Jane Parish, Chief Executive of Sencio Community Leisure will be in attendance to answer questions on the performance of Sencio and present future challenges.

The Chairman welcomed the Chief Executive of Sencio Community Trust and the Asset Maintenance Engineer (Sencio) who were in attendance and gave a presentation to the Committee. The Chief Executive (Sencio) advised that due to the new Pure Gym which had opened in November 2022 there were higher numbers of cancellations of fitness memberships. However, demand for swimming had increased in the New Year which saw membership numbers increase slightly. There were also national shortages of staff as well as pool chemicals which had challenged Sencio’s service delivery for customers and members in recent years. Sencio had run training courses and increased recruitment drive for swim teachers as a result. Sencio had also received a grant of £20,000 for the KCC Reconnect programme which allowed them to offer free swim lessons for children who struggled with swimming. It also enabled discounted rates for a range of activities as well as free gym memberships for disadvantaged young people. A customer survey in 2022 was also undertaken to gauge customer satisfaction against a national benchmark which showed an overall positive result. Members requested that the full customer satisfaction survey be circulated to the Committee.

Members asked questions of the Asset Maintenance Engineer (Sencio) around the quality and age of their assets and the reports of breakdowns. In response to questions Members were advised that there were problems with defective pipes and plumbing which had put a strain on maintenance. The Asset Maintenance Engineer (Sencio) explained that the building management system had difficulties operating with old hardware which had a knock on effect on energy usage and efficiency. There were large fluctuations in pool temperature which had resulted in sessions being cancelled and this had impacted service delivery. He confirmed that Sencio did not hold a planned preventative maintenance system but did hire contractors to assess the viability of assets. In response to further questions The Chief Officer – People and Places (SDC) confirmed that the Council had a responsibility for capital replacements and end of life responsibilities over buildings and assets while Sencio had cleaning, routine maintenance and compliance responsibilities. The Chief Executive (Sencio) stressed to Members the importance of prioritising maintenance problems given Sencio’s scant resources.

In response to a question the Chief Executive (Sencio) also confirmed that the Edenbridge all-weather pitch had been closed due to drainage issues and explained that she had been working with the Chief Officer – People and Places (SDC) to secure funding to refurbish the ground. A survey had been undertaken which determined that the site could be revived.

The Chairman took the opportunity to ask about Sencio’s financial position. The Chief Executive (Sencio) advised that permission was required from the Sencio Board to present financial information. This permission had not been given. In response to further questions Members were advised that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) had given special permission for the Sencio Board to pursue a one-off 3 year audit of accounts from 2019 – 2021 which was underway. Due to the impact of the pandemic a decision was made to present all 3 years of audited accounts together. She also advised that Sencio management accounts were up-to-date and confirmed that Sencio had secured a different Financial Manager since 2018.

Members expressed concern that the financial information requested had not been forthcoming and the Chairman with the Committees agreement, requested that the Sencio Chief Executive return along with their Finance Manager with the accounts information requested. If the Sencio Board decided not to present the information, the Chairman of the Board was to be invited to explain the decision. The Committee thanked the Chief Executive (Sencio) and the Asset Maintenance Engineer (Sencio) for attending.

CHANGE IN ORDER OF AGENDA ITEMS

The Chairman, with the Committee’s agreement brought forward consideration of item 7 - Questions for the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Investment (Minute 27), and item 8 - Questions for the Portfolio Holder for Cleaner and Greener (Minute 28).