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Management options

In a nutshell

The Audit Commission’s publication “Public Sports and Recreation Services” (June 2003) set out the range of delivery options available to local authorities and describes the importance of adopting a structured and phased approach to management options appraisals. PMP contributed to the Audit Commission’s work and has developed considerable expertise and experience in leading options appraisals across the country.

Our offer

We recognise that, whilst there can be a common approach to management options appraisals, sport and recreation services in different local authorities face different challenges and the management solutions need to be appropriate to overcome these challenges.

Our typical approach mirrors that described by the Audit Commission and comprises the following elements:

Strategic planning

• developing a clear understanding of the balance between existing supply of and demand for sports and recreation facilities
• undertaking operational and financial performance review of existing facilities and services
• providing a detailed review of the relevant national, regional and local strategic context to ensure that any future vision for provision closely fits
• engaging with potential partners to explore opportunities for wider schemes that allow sport and recreation to contribute towards other strategic objectives
• developing an understanding of the Council’s affordability envelope for the relevant services.

Options appraisal

• identifying potential delivery options, typically including in-house management, partnership with a private leisure management contractor (with or without a hybrid trust), engagement with an existing leisure trust and establishment of a new leisure or wider cultural trust
• establishing the key evaluation criteria against which the various delivery options should be appraised
• assessing the non-financial implications of the options, including legal considerations, transfer of operational and financial risk, service standards and customer satisfaction, protection of existing staff and ongoing control and/or influence by the Council
• analysis of the financial implications of the options, including VAT considerations, relief from business rates, potential improvements in operational performance, set-up costs, impact on central costs and ongoing support costs.

Market testing

• developing draft procurement documentation which allows the Council to consider and establish clear objectives and performance indicators for the sport and recreation services
• consulting with potential delivery partners in order to understand mutual requirements and aspirations and to thereby ensure the marketability of any future contract arrangements
• engaging with all relevant partners and stakeholders to achieve a consensus approach to future delivery
• establishing the formal procurement process.

Our experience

Gloucester City Council
City of Sunderland
Erewash District Council 

Our team 

Andy Farr
Kevin Godden

Key contacts

For further information please contact: 

Kevin Godden
T: +44 (0)20 7767 3448

Andy Farr
T: +44 (0)161 235 5579