My journey with SLC began during a week-long work experience placement in July 2024, a year into my A-levels.
After carefully researching SLC, I wrote an introductory letter to its Managing Director Duncan Wood-Allum to explore the opportunity. I was delighted that Duncan came back to me, and he clearly liked my letter!
At the time, I had very little knowledge about the public leisure sector and wasn’t quite sure what I signed up for. But by the end of the week, I had gained a real understanding of the need for change in how leisure services are delivered – particularly the shift to an active wellbeing approach. I would like to thank the whole of the SLC team for this as they offered support in everything I did. They made sure I always understood what was going on during meetings and projects I was involved in.
During the week, I had the opportunity to sit in on project inception meetings with key stakeholders, visit a local leisure site to evaluate its current services. I was also tasked with contributing to several sections of an invitation to tender document for the procurement of leisure and active wellbeing services for a District Council under close supervision from an experienced SLC colleague. It was a crash course in acronyms and public sector processes – but more importantly, it opened my eyes to a dynamic and evolving sector.
A year later, I returned to SLC for a three-month part time paid internship. This time I was exposed to a broader range of work that SLC does. This included diagnostic reviews, engaging in consultation with key stakeholders, and strategy development. I really enjoyed all the work I have engaged in, and I have found it exciting to be involved with work that seems to be making a real difference.
One of my key responsibilities was managing the production of a briefing paper for a local hockey club on pitch provision, based on a playing pitch study. This was part of SLC’s pro bono (uncharged) work. Supporting this, I also produced a high-level desktop review of a site for the development of a new hockey pitch to determine suitability for further feasibility work. I had a face-to-face meeting with the client to feed back my findings. This work developed both my analytical and communication skills and gave me a real sense of ownership over the work.
Throughout my time at SLC, I was consistently supported by my line manager Freddie Dean. Whether it was helping me sort out formatting issues or guiding me through complex file structures to find the information I needed. He also made sure the experience was meaningful by scheduling weekly catch-ups. Giving me space to raise concerns or ask questions about the work itself or the wider business. This made it easier to settle into the business.
One of the most enlightening experiences I had across the three months was attending the Active Wellbeing Leadership Network event. It highlighted the challenges facing the sector – from funding constraints to local government reorganisation. It also reinforced the importance of aligning active wellbeing services with wider public health outcomes. Seeing others share SLC’s vision for active wellbeing was inspiring and reaffirmed my belief in the potential of this evolution of these vitally important public services.
Another amazing experience I had at SLC was the summer away day. The away day allowed me to learn more about those I was working with and also led to me having the second-best beef bourguignon I have ever had (second to my Mum’s). The away day was great fun with a trip up the Shard and a brewing experience where I learnt loads of cool facts about beer and how it is made.
Before joining SLC, I never imagined leisure and active wellbeing consulting as a career path – I didn’t even know it existed. I have always loved sport and had a budding interest in business. This experience showed me how they can come together to support health and wellbeing for the UK’s population There’s still a lot of change needed in the sector, but organisations like SLC are leading the way.
Looking ahead I’ve secured a place at Loughborough University to study Sport Science, and I am very excited to get started. I believe that some of the work I have done at SLC will be largely beneficial for my course.
Throughout my time at SLC I have seen how a lack of, or poor facility provision and poorly targeted services can exacerbate inactivity. This will help me when I’m studying physiology, especially health conditions caused by sedentary lifestyles. I have also gained insight into barriers that affect participation and prevent engagement. This may help me understand behavioral patterns during psychology especially in underrepresented groups.
My placement at SLC has also sparked an interest in Sport Management, so I may explore doing a masters in this field.