Agenda item

To consider report by the Director of Business Services, Live Borders. (Copy attached).

The Chairman welcomed Ewan Jackson Chief Executive of Live Borders and Linda Ross, Director of Business Services Live Borders who were in attendance to give a presentation on the governance structure and performance monitoring in place for Live Borders.  Copies of a background report had been circulated with the agenda. 

3.2       Mr Jackson began the presentation by advising that Live Borders was formed in 2016 with the transfer of Cultural Services.  The company was limited by Guarantee, regulated by Companies House, and a charity regulated by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.  Live Borders’ Chief Officers reported to a Board of Trustees, with Councillors Parker, Laing and Richards Members of the Board.    Mr Jackson explained that Live Borders was required to deliver six outcomes: Improved mental health; enhanced learning opportunities training and experiences; increased economic benefits; enhanced partnerships; stronger communities and increasing effective operations and income maximisation whilst maintaining appropriate quality and standards.   Live Borders employed 600 staff, including 237 full-time, and covered the whole of the Scottish Borders.  They managed facilities including sports hall/gyms, libraries, swimming pools, community centres, museums, archives and galleries as well as the Towermill Hawick Cinema and café.  

3.3       Mr Jackson then discussed Live Borders governance arrangements, explaining that there was an Executive Board and Joint Officer Group.  25 key performance indicators were reported to the Council’s Executive Committee twice a year, for example library membership, learn 2 swim membership and cultural visits.  In addition there were regular director meetings, joint officer workshops and quarterly risk reviews which were supported by the Council’s Risk team.   Mr Jackson explained that key risks were their property portfolio – they managed 67 properties across the region; an unforeseen or unplanned reduction in their management fee; and, preparation and governance arrangements for example the Great Tapestry of Scotland.  Mr Jackson concluded his presentation by advising that every penny spent with Live Borders was reinvested into supporting active, creative and healthy communities in the Scottish Borders.  

3.4       Members then raised a number of questions relating to specific facilities which were answered by Mr Jackson and Ms Ross.    With regard to environmental and sustainability, Mr Jackson advised that on the back of Keep Scotland Beautiful, Live Borders had created a Green Team, with a focus on reducing Live Borders carbon footprint and encourage recycling management.  Regular reports on their environmental management would be presented to the Board for monitoring.   Mr Jackson advised that Live Borders did not participate in Social Prescribing.  However, they did work with NHS Borders and received patient health referrals.    With regard to Live Borders achieving accreditation as a Living Wage employer, Mr Jackson acknowledged that this would be a challenge for the organisation.    With regard to multi-sport pitches, Mr Jackson explained that there was not one surface that met the criteria for all sports.   However, Live Borders would provide advise to any community who were considering investing in such a multi-sports pitch, although funding or a grant subsidy would be required.    The Chairman thanked Mr Jackson and Ms Ross for their attendance and for their informative report and presentation.

DECISION

NOTED