developed for the Trust; this would include a sub site for the West End Centre with a new box office system. The West End Centre would also be launching “Gallery Live” which would be significantly promoted through social media and both venues would continue to be part of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

To receive a presentation from Martin Sterio, Health and Physical Activities Officer, and Jamie Adcock, Planning Officer, to update the Panel on the recent Healthy Weights Audit and associated work.

The Panel welcomed Mr. Martin Sterio, Health and Physical Activity Officer and Mr. Jamie Adcock, Planning Officer, who attended the meeting to give an update on the outcomes of the recent Healthy Weights Audit. The audit had been carried out in response to National Child Measuring Programme (NCMP) data which identified that Rushmoor was above the County average at both Year R and Year 6 and above the National average for Year R and only slightly below it for Year 6. The audit had assessed the effects of the local environment on younger years obesity levels in the Borough and the role that schools played in addressing the issues.

All 29 primary, junior and infant schools in the Borough had completed the survey, which asked 56 questions on physical activity and healthy eating. In addition, an environmental study was carried out of the catchment areas for each school, identifying the number of leisure facilities, sports clubs, green spaces, play areas and fast food outlets. A profile had been produced for each school identifying the findings from both the survey and the environmental study; the report also included specific recommendations for each school.

In summary, it was felt that the audit had found that the issues around younger years obesity were more to do with the environment and home, irrespective of what the schools were doing to address the issue. It was also explained that there were links between areas of deprivation and obesity in young people, with data from schools in areas of deprivation in the Borough showing some Year R children remaining overweight through to Year 6. The Panel also noted that only seven of the 29 schools surveyed had access to their NCMP data, an issue which would be raised with Public Health, and only a small number engaged in national/local schemes such as the daily mile, school travel team and cooking programmes for parents. A number of the schools had also identified that unhealthy weights linked to mental health issues, low self esteem, bullying and anxiety.

In the longer term, Mr. Sterio advised that work, through a whole partnership approach with, Hampshire County Council, Public Health, the school nurse team, the Active Travel Team and younger years groups, would be prioritised in the catchments/schools that had pupils whose weight was significantly above the county/national average. In the shorter term, schools would be encouraged to sign up to local/national initiatives and good practice would be shared.

The Panel discussed the presentation and the issues in their own Wards. It was felt that approaching parents with children with weight issues needed to be carried out sensitively and in a considered way. In response to a query it was noted that schools received £18,000 a year funding for physical activities within the curriculum.

The Panel ENDORSED the work being undertaken and requested that an update be made at a future meeting.

To review the Panel’s current work programme (copy attached), and to agree priorities where necessary.

            The Panel NOTED the current work programme and were advised that playgrounds and football clubs would be considered for the next meeting of the Panel. Members were reminded that, should they wish to raise any issues for future meetings, this should be done through the Chairman or the Panel Administrator.