Agenda item

Consider report by Corporate Transformation and Services Director detailing the outcome of dialogue with Borders Sport and Leisure Trust (BSLT) on the feasibility of an Integrated Culture and Sport Trust and seeks approval for the formation of an Integrated Culture and Sport Trust with BSLT. (Copy attached.)

With reference to paragraph 7 of the Minute of 25 June 2015, there had been circulated copies of a report by the Corporate Transformation and Services Director detailingthe outcome of dialogue with Borders Sport and Leisure Trust (BSLT) on the feasibility of an Integrated Culture and Sport Trust and seeking approval for the formation of an Integrated Culture and Sport Trust with BSLT.  The report explained that the Feasibility Study had been undertaken jointly by officers from SBC and BSLT. The team worked closely with a Reference Group comprising six Elected Members, 2 of whom were also BSLT Trustees from SBC, along with two other BSLT Trustees. The Feasibility Study was appended to the report and it concluded that an Integrated Trust should be formed to support improved delivery of outcomes making BSLT and Cultural Services stronger together.  There were a number of critical factors which would be required to ensure the success of the Trust and these included:-

·                Strong leadership from Trustees, Elected Members and senior management of BSLT and SBC to drive forward the actions necessary to make the implementation and operation of an Integrated Trust a success

·                A strong long-term partnership relationship between BSLT and SBC

·                A positive attitude amongst all parties to make the Integrated Trust a success

·                Trustees should consider an appropriate name for the Integrated Trust to reassure all stakeholders, including staff, that Culture was given appropriate focus

·                Sufficiently funded to succeed as a strong and sustainable business for the future

The Director reassured Members that the formation of a Trust would not affect the ownership of heritage collections.  Members discussed the proposal and thanked staff for their positive input into the process.  The need to protect Community Centres and maintain their current autonomy was highlighted.  An assurance was also given that the cataloguing of collections would continue and that confirmation would be made soon on those buildings owned by Common Goods. The continuation of the Member Officer Working Group was supported.

DECISION

AGREED:-

(a)     to note the findings of the feasibility report;

(b)     to the formation of an Integrated Culture and Sport Trust with Borders Sport and Leisure Trust;

(c)     that the Chief Executive, Corporate Transformation & Services Director and Chief Financial Officer, in consultation with the Council Leader, the Deputy Leaders and Executive Member for Culture & Sport, be authorised to work with BSLT to complete all necessary due diligence processes and develop the necessary agreements to facilitate the successful transfer to the Trust of the agreed services, facilities and staff with an anticipated go-live date of 1 April 2016;

(d)     that the proposed Performance Management Framework for BSLT (including for Community Centres) with effect from 1 April 2016 be brought back to the Executive Committee for approval no later than 8 March 2016;

(e)     to note consultation with key staff and trade unions would continue throughout the transfer process along with appropriate engagement with key stakeholders and the community;

(f)      to recommend to the Community Planning Strategic Board to adopt the Integrated Trust as a CPP Partner, represented at Strategic Board level and on the Joint Delivery Team; and

(g)     to the continuation of the Member Reference Group to support the work required to 31 March 2016.