SLC was appointed by Worcester City Council in January 2026 to provide an independent assessment of the implications for the Council of adopting an agency arrangement for the management of its leisure facilities. The Council’s existing (non-agency) leisure management contract with Freedom Leisure had recently been extended for a period of five years.

As part of the negotiations on the extension, the Council and Freedom Leisure agreed to explore the option of shifting to an agency arrangement during the first year of the extension period.

SLC’s brief was to review and advise on the implications for the Council of adopting the agency model and to examine how similar arrangements have been implemented elsewhere in the sector. This work included:

  • Reviewing Freedom Leisure’s specific proposal for introducing an agency model structure
  • Consulting with other local authority clients that have implemented an agency model
  • Consulting with other leisure operators to understand how agency models are being implemented more widely across the leisure operating market.

SLC’s assessment included consideration of the proposed benefits and risks, the required contractual changes, the role of both parties in setting up and administering the agency arrangement and the costs associated with implementing it. The findings were supported by valuable insight gathered through consultation with other councils and leisure operators already operating under agency arrangements.

The Council are seeking independent legal and VAT advice, with the intention of reporting its recommendations to the relevant committee in summer 2026.

TESTIMONIAL

“The Council have worked with SLC on a number of occasions over the years, specifically on leisure related matters and in my opinion they provide a service that is second to none. Superbly led by Duncan as the MD, the team have a depth of knowledge and experience, whilst having an engaging approach when liaising with both other organisations and clients alike. I would have no hesitation in recommending SLC for any future projects due to their expertise and professionalism.”

Alan New, Lead Commissioner for Leisure, Play, Health & Wellbeing, Worcester City Council

MORE CASE STUDIES