Latest news

Twelve new realities

In some local authorities, leisure services have been off the corporate radar due to them operating at a surplus and not presenting any significant problems or budget decisions. COVID-19 has resulted in those authorities having to provide financial support for the first time in years. SLC is working hard with its local authority clients and strategic partners to respond positively to the challenges being faced. We have developed our take on what we are calling the ‘Twelve new realities’ in what is a constantly evolving environment.

We’re hiring a Senior Consultant

SLC is the UK’s leading strategic adviser for public sector leisure, physical activity, sport and wellbeing. Our sector presence as a thought leader is firmly established and we influence across the UK and globally.
As part of our exciting plans for growth, we’re looking for the highest calibre professionals at Senior Consultant level to further enhance our exceptional team.

Sport England National Leisure Recovery Fund

Sport England opened the National Leisure Recovery Fund in December 2020, with the aim of supporting the reopening and recovery of public sector leisure facilities. A total of £100M has been distributed to 266 local authorities across England, funded by the Government and administered by Sport England.
SLC is proud to have supported a significant number of our clients in receiving £ millions of funding support.

Report – Virtual Think Tank 4 November: Commissioning Sport and Leisure Services in a COVID / Post-COVID World

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) facilitated an online Think Tank – ‘Commissioning Sport and Leisure Services in a COVID / Post-COVID World’ for local authority clients on 4 November 2020. Facilitation was provided by Toby Kingsbury and David Rushton, SLC Directors, supported by Michelle Payne, SLC Consultant.

1,100 minutes of sector collaboration – a review of SLC’s Virtual Think Tanks

A review of SLC’s Virtual Think Tanks: over 100 local authorities and 10 leisure operators from across the country attended our Virtual Think Tanks from 2 April onwards. Over the past five months, SLC hosted 12 sessions exploring key questions and Covid related challenges.

Report – Virtual Think Tank 20 August: Managing the Recovery of Local Government Leisure Services

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) facilitated an online Think Tank – ‘Managing the Recovery of Local Government Leisure Services’ for local authority clients on 20 August 2020 from 3pm-4.30pm. Facilitation was provided by Toby Kingsbury and David Rushton, SLC Directors, supported by Judith Schrenk, SLC Research Consultant.

Report – Virtual Think Tank 06 August: Managing the Recovery of Local Government Leisure Services

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) facilitated an online Think Tank – ‘Managing the Recovery of Local Government Leisure Services’ for local authority clients and Sport England colleagues only on 06 August 2020 from 3pm-4.30pm. Facilitation was provided by Duncan-Wood Allum, SLC Managing Director, supported by Judith Schrenk, SLC Research Consultant.

SLC’s Recovery Planning Support strengthened through partnership with 4global

SLC, in close collaboration with leisure insight experts and developers of the DataHub 4global, have developed a Local Authority Benchmarking Tool to support local authority clients and their leisure operating partners through the phases of recovery. This enables local authorities to track actual live financial and throughput performance of sites linked to all the core income areas of a leisure operation and to maintain ‘real-time’ visibility on how the wider market is responding – something which will be hugely valuable during such a period of uncertainty.

Report – Virtual Think Tank 23 July: Managing the Recovery of Local Government Leisure Services

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) facilitated an online Think Tank – ‘Managing the Recovery of Local Government Leisure Services’ for Local Authority Clients on 23 July 2020. Facilitation was provided by Duncan-Wood Allum, Managing Director at SLC, supported by Judith Schrenk, SLC Research Consultant.

Report – Virtual Think Tank 25 June: Recovery Planning: Remobilising Leisure Services – the next challenge

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) facilitated an online Think Tank – Recovery Planning: Remobilising Leisure Services – the next challenge’ for Local Authority Clients, Sector Stakeholders and Public Sector Leisure Operating Partners on 25 June 2020. Facilitation was provided by Toby Kingsbury, Director at SLC, supported by Judith Schrenk, SLC Research Consultant.

Report – Virtual Think Tank 11 June: Recovery Planning – Key Considerations for Public Leisure Services’ exploring affordability – key challenges and opportunities

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) facilitated an online Think Tank – Recovery Planning – Key Considerations for Public Leisure Services’ exploring affordability – key challenges and opportunities for Local Authority Clients, Sector Stakeholders and Public Sector Leisure Operating Partners. Facilitation was provided by Duncan Wood-Allum, Founder and Managing Director at SLC, supported by Judith Schrenk, SLC Research Consultant.

Report – Virtual Think Tank 28 May: Recovery Planning for Aquatics – Key Considerations for Public Leisure Services

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) facilitated an online Think Tank – Recovery Planning for Aquatics – Key Considerations for Public Leisure Services for Local Authority Clients, Sector Stakeholders and Public Sector Leisure Operators on 28 May 2020. Facilitation was provided by Duncan Wood-Allum, Founder and Managing Director at SLC, supported by Judith Schrenk, SLC Research Consultant.

Report – Virtual Think Tank 14 May: Recovery Planning – Key Considerations for Public Leisure Services

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) facilitated an online Think Tank – Recovery Planning – Key Considerations for Public Leisure Services for local authority client officers and leisure operators on 14 May 2020.

Report – Virtual Think Tank 30 April: Contractual Considerations

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) hosted two Virtual Think Tanks on Leisure Partnerships: Managing the Crisis – Contractual Considerations for Local Authority Client Officers on 30 April 2020. These sessions were facilitated by legal leisure expert Iain Greenshields, Womble Bond Dickinson LLP and colleagues.

Report – Virtual Think Tank 23 April: Leisure Trust Partnerships

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) facilitated an online Think Tank Leisure Trust Partnerships – Managing the Crisis and Planning for a Sustainable Future for Local Authority Client Officers and their Trust Partners on 23 April 2020. Facilitation was provided by Mark Tweedie, SLC Associate.

Report – Virtual Think Tank 16 April: Leisure Operator Partnerships – Covid-19 Think Tank

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) facilitated an online Think Tank – Leisure Partnerships – Managing the Crisis and Planning for the Future for Local Authority Officers with Leisure Operating Contracts on 16 April 2020. Facilitation was provided by Duncan Wood-Allum, Managing Director at SLC.

Report – Virtual Think Tank 09 April (Session 2): Leisure Operator Partnerships – Managing the Crisis and Planning for the Future

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) facilitated an online Think Tank – ‘Leisure Operator Partnerships – Managing the Crisis and Planning for the Future’ for Local Authority Client Officers with a leisure contract. Facilitation was provided by Toby Kingsbury, Director at SLC.

Report – Virtual Think Tank 09 April (Session 1): Leisure Trust Partnerships – Managing the Crisis and Planning for the Future

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) facilitated an online Think Tank – ‘Leisure Partnerships – Managing the Crisis and Planning for the Future’ for Local Authority Client Officers and their NDPO Trust Partners on 9 April 2020 from 10.30am-12 noon. Facilitation was provided by Mark Tweedie, SLC Associate.

Report – Virtual Think Tank 02 April: Leisure Provision – Post COVID-19

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) facilitated an online Think Tank – Leisure Provision – Post Covid-19 on 2 April 2020. Facilitation was provided by Duncan Wood-Allum, Managing Director of SLC.

Virtual Think Tanks

SLC will be hosting and facilitating a series of Virtual Think Tanks on public sector leisure provision, building on our heritage of hosting peer to peer knowledge sharing and transfer seminars for the leisure sector for over 10 years. Each week we will host a 90 minute session to explore key questions and challenges facing…

COVID-19 Crisis – Hold Fast

At SLC we’ve taken all the necessary steps to ensure our staff and clients are safe and that we take care of our associates, suppliers and partners. We are delighted they are reciprocating. We are focussed on continuing to deliver projects for our clients and where we can, offer wider support (or just a friendly…

Health Equity in England

Judith Schrenk, Research Consultant provides a short synopsis of the latest Marmot Report – The Marmot Review Ten Years On
In 2010, the British Government commissioned Professor Sir Michael Marmont to review health inequalities in the United Kingdom. The 2010 review concluded that the path to a sustainable improvement of equality was not policy focusing on healthcare systems, but rather an improvement in the social determinants of health.

SLC’S Think Tank sets the scene for leisure procurement

On 9 October 2019, representatives from eight Local Authorities from across England participated in an engaging day of learning and knowledge sharing on ‘Optimising your Leisure Procurement’.
This Think Tank seminar, facilitated by SLC Directors David Rushton and Toby Kingsbury, provided a platform to share best practice approaches to procuring successful leisure partnerships…

SLC’S Think Tank breaks new ground in leisure client services support

On 19 September 2019, 11 Local Authorities and Organisations from across England participated in a day of learning and knowledge sharing with SLC’s Directors on ‘Optimising your Leisure Management Partnership’.
Guest speakers from SLC Strategic Partners Tillr and 4Global provided insight from the latest sector thinking.

SLC’s Think Tank leads the way in service transformation

On 13 February 2019, 10 Local and City Authorities from across England enjoyed a day of learning and engagement with SLC’s Directors on ‘Planning and Delivering Sustainable and Effective Leisure Services’.
The intention of the seminar was…

SLC to develop sport and physical activity strategy for Ebbsfleet Garden City

SLC has been appointed by the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation (EDC) to develop a new strategy for sports participation and physical activity in Ebbsfleet Garden City. Ebbsfleet Garden City has been designated one of 10 pilot Healthy New Towns (HNT) by NHS England. The new sport and physical activity strategy will support Ebbsfleet Garden City become…

SLC to provide strategic support to The Swimathon Foundation

SLC is delighted to announce that we have been appointed by The Swimathon Foundation to provide strategic support in supporting the growth of its events portfolio, partnerships and fundraising. The Swimathon Foundation is the owner and custodian of the annual national Swimathon, Open Water Swimathon and School Swimathon events. The main annual Swimathon started in…

SLC’s Think Tank hits the spot for upcoming leisure procurements

On 3 October 2018, 15 Local Authorities and organisations from across England enjoyed a day of learning, knowledge transfer and engagement with SLC’s Directors on: ‘Optimising your Leisure and Cultural Procurement.’ The session was designed to provide a platform for best practice, sharing of lessons learned and promote the development of more effective partnerships, improved financial…

Crawley Borough Council secures outstanding new leisure partnership

The council and Everyone Active are committed to proactively addressing health inequalities in the borough with the aim of getting residents more active. The service has therefore been re-designed to help extend its reach and impact across the borough by specifying a new programme of outreach activities to help tackle inactivity in local communities. Crawley…

Not a bad 12 months

As SLC reflects on the last 12 months, we are delighted with the success of in the last twelve months and are looking forward to continuing to support our existing client base and forging some new partnerships in 2018 and beyond. SLC has successfully delivered over 50 projects for clients in local government, education, the third…

SLC Chairman, Richard Leman, awarded OBE

SLC’s Chairman, Richard Leman, has been awarded Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen’s 2018 Birthday Honours List.  Richard received the honour for “Services to Hockey” due to the incredible service he has given to hockey in Great Britain at a local, national and international level. Richard is a two-time Olympic medallist. Richard…

SLC to lead review of Procurement Toolkit

Sport England has recently appointed The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) to lead the review and update of the Procurement Toolkit suite. This toolkit is for use by the sector and by organisations with close relationships with Sport England including Local Authorities, commercial operators, Leisure trusts, Legal professionals, leisure consultants, and sector bodies. Following…

SLC and Southern Green enter a Masterplanning Partnership

SLC and Southern Green Ltd. are delighted to announce their strategic partnership, working together to explore the potential for leisure and recreational sites. Southern Green is an award winning firm of landscape architects, urban designers and masterplanners who are passionate about delivering enduring, innovative and inspirational places. Since its establishment in 1998, Southern Green has…

London Think Tank, October 2018 – Optimising your Leisure & Cultural Procurement

SLC continue to deliver sector-leading advice to local authorities through our unique and highly acclaimed Think Tank seminars. We are delighted to announce further details about our London Think Tank on Wednesday 3 October 2018 – Optimising your Leisure and Cultural Procurement. This facilitated peer learning event provides expert advice and learning to help you…

New Leisure Contract Set to Transform Services in West Lindsey

West Lindsey District Council has selected a preferred partner to manage its Leisure Services following a competitive procurement process. The Council awarded the 15-year contract to Sport and Leisure Management Ltd who trade as Everyone Active. The Council is undertaking a £7.8 million investment programme including substantial refurbishment at West Lindsey Leisure Centre and a…

Preferred partner selected to manage Park Leisure Centre in Barrow

Barrow Borough Council has selected their preferred partner to manage the Park Leisure Centre. Following a competitive procurement process, Life Leisure have been appointed as preferred partner for the 15-year contract. Life Leisure, the trading name of Stockport Sports Trust, was established in 2002. They are a not for profit social enterprise company and registered…

New Year Commissions for SLC

The start of 2018 has brought a number of new commissions for the SLC team, from both new and some long established clients. SLC is continuing its strong tradition of supporting the education sector in establishing sustainable community use. We recently supported an independent school in the south west, exploring the best available options for…

Windsor and Maidenhead – new leisure centre given the green light!

  Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s councillors gave the green light to a futuristic leisure centre, featuring an indoor street and winter garden running through the spine of the building on 14 February (subject to final approval by the National Planning Casework Unit.) SLC played a pivotal role back in 2016 in developing the…

Duncan sets a challenge at the SAPCA Conference

SLC’s MD Duncan Wood-Allum delivered a challenging speech to delegates at the Annual SAPCA conference on “A Changing Marketplace”. In his 30 minute presentation he highlighted the state of the market for sports and play constructors and identified where there may be threats and opportunities for delegates to respond to in the coming years. He…

Top Marks for SLC’s Optimising your Leisure and Cultural Procurement Think Tank!

On 8 February 2018, 11 Local Authorities and organisations from across England enjoyed a day of learning, knowledge transfer and engagement with SLC’s Directors on Optimising your Leisure and Cultural Procurement. Amardeep Gill from Trowers & Hamlins LLP was also on hand to offer his legal expertise. The session was designed to provide a platform for best…

SLC is hiring! Office Admin / Researcher Opportunity

At SLC our vision is to be the leading strategic adviser to the Sport and Leisure Sector and to respond to increasing levels of demand for our services, we need to bring some more exceptional people on board.

We’re now looking to recruit a Office Administrator / Researcher to further develop our top class team.

Details announced for Sheffield Think Tank March 2018 – Transforming Leisure and Cultural Provision

SLC continue to deliver sector-leading advice to local authorities through our unique and highly acclaimed Think Tank seminars and we are delighted to announce further details about our Sheffield Think Tank on 21 March 2018 – Transforming Leisure and Cultural Provision. This facilitated peer learning event provides expert advice on the approach to leisure and…

Watford Borough Council secures outstanding leisure procurement result

Watford Borough Council has agreed a new 15-year partnership with leisure operator Everyone Active to manage and help develop its sport and leisure facilities. The new contract will include the operation of the council-owned Watford Central Leisure Centre and Watford Woodside Leisure Centre and Athletics Stadium. The service has been re-designed to help extend its reach…

SLC launches Leisure and Cultural Service Reviews

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy Ltd has over the last 7 years assisted over 50 clients to transform their leisure and cultural services, and in doing so deliver significant financial savings (c. £60 million) and better services for communities. These projects have been as varied as improving service delivery through better programming and marketing,…

New partners selected to manage leisure services in North Kesteven

North Kesteven District Council has selected preferred partners to manage its leisure services following a competitive procurement process. The preferred partners, all of which are not-for-profit or trust organisations for three Lots are: Lot 1: Sport and Physical Activity – Greenwich Leisure Ltd Lot 2: Whisby Natural World Centre – Lincs Inspire Lot 3: Countryside service –…

SLC at SALTEX

SLC Managing Consultant, Toby Kingsbury presented to delegates at SALTEX, held at the NEC on 1st November. Toby explored the topic of inequalities in sport and physical activity and explained how new leisure contracts are helping to tackle this issue. The correlation between socio-economic groups and levels of inactivity is stark and although this is…

SLC’s current projects

As we approach the end of 2017, SLC is in the process of delivering a number of interesting and important projects for clients across the country. The team has been entrusted to support a number of local authority clients in their leisure and / or cultural procurement. Ongoing procurements currently include Watford Borough Council, North…

SLC Supporting Grassroots Sport

East Grinstead Sports Club is one of the highest profile sports clubs in Sussex featuring National Hockey Men’s and Ladies Teams and a number of other sports. Its management contract was coming up for renewal and the club was seeking advice on how to either extend or retender the management contract linked to further improving…

SLC helps de Stafford School secure outstanding leisure procurement result

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) is delighted to announce that de Stafford School in Caterham has agreed a new 15-year partnership with Freedom Leisure to manage and develop the School’s dual-use sports centre. SLC was appointed by de Stafford School to support the School throughout the procurement process and are proud to have…

Sustainable Leisure and Cultural Facilities Think Tank a Success!

On 28 September 2017, Local Authorities from across England and the LTA enjoyed a day of learning, knowledge transfer and engagement with SLC’s Leisure Procurement and Feasibility experts on Sustainable Leisure and Cultural Services. Amardeep Gill, Legal Partner from Trowers and Hamlins, was also on hand to offer his legal expertise. The session was designed…

Details announced for London Think Tank Feb 18 – Optimising your Leisure Procurement

SLC continue to deliver sector-leading advice to local authorities through our unique and highly acclaimed Think Tank seminars and SLC is delighted to announce further details about our London Think Tank on 8 February 2018 – Optimising your Leisure Procurement. This facilitated peer learning event provides expert advice on the approach to leisure procurement to…

A busy summer of ongoing projects and new challenges for SLC

The SLC team has been kept busy over the summer months by a combination of new and ongoing client projects across the UK and Ireland. Our expanded team has returned from summer holidays refreshed and ready to continue to serve the needs of existing clients, get new projects underway and develop new client and strategic…

Details announced for Sustainable Leisure and Cultural Services Think Tank, 28 September 2017

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) is inviting local authorities to take part in the latest of our successful Think Tank facilitated seminars on Sustainable Leisure and Cultural Services. The seminar takes place on Thursday 28 September: 9.30am – 3.45pm at Trowers and Hamlins, 10 Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2QD. Think Tanks enable senior…

Record year of growth for SLC

As SLC reflects on the last year, we are delighted with the success of 2016/2017 and are looking forward to continuing to support our existing client base and forging some new partnerships in the upcoming year. SLC has successfully delivered over 50 projects for clients in local government, education, the third sector and private sector…

SLC and BSSEC team up for smart energy saving solutions

SLC have forged a partnership with BSSEC, one of the UK’s leading Energy Consultancies. BSSEC have worked with over 600 clients over the past 10 years and can assist you in identifying how much more efficient your assets can become linked to invest to save opportunities. Together with BSECC, we are supporting clients and their operators to optimise…

New Summer Projects

Recent months have seen SLC add a number of new projects and clients to our current portfolio, and the team is looking forward to supporting a variety of strategy, feasibility and procurement projects over the summer and into 2018. Procurements have been secured across the whole length of the country from Barrow in Furness on…

We’re hiring Consultants

Got what it takes? At SLC our vision is to be the leading strategic adviser to the Sport and Leisure Sector and to respond to increasing levels of demand for our services, we need to bring some more exceptional people on board. We’re now looking to recruit a Consultant to further develop our top class…

Slough secures sensational leisure procurement result

Slough Borough Council has agreed a new 10-year partnership with leisure operator Everyone Active to manage and help develop its sport and leisure facilities. The new contract will include the operation of a new leisure centre for Slough to replace Montem Leisure Centre along with other major public leisure facilities including Slough Ice Arena, Langley…

SLC Leisure Procurement Think Tank hits the Spot in Watford

On 6 June, 10 Local Authorities and organisations from across England enjoyed a day of learning, knowledge transfer and engagement with SLC’s Leisure Procurement experts on optimising their leisure procurement. The session was designed to provide a platform for best practice, sharing of lessons learned and promote the development of more effective partnerships, leisure and cultural…

Barrow Borough Council and SLC working together to procure a new leisure management contract

Barrow Borough Council’s Leisure Services which include Park Leisure Centre and The Forum, currently run in-house are to be tendered for the first time. The procurement is scheduled to start in the summer of 2017. Leading leisure consultants SLC have been commissioned by Barrow Borough Council to assist with the procurement of a long-term partner…

Crawley Borough Council appoints SLC to support the procurement of new management contract for K2 Crawley

Crawley Borough Council has commissioned The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) to provide support for the procurement of a long-term partner to operate K2 Crawley and associated leisure facilities. This procurement exercise will run in parallel to the Council’s planned capital improvements to their leisure facilities. The project aims to be a part of the…

Oxford City Council publishes Community Centre Strategy

Oxford City Council have now published their Oxford Community Centre Strategy for 2016 – 2020. SLC was commissioned in March 2015 to develop the evidence which has informed the City’s Community Centre Strategy as published in February 2017. The needs assessment undertaken by SLC contributed to the development of the Strategy, informing an understanding of…

SLC and Set Square Surveyors announce new partnership

SLC and Set Square Surveyors are thrilled to announce the formalisation of their new partnership, working together to optimise the value and minimise lifecycle costs of SLC’s clients’ leisure assets. Set Square provides a comprehensive range of Building Surveying services to the leisure industry with expertise in Dilapidations Management and Condition Surveys. Working with SLC…

SLC achieves ISO 9001:2008 certification for its third year

SLC is delighted to announce that following our ISO 9001:2008 Surveillance Audit in February, our certification has been renewed for another year. The assessment raised no major or minor non-conformities, emphasising the dedication of the team to maintain our quality systems and accreditation. ISO 9001 is a certified quality management system (QMS) for organisations in…

SLC announces the appointment of SLC Chairman, Richard Leman

SLC is delighted to announce that Richard Leman has been appointed as Chairman of SLC to lead the SLC Board in its plans for growth. Richard was a member of the Gold Medal winning Great Britain Hockey squad in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. Richard has been the President of Great Britain Hockey and a director of the…

SLC prepare for leisure procurement Think Tanks

SLC had a fantastic and productive day at the Think Tank Seminar – Optimising your Leisure Procurement on the 2 March at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Sheffield. The session was designed to provide a platform for best practice, sharing of lessons learned and promote the development of more effective partnerships, leisure contracts and outcomes.…

Bah Humbug – no Christmas cards this year, all for a good cause!

As you can see, SLC has not sent you a paper Christmas card this year. Instead we are making a donation to Parkinson’s UK. Close to SLC’s heart, this charity drives better care, treatments and quality of life for those suffering from Parkinson’s. They are the largest European charitable funder of Parkinson’s research, investing over £75million in research.…

Details announced for SLC’s Sheffield Think Tank, ‘Optimising your Leisure Procurement’ – 2 March 2017

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) would like to invite you to take part in the latest of our successful Think Tank facilitated seminars, Optimising your Leisure Procurement. This facilitated peer learning event provides expert advice on the approach to externalising your leisure procurement to help you achieve the very best sustainable outcomes for your service. The…

New leisure contact heralds active future for East Northamptonshire

A UK specialist in leisure management has been chosen to run the three leisure centres in East Northamptonshire along with a new outreach programme. East Northamptonshire Council has awarded Freedom Leisure the contract to manage and develop the healthy and active lifestyles offer in the district through the Nene Centre in Thrapston, the Pemberton Centre…

Westway Trust secures outstanding leisure procurement result

Westway Trust, the charity that is custodian of a vibrant 23 acres of land underneath the Westway flyover in Kensington, has agreed a 10 year partnership with leisure operator Everyone Active to manage the sports and fitness enterprise on the estate. The partnership will see Everyone Active and Westway Trust encourage 1.2 million visits to…

We’re recruiting a Managing Consultant

Take responsibility for your own future. At SLC our vision is to be the leading strategic adviser to the Sport and Leisure Sector and to respond to increasing levels of demand for our services, we need to bring some more exceptional people on board. About Us SLC (The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy) was established…

We’re hiring Consultants

Got what it takes? At SLC our vision is to be the leading strategic adviser to the Sport and Leisure Sector and to respond to increasing levels of demand for our services, we need to bring some more exceptional people on board. We’re now looking to recruit  a  Consultant  / Senior Consultant to further develop…

West Lindsey and SLC working together to procure a new leisure management partner

West Lindsey District Council has commissioned The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) to provide support for the procurement of a long-term partner to operate its leisure facilities. The existing leisure management contract comes to an end in April 2018 and the Council has identified the procurement of a new contract as being one of their…

Developing Sustainable Leisure Facilities Think Tank a Success!

On 14 June 17 Local authorities from across England enjoyed a day of learning, knowledge transfer and engagement with SLC’s subject matter experts. They attended SLC’s second Think Tank of 2016 – ‘Developing Sustainable Leisure Facilities’. Through a series of facilitated workshops, delegates explored their own projects with input from SLC’s expert team in design,…

Watford BC and SLC working together to procure a new leisure management contract

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) has been commissioned by Watford Borough Council to assist with the procurement of a long-term partner to operate the Council’s leisure centres. This is part of the Council’s strategy to promote sport and physical activity across the borough through the provision of high quality, inclusive services. The existing…

Slough Borough Council appoints SLC to support its leisure procurement

Leisure provision within Slough is undergoing an exciting transformation with a staggering £34m being invested in leisure facilities for the town. These developments are being delivered through the council’s ambitious leisure strategy, with the ultimate aim to get more people, more active, more often. The council is in the process of procuring a new leisure…

Malvern Hills District Council awarded Certificate of Excellence for Procurement of Leisure Services

SLC client, Malvern Hills District Council, has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence for improving services to the public sector and its citizens by the Improvement and Efficiency Social Enterprise (iESE) for its management of the re-procurement of their leisure services. SLC acted as a strategic advisor to the Council throughout this process, assisting in…

SLC achieves ISO:9001 certification for its second year

SLC is delighted to announce that following our ISO 9001:2008 Annual Assessment in February, our certification has been renewed for another year. Our assessment raised no major or minor non-conformities, emphasising the dedication of the team to maintain our quality systems and accreditation. ISO 9001 is a certified quality management system (QMS) for organisations in…

Productive day for 10 Local Authorities at our Midlands Think Tank

SLC facilitated a half day Transforming Leisure and Cultural Services Procurement Think Tank on 23 February 2016 in Loughborough. Strategic input and facilitation was provided through SLC’s Duncan Wood-Allum, David Rushton and Toby Kingsbury. The session was designed to provide a platform for best practice, sharing of lessons learned and promote the development of more…

SLC assist North Kesteven DC in securing National ‘Whole Systems’ Approach to Obesity Pilot

We are delighted to announce that North Kesteven District Council has been selected to take part in the prestigious ‘Whole Systems’ Approach to Obesity Pilot Programme. The other three successful councils are Durham County Council, Gloucestershire County Council, and London Borough of Lewisham. 60 local authorities bid to take part in the programme. Public Health England (PHE),…

Oxford Spires Academy New Community Facilities are Open!

Oxford Spires Academy and Fusion Lifestyle supported by a large investment from Oxford City Council have opened the doors of a new health and fitness facility this week to extend the Academy’s community use provision in East Oxford. SLC has had a long association of working in Oxford and we were initially engaged to support…

SLC extends appointment with East Northamptonshire Council to manage its procurement

Following successful completion of the Leisure Strategy for East Northamptonshire Council, SLC has been appointed to support the Council through the procurement of a leisure operator. SLC will manage the procurement process, exploring options for the future management of three facilities in Thrapston and Rushden post 2016. Duncan Wood-Allum said ‘We are delighted to have…

Westway Trust appoints SLC to manage its procurement

SLC has been appointed by Westway Trust to provide advice and manage the procurement of a not-for-profit operator for its Sport and Fitness facilities. The Trust currently operates in a number of areas within the community as part of its charitable remit to provide facilities, services and opportunities for its community, and sees this as…

Toby Kingsbury joins SLC as Principal Consultant

Toby Kingsbury has joined SLC as a Principal Consultant. Toby has over 15 years’ experience in the delivery of sport, leisure and cultural services and has worked in a number of roles in local authority leisure provision and has a Master’s Degree in Sports Management from the University of Leicester. Before joining SLC, Toby was…

Laura Froshaug joins SLC as Research Consultant

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Laura Froshaug as a Research Consultant from October 2015. Having recently graduated from the University of Exeter with a degree in French and Latin, Laura is now eager to develop her experience in the sport, leisure and culture sector. Laura has been inspired to become a part…

South Ayrshire Council set to open new Girvan leisure facility

SLC client, South Ayrshire Council and South Carrick Community Leisure have recently announced that all capital costs are now in place for a new Leisure Centre in Girvan. In 2013-14, SLC played a vital role in challenging the existing business plan and feasibility study and making recommendations in relation to affordability and sustainability which were…

Oxford Spires Academy – new Community use facilities

Oxford Spires Academy set to open doors on new community leisure facilities in January 2016. The Sport Leisure and Culture Consultancy has been supporting Oxford Spires Academy, part of the CfBT Schools Trust in developing new community sports facilities in East Oxford, due to open to the public in January 2016. Oxford Spires Academy serves the…

North Kesteven District Council appoints SLC to develop Sport and Physical Activity Strategy

North Kesteven District Council has appointed the Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) to develop its Sport and Physical Activity Strategy. SLC will review the existing evidence base including the Council’s health, well-being and strategic priorities to develop clear objectives for sports and physical activity services. The strategy will inform the Council’s approach to its…

SLC achieves ISO 9001:2008 certification

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy has achieved ISO 9001:2008 certification, following a successful audit. What is ISO 9001? ISO 9001 is the international standard that sets out the requirements for a quality management system and is the most widely recognised standard in the world. Over a million organizations are certified to it globally, with…

SLC complete Service proposition for Live Active Leisure

In the context of unprecedented challenges to public funding and the requirement on local authorities to seek new and innovative ways of delivering services to ensure sustainability, Live Active Leisure were seeking to develop  innovative, informative, effective, efficient and Service Propositions that reflected current and future challenges. Phil Collins, under the directorship of Duncan Wood-Allum and supported by Anna…

Independent school appoints SLC to develop their new Sports Centre plans

SLC has recently been appointed by an independent co-educational day and boarding school in Surrey to advise on the scope, size and design of a new indoor Sports Centre development for the school. High quality sports facilities are increasingly becoming a signficant feature of top independent schools nationwide, with many of the best establishments boasting…

SLC Helpline Launched for 2015

SLC are delighted to announce the launch of our new free SLC Helpline service from January 2015 – a first in the leisure consulting sector. Through this new phone and email based service, SLC will provide bespoke initial advice in response to queries from individuals and organisations seeking assistance, guidance or clarification specialist and technical…

Publication of Suffolk Disability Sport & Physical Activity Strategy 2014-2019

Suffolk County Council have now published their Suffolk Disability Sport & Physical Activity Strategy for 2014-2019. The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy were commissioned in February 2014 to develop a Disability Sport and Physical Activity Strategy for Suffolk County Council, and will now be jointly developing and delivering a Think Tank with the Council to…

David Rushton joins SLC as Associate Director

We are delighted to announce the appointment of David Rushton as Associate Director from January 2015. David will be responsible for leading the development of our services in the Midlands and North. David has over 25 years experience in the sport, leisure and culture sector and has worked in a plethora of roles in the…

Olympic gold medallist to launch Active Letchworth Strategy

A strategy for supporting Letchworth residents to be more active and healthy is being launched with local sports, community and health groups on 17th November at the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation offices on Icknield Way. Organisations involved in grassroots sport, physical activity, health and wellbeing activities are being invited to join a Partnership Forum aimed…

SLC delivers Service Proposition for Live Active Leisure

In the context of unprecedented challenges to public funding and the requirement on local authorities to seek new and innovative ways of delivering services to ensure sustainability, Live Active Leisure (LAL) were seeking to develop  innovative, informative, effective, efficient and Service Propositions that reflected current and future challenges. Phil Collins, with support from the SLC…

Time to shake up the Local Authority Gym market?

I’ve just been to the gym. A solitary run in an uninspiring environment, with no human interaction whatsoever. I had no programme, have set no goals and apart from ‘feeling good’ after my workout, have nothing else to show. I’m pretty highly motivated as regards looking after myself having played competitive sport most of my…

SLC hosts Leisure Procurement Think Tank in Birmingham with partners

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) in partnership with Trowers & Hamlins LLP and FMG Consulting, hosted a half day Leisure Procurement Think Tank on 21 May 2014 in Birmingham. The sessions were designed to provide a platform for best practice, sharing of lessons learned and promoting the development of more effective partnerships, leisure contracts…

Suffolk County Council commission SLC to develop Disability Sport and Physical Activity Strategy

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy were commissioned in February 2014 to develop a Disability Sport and Physical Activity Strategy for Suffolk County Council. This is part of the Council’s ambitions to build on the legacy of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and address the key outcomes identified in the English Federation of…

SLC supporting Councils in making savings

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) is working with a number of Unitaries, London Boroughs and second tier authorities on addressing the challenge of major budget reductions looming  in 2015/16. In the last 12 months we’ve identified well over £5 million of cashable savings for three clients. Budget reductions for Culture and Sport services…

SLC announces Promotion for Anna Dalton.

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy is delighted to announce that Anna Dalton has recently been promoted to Consultant. Anna joined SLC on an Internship in October 2012 and has progressed from a Research Consultant role to her new role. Her role will now incorporate leading SLC Insight’s development of its supply and demand services,…

Malvern Hills District Council approves Sport and Leisure Strategy produced in association with SLC

Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) has now approved their first Sport and Leisure Strategy 2014-2018, Active Communities Malvern Hills District: A Vision for the Future. Developed in partnership with SLC, the strategy seeks to define how the council will support sport and leisure provision in the future. It is set in the context of the…

SLC and Hall Aitken explore performance management with operators in the South East

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC), supported by Hall Aitken, conducted a half day workshop on performance management on Thursday 16th January, at the Triangle, Burgess Hill, West Sussex hosted by Freedom Leisure and attended by the South East Leisure Contractors Organisation (SELCO). Following a debate about Key Performance Indicators, SLC were invited to…

Congratulations to Ockley ABC on a successful sported. grant application!

We are thrilled to announce that our grant application to  sported. on behalf of Ockley Amateur Boxing Club in Bognor Regis, considered by the sported. grant panel on 11th December 2013,  was successful. Duncan is Ockley ABC’s sported. mentor, and SLC have been working with the club to develop a 3 year business plan and…

SLC sponsorship of TCPA Planning Seminar.

SLC was a proud sponsor of the recent Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) seminar on Planning for Culture, the Arts and Sporting Facilities in Sustainable New Communities in London on 6 November 2013. The seminar also included a presentation by Duncan Wood-Allum on Leveraging strategic investment in culture and sport through the private sector.…

Leisure Procurement Think Tanks making an impact

The Sport Leisure and  Culture Consultancy in partnership with Trowers and Hamlins and FMG Consulting have been delighted at the response from the sector to their two Leisure Procurement Think Tanks recently held in Manchester on 5 November and in London on 12 November. Sport England were represented following the development of their Leisure Procurement…

Malvern Hills DC appoints SLC for Sport and Leisure Strategy

Boost for sport and leisure activities Malvern Hills District Council has appointed the Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) to develop a Sport and Leisure Strategy by March 2014 to provide a clear approach to its role in supporting sustainable sport and leisure opportunities within the district. The strategy will aim to maximise opportunities to…

SLC’s fourth consecutive year of growth

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) is now entering its fifth year of trading off the back of its most successful year ever. The Consultancy, which is now firmly established as a trusted brand within the sector has supported over 30 clients from the third, private and public sectors in the last year. SLC…

East Hampshire DC appoint SLC for Alton Sports Centre Feasibility Study

East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) has appointed The Sport Leisure and Culture Consultancy Ltd (SLC) to provide a detailed understanding of the options to the Council for the refurbishment or replacement of Alton Sports Centre. This is the first project to be taken forward from the Council’s Leisure Built Facilities Strategy, which highlighted addressing the…

SLC explores the five key myths in local authority leisure

When there’s a mad panic on in the Town Hall to find savings and local authorities are short on time, important decisions can often be made with limited information and understanding.  With reductions in specialist Leisure senior managers, there are a number of myths we encounter relating to leisure which may lead to missed opportunities.…

Pro Active Camden’s Plan for Sport

Pro Active Camden (PAC) is one of the leading CSPANs in England, with a proud track record of cross cutting work in one of London’s most dynamic and diverse boroughs. Back in 2009, The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy supported PAC in the development of its Sport and Physical Activity strategy. Building on the original…

Orford Jubilee Park Royal Opening

Warrington got the royal treatment on Thursday 17th May when HRH Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Park and Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub. The 50 acre site has been transformed with a £30 million investment from a number of sources to provide the Northwest of England with a real physical legacy in 2012. Duncan Wood-Allum…

SLC supporting sported.

sported. is the UK’s leading sport for development charity helping to transform the lives of disadvantaged young people. They do this by supporting community and voluntary sports groups, which deliver sport for development. Their aim is to help them grow and run to the best of their ability. This helps to change young people’s lives aged…

New capital projects opening in 2012

It’s been really satisfying to have followed a number of major capital projects we’ve worked on over the years. They’ve now started to come out of the ground and open to the community. Over £100 Million worth of schemes will open this year (not including the Olympic Park!).   The £30m Orford Park Project in…

Active Warrington

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) has recently completed a sport and physical activity strategy for Warrington Borough Council. The draft strategy, which is now out for consultation, has been prepared by a partnership representing schools, clubs, the NHS, community organisations and the Council. SLC has driven the development of the strategy and worked…

SLC looking ahead to 2012

So it’s arrived. 2012. Olympic Year. Sporting anticipation, culture, pride and pure joy awaits – possibly a few gold medals to boot. Regardless of the politics – let’s enjoy it! The Legacy debate will continue and many sports development colleagues will be just getting on with creating the very best opportunity to capitalise on the…

SAPCA invites Wood-Allum back for an encore in 2012

Duncan Wood-Allum has been invited back to speak at the Sport and Play Construction Association’s (SAPCA’s) annual conference on Monday 30 January, 2012 at Forest of Arden Hotel, Meriden, Warwickshire. After delivering a challenging insight into what the future would hold for suppliers to the Sports sector back in January 2011 at last year’s conference…

Derbyshire Councils learn about Trust

SLC ran a Trust Seminar on 6 October for 10 Derbyshire Councils in Matlock, with three leading Trust Chief Executives ‘telling it like it is’ and sharing their experiences of setting up, establishing and developing their Trusts. The learning proved to be very powerful for the Officers who attended. The event was organised by Derbyshire…

SLC supporting Derby in the Transformation of its Museums

Derby City Council is currently undergoing a major transformation of its Museums service. SLC have been appointed to provide the Council with specialist support linked to project managing the programme, providing business planning and bid management support for a Major Grants Application to Arts Council England (ACE). SLC is working closely with Winckworth Sherwood who…

Suffolk’s schools punching above their weight

Suffolk County Council has long recognised the important contribution Community Use on school sites makes to the health and wellbeing of its communities. With a direct interest in around 20 school facilities, it wanted to explore new approaches to: Broadening community access to sports facilities on school sites Improving the quality and consistency of service…

Kingston Upon Thames prepares a sport and leisure needs assessment

The Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames has appointed the Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) to prepare a sport and leisure needs assessment for the borough. With the Olympic cycling road race coming through the Borough next year, interest in sport will be at an all-time high. But with increasing pressure on the public…

Warrington’s sport and physical activity strategy

Warrington Borough Council has appointed The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) to prepare a five year sport and physical activity strategy that looks beyond traditional ideas of exercise to deliver improved outcomes for health and wellbeing. The strategy aims to make Warrington the most active borough in the North West by 2016 through offering…

Canterbury looks to future leisure provision

Like most local authority leisure departments, Canterbury City Council is exploring the best possible way to deliver leisure services for less and ensure that service quality meets expectation into the future. With an opportunity to review the current management contract with their operating partner, back in late 2010, SLC were invited to undertake a full…

Local Derby

Ten local authorities in Derbyshire, led by Derbyshire Sport, the County Sports Partnership, recently challenged SLC to help them to explore efficiency savings. The Derbyshire local authorities identified the current state of their respective cultural services  – sport, arts, museums, heritage and libraries – via a simple questionnaire. A number of authorities also shared their…

If Carlsberg did Conferences

Having just spent two days  at the LGA Culture Tourism and Sport Conference, on the long journey home I’ve been wondering how Carlsberg would do it? As the premier event in the Culture and Sport calendar, this is the ‘must attend gig’ for all those involved at a senior level within the sector (apart from…

Heritage Change Programme For London

SLC has finalised the Heritage Change Programme Support Pack featuring guidance, toolkits and advice from the Heritage Change Programme on behalf of the London Cultural Improvement Programme (LCIP). The Heritage Change Programme (HCP) is part of the overall London Cultural Improvement Programme which is funded by Capital Ambition (London’s Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnership) and…

Active People?

New participation figures from Sport England’s Active People Survey 4 paint a mixed picture of progress in grassroots sport, with strong growth in running and cycling but a drop in numbers for other major sports. Overall, the poor increase in participation numbers seen over the past five years continues, with 6,938,000 people now claiming to…

SLC building on successful first year in 2010

It’s only been 8 months since we started trading and we’re very proud of what has been achieved in 2010. Here’s a quick summary: SLC secured all three publicly tendered major projects it bid for in 2010 – and has successfully delivered 11 projects over the last 8 months, with two major commissions carrying over…

Ten Golden Rules for Options Appraisals

SLC’s ten golden rules for options appraisals have been developed from our learning over the years in taking Councils through their future options for Culture and Sport services. Duncan Wood-Allum authored guidance still being used by the Improvement and Development Agency on Options Appraisals and Business Cases for Culture and Sport. We hope you’ll find…

Report from the Front: 6th Annual Future of Culture, Tourism and Sport Conference

The massed forces of the sector gathered at the 6th Annual Future of Culture, Tourism and Sport Conference held on Tuesday 14th September in London. The top brass lined up to prepare the troops sitting knee (for some, neck) deep in their local government trenches for their pre October budget battle speech. ”Are you going…

Canterbury City Council appoint SLC to undertake Indoor Leisure Review

Canterbury City Council has commissioned the Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy to undertake an Indoor Leisure Review to explore future options for the management of its five Leisure indoor facilities located in Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay. The Council’s aim for the review is to identify the most effective and cost efficient way to deliver…

Which way now?

Confidential support for service heads If you’re heading up a local government Culture and Sport Department, we don’t have to tell you these are tough times. You’ll probably be exploring how to find savings of up to 30-40% over the next couple of years. Some of you will be needing to make these savings even…

Exclusive New York Seminars

The Big Apple’s Approach to Parks and Recreation Autumn Seminars in London,  30 September and Birmingham 12 October. Duncan Wood-Allum invites you to SLC’s exclusive half day seminars highlighting a number of successful approaches that could be the inspiration for adapting ways of working in the sport, parks and leisure industry in the UK. A…

The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy commences trading

Following my successful Study Tour to the City of New York Department of Parks and Recreation, I’m now concentrating on developing SLC as the consultancy of choice for the Culture and Sport sector. I’ll soon be releasing details of my series of articles describing my experiences and learning in New York on the SLC website.…

Empire State of Mind.

Two days into my study tour of New York City hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department and I’m already convinced that we in the UK can learn a lot from the Big Apple. The key difference I have noticed so far from meeting numerous members of staff, customers, volunteers and managers is the commitment…

March 6: SLC to commence trading on May 1, 2010

Following several months planning, research and business development activity, The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy will be trading from 1 May 2010. Duncan Wood-Allum, founder of SLC said, “I’m thrilled at the response and support I’ve had from the sector, colleagues and previous clients. We have developed an excellent network of partners and associates and…

February 2010: Santiago’s Park Life

February 2010: Santiago’s Park Life Surprise. I had the privilege to spend few days in Santiago recently as part of my South American trip, travelling through most of Chile and over to Easter Island. What I was not expecting was a parks and cultural masterclass. By simply walking outside my hotel I entered the Park…

January 2010: SLC to visit New York City’s Parks and Recreation Service in Spring 2010

I love NY January 2010: New York’s Commissioner for Parks, Adrian Benepe has invited Duncan Wood-Allum to visit the Big Apple’s world class Parks and Recreation facilities as part of a planned study tour and information exchange project. Kevin Jeffery, Deputy Commissioner for Parks said, ”As a major provider of recreational and athletic facilities in…

January 2010: SLC backs The Leisure Review

January 2010: The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy is proud to announce it will be supporting The Leisure Review (TLR) as a Premium Partner. Over the next twelve months, SLC’s branding will appear on the front page of this monthly magazine and alongside a number of leading articles. The Leisure Review is a magazine offering…

January 2010: Orford Park Construction Commences

On 29th January 2010, the ground was broken to signify the beginning of the construction phase of the £30 Million Orford Park Community Sports Hub Project in Warrington. I’m absolutely delighted for Warrington Borough Council, and in particular the indefatigable Orford Park Project Manager Duncan Richardson, who has driven this scheme for over a decade.…

November 2009: Looking back on NZRA Conference – spot the difference

NZRA 9 November 2009: What do you think of when it comes to conferences in the UK? Overly packed seminar programmes of mixed quality? Not enough breaks to network? Cheesed off sponsors who’ve been hidden in the broom cupboard? Empty seats on the last day? I could go on, but will leave you the reader…

November 2009: NZRA Conference – Bridging the Gap – a revelation!

November 3, 2009: Having spent three days with the New Zealand Recreation Association in Hastings, Hawkes Bay this week, I have some observations to share. Polticians Chris Tremain NZMP and Lawrence Yule – Mayor of Hastings hugely impressive opening speeches – they actually get sport and recreation! A conference floor buzzing with positivity and a ‘can…

Olympic Legacy – ours to lose?

I was invited to write an article for the Locum Review over three years ago.. I dug it out today… I wonder how far my predictions were from the reality of where we are today?  I’ll let you decide.. Going for Gold Can the official targets for 2012 be hit? Duncan Wood-Allum highlights the issues…