How it was done
1992 60 yrs old, 25 x 13 pool, 2 sunbeds JSP formed registered charity, limited by guarantee 5 yr lease, no funding, reserves or support Business plan and community support £ 2 weeks before opening £50,000 grant FSA Confident but cautious April opening
Pre 1992 Users96,500 Income£35,424 Exp£86,400 Recovery rate41% Income/user37p 1998 Users145,000 Income£242,356 Exp£224,543 Recovery rate108% Income/user£1.67
Doubled availability of public swimming from 40 to 80+ hours Significantly reduced energy costs (halved) Consistent programme Efficiently managed water space No wasted water time Open bank holidays and weekends Controlled staff costs Volunteers
Board of Trustees and members Created smaller sub groups Operations Personnel Communications Finance and fundraising Building development Monthly meetings anyone can attend
Dedicated board of Trustees Tremendous community support Use of volunteers Careful original team selection Absolute honesty with staff and users Clear objectives Understanding of roles Flexibility of staff Will to win
A sense of ownership A sense of achievement Very clear objectives Instant feedback Feeling in control Tremendous job satisfaction Best ever teamwork Feeling valued
£1.6 million upgrade Increase in turnover and costs Different challenges/new customers Different local authority viewpoint Focus drift from money to impact (SA) Trustee development/recruitment Review of objectives – from (SA)
Expanding Reviewing status and objectives Looking for more challenges Talking to council Developing Social Accounting work Broadening horizons but reaffirming local ties Considering purchase of building
Must have Social Capital Must have proven demand and need Right people from day1 Appropriate overall structure/governance Local authority support or tolerance Good business plan Community recognition and support Potential to grow
Glenn Armstrong CEO St Georges Terrace Jesmond Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2DL