To receive any apologies For absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Luxton, Cllr Ilyas attended as a substitute.

To Receive any Declarations of Interest.

There were no declaration of interest received.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 31 January 2019.

Resolved unanimously: that the minutes of the meeting held on 31 January 2019 were approved as a true and correct record.

With regards to the actions arising Cllr Stretton reported that the Director and Lead Member had contacted her that day providing updates.  Details of the Braywick Leisure Centre were still outstanding and she would be meeting with the Lead Member and Director to discuss Norden Farm’s SLA.

To discuss the offer at the leisure centre.

The Panel were addressed by a Windsor Leisure Centre (WLC) member.  Mrs Driver informed that the WLC was always a positive and friendly establishment and one of the good things done was when the gym upstairs was extended and a spin studio that provided views over the river.

Four years ago Legacy Leisure were awarded the contract to run the borough leisure centres and although many had reservations she did not as it was expected that there would be investment.  She was disappointed that she was wrong.  They undertook many bad plans without consultation in an attempt to improve the WLC including moving the spin centre from room to room. 

Mrs Driver reported that over the years she was aware that there had been many complaints and Facebook comments about the WLC.  Local councillors had been informed yet the centre continued to decline.  Mrs Driver had circulated by email many examples of complaints to Panel Members prior to the meeting. 

Mrs Driver informed that reports that the issues contained within her email had been resolved were not true and that the problems continued.  She said that Legacy were letting the council down, they were not delivering and adhering to their mission statement.  The WLC reputation was at stake and fees were increasing whilst running costs were being reduced.  She asked that the Panel took action to prevent continued failings. 

The Head of Communities, Enforcement and Partnerships informed the Panel that he was aware of the concerns raised by Mrs Driver and that she was in contact with WLC manager.  The contract to run the Royal Borough Leisure Centres had been awarded  on performance of outcomes rather than service specifications.  The WLC had an excellent mix of facilities and had recently received additional capital investment.

The Panel were informed that the total number of users across all leisure centres had increased, however partially because Furze Platt school had been added to the provision.  That said usage was up and the number of complaints had decreased.  He was aware of comments made on social media, as highlighted by Mrs Driver, but they could only count complaints made to the Council. 

He was aware that Mrs Driver had made complaints to the WLC manager and members of staff  and appropriate responses had been made.  The Project Lead responsible for leisure centres also had an overview of the performance of all centres within the borough and often made unannounced visits to all centres.  The WLC was also a popular centre having users coming from outside the borough.  He was happy to consider the points raised and welcomed Panel Member visiting the centre prior to considering any further action.  

The Chairman said that there were a number of issues to be looked at; the contractual obligations, the offer being made, those issues which were management obligations for the centre and any issues raised via the council’s complaints system.  As a commissioning authority the Panel needed to be assured that contractual obligations were being monitored and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 164.

To receive an update following the first year of the service level agreement.

The Panel were informed that unfortunately SportsAble were not able to attend the meeting and that they would present at the next appropriate panel.

Angela Gallagher, Library and Resident Services Lead to update the Panel on the reviewed and updated library policies.

The Panel reviewed updated library policies that included:

-       Customer Care Standards

-       Child Safety

-       Displays and Exhibitions

-       Access Policy

-       Enquiries Standards

-       Physical Presentation and Appearance Standards

-       Public Computer WIFI and Internet Access Policy

The Library and Resident Contact Lead informed the Panel that the policies were reviewed every three years.  The Libraries within the Royal Borough were well used with over 1million visits and over 68% of residents having library cards.  The largest user group were residents aged between 16 to 24 years of age.  There had been a full merger with customer services and cross training was provided.

Cllr Stretton mentioned that she had received concern from residents that since customer services had moved into libraries there was embarrassment when waiting to have private issue to be dealt with.  The Panel were informed that there were private interview rooms and that when a customer was called all that should be heard is their name and not the issue being discussed.  Training was in place and there had not been any complaints about this for some time.

Cllr Shelim praised the libraries and informed that his family were regular users, he asked about any concern with young users mixing with adults.  The Panel were informed that safeguarding was taken very seriously and that it was important to have a safe place for all.  Staff received safeguarding training that was regularly refreshed.  Libraries also had users who may have mental health conditions and staff were trained to help them and deal with any issues that may arise. Libraries are a shared space and users should have consideration for others.  There are areas for children that are kept safe places to be.

The Chairman mentioned that they were excellent policies but there could be better clarification around issues such as parental responsibilities to help protect staff and users.  It should also be clear that with any safeguarding issues that they will be reported to the appropriate bodies.  Cllr Cox agreed that the policies should try and avoid staff having a duty of care and thus being liable for users who should have parental supervision. 

The Panel were informed that there had been incidents were a child had been left in a library whilst the parent went into town.  Libraries were not day care centres and social services would be contacted if required. 

The Panel noted the updated policies.  

To receive a verbal update.

Martin Deny, Director The Old Court,  attended the meeting to provide an update on the Old Court Windsor as it had been a year since the service level agreement had been agreed. 

The Panel were informed that The Old Court was an historical building in Windsor that was opened as a performing art space in March 2018.  The aim was to create a programme that was:

·         Well reputed of high quality.

·         Allow people of all ages from across the community access to inspiring, quality Arts programmes and practitioners.

·         Inspired by and  builds upon the unique history of The Old Court via meaningful arts participation for all ages.

·         Include a wide range of creative arts including music, dance, photography, cinematography, theatre craft, design, literature etc.

·         Make TOC Arts Centre the recognised community arts HUB in Windsor, Slough, Maidenhead and the wider area.

·         Based upon lasting partnerships and relationships across the community that make the community more cohesive and bring about positive change.

·         Utilising the facility and staff broad range of skills set to further develop.

The Panel were informed that 6 months after opening an external SWOT analysis was undertaken to identify strengths and opportunities as well as areas to develop to realise their education ambitions.

Part of the SWOT analysis informed that there had not been a cinema in Windsor for 35 years and so a partnership was undertaken with ND Cinema Ltd and Windsor and Eton Brewery.  This provided a cinema and bar who both paid 20% of gross takings to support The Old Court community interest company.  Other achievements in 2018 were:

·         Refurbished building to a high standard, providing an Arts Centre which could serve the community professionally and to a high standard of performance of all kinds.

·         100 live events.

·         Work with Armed Forces veterans and with the Homeless.

·         Unique experiences such as Living Advent Calendar and Snowman with live orchestra.

Between March 2018 to February 2019 there had been 33640 attendees, a range of health and wellbeing classes with 17 classes per week and 1305 attendees per month.  The facilities could also be hired with 24 community hires, 100 events marketed by the venue and 6 corporate hires. 

The Panel were informed that for 2019 here were plans to increase the audience by better presentation of events, better marketing, developing its brochure and better use of social media.  There would also be further development of its community and education programme and live cinema screenings such as the Royal Opera House.

Looking ahead the Panel were informed that there would be continued development of its school education plan and school engagement.  There would also be work to target senior citizens as potential audiences and volunteers.  The Panel were also shown a list of 19 existing community organisations that they had working relationships with.  There was a list of community programme ideas across all ages to help focus on youth, young and older adults.    The future strategy included:

·         Evening activity for young adults.

·         Skill development and learning opportunity  ...  view the full minutes text for item 167.

To note the work programme.

The Panel noted the work programme to include Windsor LC, Braywick and Oaks LC.  It was agreed that prior to a site visit to the Windsor LC the Panel would like to consult with the Lead Member, officers and Cllr E Wilson.