Rebuilding trust and a common purpose to serve communities

In today’s environment, leisure partnerships are under increasing pressure — from financial constraints, rising expectations and system complexity.

Through our deep understanding of local government and delivery models, we help bring clarity, alignment and confidence to complex leisure partnerships.

Historical contracts and agreements were never designed to navigate the challenges being faced by public services today. Grey areas on risk allocation, performance management and reporting are common. This often leads to tension and misalignment of objectives between local authorities and their operator partners.

We find that client decisions, arrangements and consistency are often a contributory factor. Changes in administrations, lack of oversight and weak governance can turn a longstanding operational and strategic relationship sour, causing real issues.

SLC supports authorities and operator partners to resolve challenges, strengthen relationships, and maximise the value of their leisure / active wellbeing partnerships.

We’ve played a pivotal role in forging stronger partnerships in England, Wales and Scotland.

Whether you’re reviewing an existing arrangement or seeking external mediation and support, we can provide real value through an independent, informed perspective.

Our approach is practical, balanced and rooted in sector experience — helping you move from tension to trust and from opposition to opportunity.

Through our collaborative approach, we have;

  • Unlocked investment opportunities which improve management fees
  • Improved service quality
  • Re-established effective client functions
  • Re-established effective performance management and governance arrangements
  • Rebuilt trust and collaboration.

Transforming ineffective leisure partnerships into strong, trusted collaborations that deliver lasting value for communities.

“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

“There was a complicated history to the review we commissioned and SLC took time to understand that history. They accommodated it where it was relevant and challenged us when we needed to let go of ideas or notions that didn’t provide the best outcomes for our communities. It was a refreshing experience and one that effectively took officers, our partners, and our elected members on a journey to more informed decision-making. SLC continue to provide critical friendship as we develop our plans, always able to cut through our thorny issues with direct but enabling challenges to our thinking.”

 

Kate Hudson, Stirling Council

Case studies