Here at Parkwood, we’re justifiably proud of our achievements, our on-going partnerships and our broad portfolio of leisure, culture and golf facilities.
We adapt both our design and management approach to each and every centre and service, providing initiatives which enable happy and healthy communities in line with local and national health and wellbeing outcomes.
Following the latest social value research under-taken by Sheffield Hallam University in 2020, Parkwood Leisure are the first leisure operator within the industry to commission a detailed social value report to understand our true impact on communities.
In 2019, Parkwood Leisure generated over £92.5M of social value, preventing more than 7,000 cases of stroke, dementia, depression and type-2 diabetes, saving the NHS £16 million. Particularly pertinent following the impact through the three lockdowns is that Parkwood Leisure directly helped prevent more than 3,200 cases of depression in one year.
Across different social value variables, Parkwood Leisure generated:
- £16M Improved health
- £75M Improved subjective well being
- £1.7M Increased educational attainment
- £43K Reduced crime
Our case studies demonstrate the significant social value generated across local communities through our services. We remain committed to a deep rooted partnership approach, delivering the best possible services for the benefit of each and every local community.
Click on a case study below to find out more about some of the facilities and services we manage.
Delivering Social Value – West Berkshire
Parkwood Leisure is committed to delivering services on behalf of our local Authority Partners in accordance with the aims of the Public Services [social value] Act 2012 through the delivery of health, economic, social and environmental benefits.
We achieve this through a well-operated, well-resourced partnerships with targeted interventions and programmes that adapt to the changing needs of the local communities.
Making an Impact – Erewash
A collaborative partnership was formed under contract between Erewash Borough Council and Parkwood Leisure on 1 February 2019; sub-contracting the day to day operation and management of the people and facilities to our partner Charity Legacy Leisure. The contract period is for 10 years with an option of a five-year extension.
Active Communities – Bristol
A collaborative partnership was formed under contract between Bristol City Council and Parkwood Leisure in April 2008 to oversee the brand new development of Hengrove Park Leisure Centre and community outreach
activities. The contract period is for 25 years.
Getting a Nation Swimming – Our Commitment
Parkwood Leisure is committed to providing aquatics opportunities for everyone. With 44 pools across its portfolio of centres, including two 50 metre pools, leisure water space, teaching pools and smaller Victorian era pools as well as a dedicated Head of Aquatics role, Parkwood are one of the leading operators to get groups and communities active and safe in the water.
Activity For Health Programme
Activity for Health is a scheme that offers support and guidance for individuals with medical conditions as a way to improve the quality of their lives. Participants are referred by GPs to take part in physical activity in a safe and supportive environment with specialist instructors [GP Exercise Referral Scheme].
Delivering Sustainable Savings and Improving The Reach and Community Impact
Rushcliffe Borough Council awarded the contract for the management of five of the Council’s leisure centres to Parkwood Leisure Ltd in August 2007. In 2011 due to good value being delivered by Parkwood Leisure and a strong performance with regards to Key Performance Indicators the contract was converted to a NPDO and the contract extended by 5 years to 2022.
Disability Engagement
Engaging people with a disability in sport and physical activity remains a key priority. One in five people in England live with a long-standing disability and statistics say they’re a lot less likely to engage in sport or physical activity. Taking that into account, it is essential we continue to invest in programmes whilst developing new and existing partnerships to make sport as inclusive as possible.
Decarbonisation Project – Torbay Leisure Centre
Parkwood Leisure, have been reviewing options to improve energy efficiency at Torbay Leisure Centre over the last 12 months. Working with our partners, Leisure Energy, we led and secured funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme [PSDS] on behalf of Torbay Council in January 2021.
Learn To Swim Programme
Parkwood Leisure is renowned as one of the UK’s most trusted partners for running local leisure services. As part of our commitment to developing healthier and happier communities, we deliver an award-winning Learn to Swim programme across all 44 swimming pools, teaching children and adults to swim in England and Wales.
Active Communities – High Peak
A collaborative partnership was formed under contract between High Peak Borough Council and Parkwood Leisure in April 2019 to oversee the management of the leisure facilities and community outreach services. The contract, which was agreed over a five year period, ensured employees were transferred from the previous management contractor, Places Leisure, to Parkwood Leisure via the Transfer of Undertakings / Protection of Employment law.
Financial Savings to the Authority – Vale of Glamorgan
In 2012, Parkwood Leisure was awarded a contract to manage The Vale of Glamorgan Leisure Centres, which includes six leisure facilities, with three swimming pools, five fitness suites and two dual-use sites. The contract started on 1 August 2012 and is for ten years with a five year extension option.
Career Pathway – Parkwood Leisure
Parkwood Leisure provides a clear career pathway programme for all jobs in the sector, with the aim to recruit locally across each contract. Through our swim teaching programme and apprenticeships, we engage demographics including young people and those not in employment, education or training [NEETs]; our employment opportunities aim to provide a clear career pathway and unlock people’s potential.
Transforming Community Leisure Assets – Torbay
Parkwood Leisure commenced the contract to manage Torbay Leisure Centre on 1 December 2017 for 12 years. This is one of our newer partnerships and we already have an excellent relationship with Council colleagues and members.
