In 2006, Knight, Kavanagh & Page (KKP) was appointed by Trafford MBC and Trafford Community Leisure Trust to assess the feasibility of bringing together the management, operation and delivery of leisure services, facilities and sports development in the Borough.

The Trust currently operates local leisure facilities in Trafford, Greater Manchester, responsible for the management of eight leisure centres and two golf courses.

(Image: ladies in gym)

Consultation with key parties was key to this process. All partners (the Council, the Trust and staff on both sides) identified that it was the most appropriate way forward for the delivery of co-ordinated and effective sport and physical activity services. They were also agreed that it was a natural step forward from the extensive partnership working and positive relationship between both organisations.

We evaluated the major issues related to the transfer including, staffing, finance, support services and performance management. Both organisations had to resolve how to best allocate finances for support services for the sports development staff as well as how to manage the negative VAT impact that transfer of the service had on the Trust.

It was also important to identify how the sports development service would ‘fit' with the Trust's senior management team and how it interacts with trustees.

Finally, we also identified the importance of retaining a sport and physical activity specialist within the Council to ensure that the service retains its political influence and support.

From this in-depth appraisal and evaluation we were confident to recommend that the sports development unit (SDU) could effectively be incorporated into the Trust whilst maintaining delivery of seamless sport and leisure services to Trafford residents.

Commenting on the project, Bernie Jones, Chief Executive of Trafford Community Leisure said, "KKP was the ideal partner to support us. Its team shares our passion for a holistic approach to sport and John's challenging approach proved beneficial to both parties, stimulating us to look at things differently."

Bernie comments further, "John took us to task about not only the way we operate but also the way we think. This has ensured that the new Vision, Mission, Values that we have developed since the appraisal, not only encompass sports development but community and health development enabling the Trust to move forward to an exciting future.

Responsibility for the management of sports development has already transferred to the Trust and Trafford MBC and the Trust are now putting into place the appropriate process and business plan to transfer the service from 1st April 2008 in order to deliver a single vision for sport in Trafford.

Leading the way across the industry, Trafford has already received enquiries from other trusts and local authorities considering following suit.

For an independent view on this case study, please contact Bernie Jones at Trafford Community Leisure Trust (bernie.jones@traffordleisure.co.uk)