Annual Report 2022-2023_R2
Argyll and Bute Council · 14 December 2023
Back to Community Services Committee — 14 December 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Annual Report 2022/23 Appendix 1
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Welcome to our Annual Report 3-4 Our facilities & services 5 Our values & organisation 6-7 Leisure and Library Trusts matter 8-9 Facility developments 10 A year in numbers 11 What our customers say 12 Case studies 13-22 Digital marketing 23 Looking ahead 24 Financial statement 25-29 Thanks to our partners 30 CONTENTS liveArgyll.co.uk 2
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Welcome to our annual report 2022/2023 Welcome from Kevin Anderson liveArgyll Chief Officer liveArgyll.co.uk On behalf of everyone at liveArgyll I am delighted to introduce our sixth annual report. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the liveArgyll Board, who have supported and guided us over the last twelve months. I would also like to show my appreciation to the whole liveArgyll staff team who have continued to rise to the many challenges, as our organisation has moved from strength to strength. The immediate priority for the business, was to return to pre-pandemic levels of activity across all of our services, which I am delighted to say we are well on our way with. In respect of planning for the future and our continuing development, again, I’m pleased to record that over the last year, we were able to progress with a number of strategic projects and initiatives linked to our stated proposals and priorities for change which are underpinned by our Growth, Participation and Quality objectives. These include: • Opening of the new Helensburgh Leisure Centre, and increasing membership by 108%; • Relocating Lochgilphead library into the Mid Argyll Community Centre, ensuring the library is able to remain open for an increased number of hours; • Implementation of a new leisure management system which allows our customers to book fitness classes, keep personal details up to date and receive exclusive discounts and promotions; • Roll out of new fitness classes including yoga, “Hatton Boxing” and virtual classes; • Continuing to meet our over-arching objective of being less reliant on external funding by agreeing a reduced 2023-24 annual services payment with Argyll and Bute Council; • Successful partnership working with sportscotland to deliver a growing Active Schools programme; • Developing the offering of our Community Learning service, including a partnership with Argyll and Bute Council to support refugees in Rothesay; • Continuing to be affordable, more specifically being able to hold our prices at 2019-20 levels; • Implementation and planning of a range of facility development projects aimed at increasing capacity, improving services and offering, as well as adapting to changing customer behaviour; 3
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These successes and the many others across the organisation are in no small part due to the commitment of our employees and volunteers. The support of our partners has been crucial during the financial year and I would like to thank everyone who has assisted our organisation in this challenging period. liveArgyll is well placed to meet many challenges ahead. I look forward to continuing to work on delivering our vision, which has never been so important, “our communities and visitors lead richer and more active lives.” liveArgyll.co.uk 4
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OUR FACILITIES & SERVICES liveArgyll.co.uk 5 LEISURE Aqualibrium Leisure Centre Helensburgh Leisure Centre Mid Argyll Sports Centre Riverside Swim & Health Centre Rothesay Leisure Centre The Queen’s Hall Gym The Strength Gym at Riverside HALLS & COMMUNITY CENTRES Queen’s Hall, Dunoon Victoria Hall, Campbeltown Victoria Halls, Helensburgh Ramsay Hall, Isle of Islay The Corran Halls, Oban Kintyre Community Centre Lochgilphead Community Centre Dunoon Community Centre Moat Centre, Rothesay LIBRARIES Campbeltown Cardross Dunoon Helensburgh Lochgilphead Oban Rosneath Rothesay Tarbert Tiree Tobermory Sandbank Office (including Library Headquarters and Local Studies) Islay Mobile Library ARCHIVES PITCHES COMMUNITY LETS CAMPBELTOWN MUSEUM SERVICES Active Schools and Sports Development Community Learning Health and Wellbeing
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“Our communities and visitors lead richer and more active lives.” We have 7 Trustees, all of whom are volunteers and support the strategic direction and governance of the company led by Kevin Anderson, Chief Officer. LiveArgyll is a not-for-profit charitable company, limited by guarantee. (Charity No SC047545) LiveArgyll was launched on 2nd October 2017 and provides sport, leisure, recreation and cultural opportunities for the communities of Argyll and Bute. THE ORGANISATION OUR VISION liveArgyll.co.uk 6
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liveArgyll.co.uk 7 OUR VALUES EMPLOYEES The trust values all employees. Through investment we will maximise their potential, helping them to achieve their career aspirations and deliver high quality customer service that exceeds expectations INCLUSIVE Continuing to adopt an inclusive approach, recognising and respecting the needs of all within our communities A continuous cycle of improving and introducing new products, services or processes DEVELOPMENT EXPERTISE The trust will continuously build and enhance the knowledge and expertise of its workforce and strategic partners to deliver high quality services that respond to our customers’ needs CUSTOMER SERVICE We are passionate about delivering the highest level of customer service INNOVATION Understanding the need to be innovative across all areas of the business to reach and deliver new benchmarks in service delivery SAFETY Ensuring the health and safety of employees and customers, going above and beyond legal requirements to provide a safe environment for all EQUALITY ASPIRATION Maintaining in depth policies and procedures to ensure equality in the workplace and for customers alike The trust has a culture of being aspirational and will strive to challenge its status and align itself with continuous improvement and examples of best practice
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liveArgyll.co.uk 8 LEISURE AND LIBRARY TRUSTS MATTER… Why Charitable Trusts are great! Why do Trusts do what they do? Because all 113 Trusts across the UK share a passion to improve social, mental and physical wellbeing and the difference they make together is remarkable. Improving people’s health and wellbeing means reducing the cost of treatment and care later in life. It can help reduce crime and improve educational outcomes as well as increasing personal happiness. That carries a social value of £1.5 billion. This figure is from the Social Value calculator developed by Sheffield Hallam University in partnership with 4global and Experian. The social value calculator measures 15 outcomes grouped under 4 categories: • Physical and mental health • Mental wellbeing • Individual development • Social and Community development This is an impressive figure but it is hard to convey or even imagine the thousands of individual lives changed for the better each year. From people now living healthier lives after embarking on their fitness journey to those living happier lives being part of a creative programme. Charitable Trusts come in all shapes and sizes but they all have two things in common; to do good and make things better, and liveArgyll is no different as a local charity operating within Argyll and Bute. Every penny made is reinvested back into local facilities and programmes. This cross-subsidy approach distinguishes the model from other public leisure services because profit generating activities subsidise non-profit generating activities such as health and wellbeing, libraries and outreach programmes. With a combined turnover of £2 billion a year, that’s a lot of money going back into the local economy. It also enables income from users who can afford to pay to be ring-fenced to subsidise access to activities. Importantly, Trusts don’t have shareholders and they are not private businesses. liveArgyll is run by board members from the local community. liveArgyll work in partnership with the Council, we listen to communities and are fully transparent. Each trust delivers slightly different programmes which reflect the need within the community. It’s not just councils our members partner with however. Partnership working is part of our DNA and we work with health and social care partners and other third sector organisations and charities both at local and national level. How do Charitable Trusts make a difference?
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liveArgyll.co.uk 9 LEISURE AND LIBRARY TRUSTS MATTER…
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Mull Colonsay Jura Islay Arran liveArgyll.co.uk 10 FACILITY DEVELOPMENTS Corran Halls Stage Lighting Front of stage rigging and lighting have been installed. This has modernised the equipment by being safer, more energy efficient and also saving on set-up time for events and weddings. Oban New Helensburgh Leisure Centre opened in September 2022. Usage numbers have far exceeded expectations, and the memberships continue to grow each month. Helensburgh Lochgilphead Library New location within the Community Centre has resulted in increased accessibility for the community looking to access the library service. Mid Argyll Sports Centre Top quality gym equipment has been installed with extremely positive user feedback. We continue to explore the further development of facilities creating additional capacity. Mid Argyll Riverside New Strength gym opened early April. Top quality equipment procured, installed and operational within 8 weeks of concept. User feedback positive and dual purpose of alleviating capacity issues at Queen’s Hall achieved. Queens Hall The launch and installation of virtual classes at the Queen’s Hall allowing members the opportunity to train when it suits them rather than being bound to mainstream class times. Cowal Aqualibrium The installation of the plate loaded equipment at the Aqualibrium, which has increased the capacity of the gym area. Kintyre 4 Riverside 5 Aqualibrium 6 Rothesay 2 Helensburgh The introduction of Course Pro (sports course management software) for swimming lessons has reduced the amount of admin needed to deliver the programme making the whole process more streamlined, while also helping the swim teams stay connected to parents and guardians providing a real-time update as to the progress of their child. Swimming Lessons 1 2 3 4 5 Oban Helensburgh 2 1 Cowal 4 Mid Argyll 3 Rothesay 6 Kintyre 5
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liveArgyll.co.uk 11 A YEAR IN NUMBERS Grant Income Active Schools Volunteers Visits to Active Schools Sessions £488,000 £ 630 77,045 Pressreader downloads by our library members enjoying a range of free magazines and newspapers Visits to our pools, gyms, fitness classes and pitches Visits to Libraries Library-led Bookbug sessions 1,756,280 345,000 81,810 517 Children jumped into the pool as part of our learn to swim programme Local Studies Visits 1,813 150,223 190 Children attended sessions 5,172 Adults attended sessions 4,506 Website visits 12% Increase on last year 311 160 Took part in the 6 week challenge Registered for our online Fitness Programmes Social Media Instagram 1,700 followers Twitter 681 followers Facebook 3,300 followers 1,511 Move Together class bookings Total Leisure Members 6,352* *At 31st March 2023 164 Adults engaged in Community Learning 335 Young People engaged in Community Learning
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liveArgyll.co.uk 12 We actively encourage feedback from our customers through our website, in person in our facilities, and through surveys and focus groups. This helps us improve the services we offer. Customers are also encouraged to share their inspirational stories and provide testimonials, which we really appreciate. Here are a selection of comments we have received this year: WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY... Helensburgh Leisure Centre Users A great alternative for rainy days. If you come with children, it is good to pay attention to the opening hours of the slide. Admission is comparatively cheap. We had lots of fun! Dunoon Library user ”“ A great alternative for rainy days. If you come with children, it is good to pay attention to the opening hours of the slide. Admission is comparatively cheap. We had lots of fun! Riverside Swimming Pool Customer ”“ ”“ At the ripe old age of 67 I was persuaded to take up some swimming lessons at Riverside Swimming Pool. I was going on a family holiday to Turkey so I wanted to be able to go into the pool with my family, especially my grandchildren, but having not been in a pool for over 40 years, I had lost all my confidence! After a few lessons and with Michelle’s patience and my perseverance, I was able to get into the pool with my family and make some fabulous memories! It’s never too late to learn so I would recommend swimming lessons to anyone thinking about it. Rosemary’s Story ”“ Cool place for children! Very clean and safe. Parents can watch how the training is going. Trainers are very professional in their approach to children of different ages and with different levels of swimming. Recently joined gym good size plenty of equipment to use there’s always gym instructors on hand to ask for advice staff friendly good atmosphere in the gym. Just what’s needed after a hard and stressful day. As with most establishments the staff make this place worth the visit even for those who ain’t that confident. Just spent a weekend at an event held in the Queen’s Hall. What a weekend! The venue was superb and the staff were amazing. The venue was clean, well maintained and had all the equipment we required to enhance our event. The staff went beyond helpful. Nothing was too much bother and they even gave us suggestions to make best use of the halls. We’ll be back next year, for sure. Event Attendee ”“
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liveArgyll.co.uk 13 This year, cycling has been a real area of growth in Cowal. We laid good foundations last year, but it was great to see them realised within schools and settle in as part of their annual plans. The mountain bike club at Dunoon Grammar School had some fun outings around the local area. In August, Cycling Scotland sent a tutor to run a Bikeability Instructor course for those who have joined us since last year. They also allowed us to participate in a four-day Cycle Trainer course, enabling volunteers to teach up to level 3 Bikeability and carry out more targeted work with smaller groups. Our longest-serving cycling instructor also completed his tutor training course, enabling us to run courses in Argyll and Bute with a local tutor for the first time. Plans are in place for the first of these to start in the new academic year. He also finalised the training of volunteers from last year in our schools and supported, as required, to ensure Bikeability could take place in all the schools who wished to run the programme. Two other cycling volunteers also assisted with this and will shortly be attending mentor training so they can build on this work. Around 125 pupils across Cowal received Bikeabilty training this year, and we were able to support schools that didn’t have the capacity or infrastructure locally to be able to run the training themselves. It has been a hugely satisfying project, knowing that pupils are provided with a life skill they can enjoy into adulthood. This seems particularly relevant now that the town is in the early stages of ‘The Dunoon Project’, which plans to regenerate the area with the inclusion of a gondola and mountain bike park, as well as other opportunities to explore the natural playground we have on our doorstep. CASE STUDIES Active Schools - Cycling Scotland Programme
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liveArgyll.co.uk 14 Active Schools and Football Development - Girls Football CASE STUDIES liveArgyll Active Schools and Football Development have been working alongside both primary schools and Hermitage Academy in the area to support and promote the growth of girls’ football and opportunities to participate locally. A number of schools now have lunchtime or after- school football clubs for girls. Hermitage Academy has had some great success with around 30 pupils taking part in a number of school matches and tournaments within Argyll and Bute and the SPAR Cup Regional finals at Toryglen Regional Performance Centre in Glasgow. Ardencaple FC has also been proactive in growing girls’ football and now has a healthy numbers of girls attending weekly training sessions and a number of teams entered in girls’ football leagues. This development and growth within a community club provides a fantastic pathway from school to club football and the opportunities it brings to play competitive football. A festival of football was organised during Term 3 for girls attending local primary schools in the Helensburgh and Lomond area. The event saw over 70 girls participate from a number of primary schools with lots of football played in very warm conditions. liveArgyll Active Schools and Ardencaple FC again supported the committee from Helensburgh Christian Aid to raise more funds for worthy causes on the night. Although this event was played in a more developmental fun festival it is hoped it will continue to grow and become a recognised annual event for girls’ football taking place at a similar time of year. The ‘Martha Murdoch Memorial Trophy’ awarded for Fair Play and effort went to Rosneath Primary School this year. The Player of the Tournament was awarded to Amy McAlpine who played to a constantly high standard throughout her matches. Vital support on the night was provided by Ardencaple FC volunteer coaches.
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liveArgyll.co.uk 15 CASE STUDIES Active Schools - Golf Club Partnership At the beginning of the 22/23 academic year, the Active Schools Coordinator covering South Kintyre identified the need to focus on increasing the number of South Kintyre school pupils involved in their local golf clubs. In total, there are three eighteen-hole courses across South Kintyre – Machrihanish Golf Club, Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club, Dunaverty Golf Club, and two nine- hole courses – Carradale Golf Club & Machrihanish Pans Course, all within a 30-mile radius of each other. Partnerships contribute so much to the development of the Active Schools programmes. Active Schools worked hard to form new partnerships with the local clubs to set up meetings, and to recruit new volunteers to help support the projects moving forward. Inclusion is a priority for the Active Schools team and with this focus, ‘Girls and Women in Golf’ was rolled out at Carradale Golf Club. Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club offered an opportunity to create the ‘South Kintyre Golf Hub’ for both girls and boys from local primary schools. Women in Golf The project ran in partnership with local volunteers at Carradale Golf Club, targeting girls and women to take part in a six-week programme to learn basic golf skills. Mothers and daughters were encouraged to participate together. Numbers were high throughout, with an average of four primary school girls attending each week and seven local women. Due to the success of the outdoor sessions, the sessions carried on indoors throughout the winter months in the local primary school, where numbers remained steady. With the success of the project, Carradale Golf Club offered all participants the opportunity of free golf for three months, until the turn of the year and the new season. This project will hopefully be replicated in the 23/24 academic year. South Kintyre Golf Hub This project ran in partnership with Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club, where the sessions had free use of all the facilities and ran for a six-week block targeting all primary school children from P3-P7 in South Kintyre. A number of new volunteers were recruited from various local clubs to help deliver the programme, all of whom were a great asset to the project. Active Schools sessions rely heavily on the power of volunteers and the invaluable support they provide, and volunteers can gain so much from assisting in activities such as these. Thank you to all the volunteers who have given up their time to support the programmes this year. The club was a ‘hit’, with twelve local pupils taking up the opportunity throughout the block. The children had the opportunity to practise their putting, chipping, driving and iron play on the fantastic facilities available. In the final week of the programme the children all received a free junior membership to Machrihansih Dunes Golf Club as a small incentive to keep them interested and involved in the game of golf. Active Schools is excited to continue working with the local clubs and certainly hope to recruit new and willing volunteers which will give the local children the opportunity to participate in golf in South Kintyre.
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liveArgyll.co.uk 16 The need for the Let’s Grow Group was identified through community and partner consultation and was further highlighted through data gathered from our Adult Learning survey. Learners attending are aged 18 – 65+ who want to improve their wellbeing and reduce feelings of isolation through participation in outdoor learning activities. The group was established in March 2022 and has continued to grow and develop positively over the last eighteen months at its base at ACT’s Blarbuie Woodlands. The group meet weekly, taking part in activities aimed at improving their learning and wellbeing, including gardening, mindfulness, physical activity, and arts and crafts. A core part of the group’s learning is in relation to growing their own food, which they can take home and also share with the community. The group agree this is a definite benefit in respect of our current financial climate. Learning to grow, maintain and harvest food has been a significant journey for participants who have begun to demonstrate genuine confidence in their abilities in this area and now enjoy sharing their learning and knowledge with new participants. Adult Learning, Let’s Grow Group in Mid-Argyll CASE STUDIES Most recently, Adult Learning partnered with ACT to provide a twelve-week course of activities for the group and wider community. Learning activities included campfire cooking, woodcraft, willow wattle fencing, bike repair, art in nature, bench making, walking stick making and much more! Participants voiced that they felt feelings of achievement and that they had learned new skills, helping to build their confidence and improve their wellbeing. The group’s achievements were marked as they each received a certificate from ACT and enjoyed a celebratory exhibition of their creations in the woodland.
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liveArgyll.co.uk 17 Adult Learning, Let’s Grow Group in Mid-Argyll CASE STUDIES During evaluation learners were asked what they liked about the Let’s Grow Group and recent activities: Gives me something to look forward to. I find it very helpful and therapeutic, planting and tending to our crops. I enjoy being part of a group instead of on my own and feeling isolated. I loved doing and learning in relation to crafts in nature. It helps me with my confidence and talking to people. I learned how to use tools to carve, wattle fencing, building fires and using flints. Everyone learning together…there is a lot of learning to be done with just hanging out and talking to other people- everyone brings a bit of their life and learning. The Let’s Grow Group have spent the last twelve weeks building relationships, trust and a stronger sense of community, alongside building their skills and improving their wellbeing, and are now excited to be exploring and planning for their next outdoor learning adventure!
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liveArgyll.co.uk 18 CASE STUDIES Ardrishaig Community Engagement Workshops took place over three afternoons, including willow lantern and fabric bunting making. In that time, 47 people attended, comprising of 29 adults and 18 young people and children from diverse backgrounds. The workshops provided an excellent platform for Adults, groups and families to come together and for people of all ages to learn in a constructive, fun and non-judgmental environment. Those attending the workshops had the chance to learn new skills and utilise new materials and tools. As the workshops unfolded, we observed families, individuals and community groups connect, communicate and build relationships as they worked together while developing their confidence and learning new skills. There was a real sense of celebration and achievement at the end of these workshops as participants could enjoy, discuss and explore each other’s creations and then finally take them home. These workshops brought the community together to learn, socialise and have fun but importantly provided community learning with essential time and space to raise the profile of our service and to consult with the community and identify their needs for the future. Ardrishaig Community Engagement Workshops October 2022 Some feedback from our evaluation included: Learning something new and together is good fun and helps my confidence. Helped us come together as a group in our community- worked as a team on one big lantern for our centre. Provided a safe space at the workshop so that my child could participate (he has autism). Brought us together as a family.
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liveArgyll.co.uk 19 Phoenix Rise at Rothesay Library! CASE STUDIES Our libraries draw communities together. We align with Scotland’s Reading Strategy and its vision to inspire reading across all interests, abilities, and age groups, improving literacy levels and contributing to readers’ health and wellbeing. With this in mind, when Janice Middleton, our Library Supervisor at Rothesay Library, was approached by David Brown, a Key Support Worker with ‘Phoenix’, a registered day service in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, she was keen to get involved. ‘Phoenix’ is provided by Argyll & Bute Council’s Community/Adult Services and via professional Social Work Assessment and Referral for Adults (18+). It provides person-centred and multi-disciplinary facilities and resources for a wide range of individuals, supporting them professionally. Their aim is focused on personal development, social & community integration, and outreach to the community and other venues. These services range from access to continuing education to volunteering opportunities, group activities, and individual supportive strategies to promote inclusivity, health and well-being. Janice was asked to become involved with library visits by the group. David suggested that visits would occur over six weeks. Looking at the reading abilities of the group members, Janice chose a suitable adventure story from which she proposed to read a chapter at each visit. A copy of the book was provided for each group member. Even with varying reading skills, the feel of a book is essential and supports the connection between the words and the story being read aloud. After each reading session, the group was invited to another area, allowing them some exercise that helped them focus on the prepared activity related to the chapter of the book that they had listened to. This helps to develop a further connection to the story. Activities were craft-related and tailored to meet the abilities of the individuals attending. For example, in week 3/chapter three, the link is “never before in history had anyone attempted a cream cheese & breakfast cereal combo – until that historic morning” so Janice arranged for the group members to make their own paper lunch boxes, sticking different items in the picture. Each activity supported the range of services and the strategy offered by Phoenix. Group members enjoyed their visits so much that both Janice and David agreed to extend them until they reached the end of the book.
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liveArgyll.co.uk 20 Phoenix Rise at Rothesay Library! CASE STUDIES liveArgyll libraries partner with the Scottish Book Trust to deliver Bookbug sessions. Using the principles of the Bookbug programme, Janice introduced songs and rhymes to the group, which they participated and thoroughly enjoyed. During the sessions, Janice ensured that the library and its surroundings became familiar to the group members, which had a very positive outcome. Some group members have gained the confidence to visit the library and make use of the available resources. The visits were so well received that when Janice was awarded the Bookbug Hero Award, established to celebrate the work of those who use Bookbug to change the lives of children and the communities they work with, David and a member of ‘Phoenix’ were happy to appear in the Scottish Book Trust video, celebrating the award. This allowed them to speak about Janice’s use of stories, songs, and rhymes and their positive effect on group members. David said: The sessions with Janice were excellent, and the PWS enjoyed both the book readings in the library and the related ‘breakout’ activities. Once again, I thank Janice and her colleagues at Rothesay Library for the time, effort, and professional presentation throughout.’ This has been a great case of partnership working for Rothesay Library and Phoenix. Janice and her team welcome continued collaborations in the local community.
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liveArgyll.co.uk 21 CASE STUDIES Welcoming our new Adult Learning Volunteer Margaret Denvir has recently joined the Mid Argyll team as a liveArgyll Adult Learning Volunteer. Margaret will volunteer at The Community Learning and Employability Hub every week, sharing her knowledge and supporting learners to improve their digital skills. Margaret has worked with Adult Learning since before the pandemic and has been supported to develop her skills for learning, life and work and to improve her confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing. Margaret has had many challenges to overcome; most significantly in relation to her mental and physical health. However, she has shown her determination to move forward positively in her life and commitment to improving her situation. Margaret has regularly attended Adult Learning wellbeing, life skills and employability groups and courses, notably achieving an SQA Health and Wellbeing Award and SQA PDA Self and Work Award. Where is Margaret is is now? She is a university student studying for a Certificate of Higher Education in the English Language and, even better, a digital skills volunteer with liveArgyll. Margaret was also nominated for a Volunteer of the Year Award 2023! Margaret said: Adult learning has proven time and time again the lengths they will go to help someone find themselves by looking outside the box. I know that I wouldn’t be in the position I am today if it weren’t for their help, as my health and wellbeing, mental health and even my education have flourished. Adult learning has given me the courage and confidence to fight for dreams I never thought possible.
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liveArgyll.co.uk 22 CASE STUDIES Young Leaders Young people from all over Argyll and Bute participated in liveArgyll Youth Work’s annual Young Leaders programme delivered in partnership with Youthlink Scotland. The programme gives young people aged 15 and above the opportunity to discover their potential by developing interpersonal and leadership skills, increasing their self-confidence and acquiring the motivation and ability to bring about change, working on: • Self-expression and communication • Team-building and small group facilitation skills • Goal-setting and personal motivation • Social responsibility • Personal leadership skills Delivered as a residential weekend, the programme combines individual and group work, focussing on solving tasks. It is accredited at SCQF Levels 5 and 6 with young people working on Developing Decision Making skills and Developing Leadership Skills. As well as giving young people the opportunity to enhance their skill set by developing their leadership potential, it also offers volunteering experience with the Youth Work team, allowing them to put the underpinning theories into practice. Each of the young people who undertook the Young Leaders training are now actively engaged with our Youth Work service in their local areas and are also involved with local youth action groups, supporting and leading some of the programmes the action groups deliver. Quotes from participants: The training has been really interesting and enjoyable. I learned something in every part of the course, it has made me think differently about the role of a leader and I’m looking forward to putting what I’ve learned into practice in my local area. I really appreciate this training, it has helped me to see how I can resolve one of the issues in my local community. Enjoyed the training and working with other people from other areas, learning about leadership styles was interesting and informative. It was a fun weekend and I’d recommend the training to other young people. Training can sometimes be boring but this was fun and informative and I’d recommend it to other young people.
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liveArgyll.co.uk 23 DIGITAL MARKETING
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liveArgyll.co.uk 24liveArgyll.co.uk 24 LOOKING AHEAD Senior management and Board members continuously review both the local and wider national operating environment for all our service areas to ensure that wherever possible the company is well placed to maximise opportunities from emerging trends or data. Our planning processes incorporate the systematic examination of potential threats, opportunities and likely future developments including, but not restricted to, those that are at the margins of current thinking and planning. This combination of inward and outward review supports the company’s growth and participation objectives and allows a pro-active approach to service provision. Our immediate focus will be ensuring that our strong base in leisure membership is sustained, by developing our levels of customer service and ensuring our leisure programme is varied and utilises cutting edge equipment and technology. We will also work to develop our halls and live events programme, ensuring a varied programme of popular entertainment is available for our communities. The positive contribution of culture and leisure on people’s health and wellbeing is well documented however a lack of public finances may jeopardise the sustainability of these valuable services. Investment in Leisure and Library type activity must be seen as an investment in Health and Wellbeing and as such we intend to place a significant focus on our equality and wellbeing agenda ensuring that liveArgyll is seen and recognised as a significant contributing partner and that the wider social value of our many services is truly recognised. We have a number of branding, marketing and operating initiatives targeted at these areas. A key aspect of our approach will be to highlight, promote and reinforce the message that our services offered are excellent value for money, together with strong messaging around the very many health and wellbeing benefits associated with our activities. Our low affordable price point will also be a key driver as disposable incomes are squeezed and we hope to be able to sustain our pricing model at the lower end of the market. Our services are continuously evolving. We will look to continue to maximise all opportunities to improve our reach, to ensure that wherever possible our services are fully accessible. Digitalisation and automation of both back-office and customer facing processes will be continue to be a key priority moving forward. We will look to continue to develop and expand the range of digital offerings within our Library and Archive Service. Our Community Learning and Active Schools services are performing well. Our focus will be on further developing existing and new partnerships, co-working and increasing the number of volunteers who actively contribute to these valuable services. Our staff are our best asset. In order to achieve our many aspirations it is important to have a motivated and well-trained workforce who feel confident and comfortable in their workplace. A range of corporate and specific individual training offerings will be put in place which will allow opportunities for self-development and the upskilling of the wider staff group. Similarly we intend to review our working arrangements and associated flexibilities that now form part of modern practice. liveArgyll is, and always will be, a customer focused organisation. Wherever possible we will endeavour to fully meet our customer needs within our available resources. We aim to be a progressive, inclusive organisation that provides accessible, attractive and affordable services. Kevin Anderson Chief Officer
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DRAFT liveArgyll.co.uk 25 FINANCIAL STATEMENT Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating the income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 March 2023 The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities. Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Pension Fund Total Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022 Note £ £ £ £ £ Income: Donations and legacies 5 - 1,099 - 1,099 351,571 Charitable activities 4 2,895,111 376,563 - 3,271,674 2,863,481 Management fee 4 4,075,464 - - 4,075,464 3,937,594 Total income 6,970,575 377,662 - 7,348,237 7,152,646 Expenditure: Charitable activities 6 (7,305,095) (408,669) (1,259,000) (8,972,764) (8,311,787) Other trading activities - - - - - Total expenditure (7,305,095) (408,669) (1,259,000) (8,972,764) (8,311,787) Net expenditure (334,520) (31,007) (1,259,000) (1,624,527) (1,159,141) Transfers between funds - - - - - Other recognised gains: Actuarial gains on defined benefit pension schemes 15 - - 4,809,000 4,809,000 3,217,000 Net movement in funds (334,520) (31,007) 3,550,000 3,184,473 2,057,859 Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward 1,930,314 124,104 (3,550,000) (1,495,582) (3,553,441) Total funds carried forward 1,595,794 93,097 - 1,688,891 (1,495,582)
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DRAFT liveArgyll.co.uk 26 FINANCIAL STATEMENT Company Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating the income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 March 2023 The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities. Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Pension Fund Total Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022 Note £ £ £ £ £ Income: Donations and legacies 5 - 1,099 - 1,099 351,571 Charitable activities 4 2,895,111 376,563 - 3,271,674 2,863,481 Management fee 4 4,075,464 - - 4,075,464 3,937,594 Total income 6,970,575 377,662 - 7,348,237 7,152,646 Expenditure: Charitable activities 6 (7,305,095) (408,669) (1,259,000) (8,972,764) (8,311,787) Total expenditure (7,305,095) (408,669) (1,259,000) (8,972,764) (8,311,787) Net expenditure (334,520) (31,007) (1,259,000) (1,624,527) (1,159,141) Transfers between funds - - - - - Other recognised gains: Actuarial gains on defined benefit pension schemes 15 - - 4,809,000 4,809,000 3,217,000 Net movement in funds (334,520) (31,007) 3,550,000 3,184,473 2,057,859 Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward 1,929,236 124,104 (3,550,000) (1,496,660) (3,554,520) Total funds carried forward 1,594,715 93,097 - 1,687,813 (1,496,660)
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DRAFT liveArgyll.co.uk 27 FINANCIAL STATEMENT Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2023 2023 2022 Note £ £ £ £ Current assets Stock 12 14,545 20,530 Debtors 13 56,592 104,855 Cash and cash equivalents 2,285,919 2,638,176 Total current assets 2,357,056 2,763,561 Current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 14 (668,165) (709,143) Net current assets 1,688,891 2,054,418 Net assets excluding pension liability 1,688,891 2,054,418 Defined benefit pension scheme asset/(liability) 15 - (3,550,000) Net liabilities 1,688,891 (1,495,582) Funds Unrestricted funds 16 1,595,794 1,930,314 Restricted funds 16 93,097 124,104 Pension reserve 15 - (3,550,000) Total Funds 1,688,891 (1,495,582)
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DRAFT liveArgyll.co.uk 28 FINANCIAL STATEMENT Company Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2023 2023 2022 Note £ £ £ £ Fixed assets Investments 11 1 1 Total fixed assets 1 1 Current assets Stock 12 14,545 20,530 Debtors 13 56,592 104,855 Cash and cash equivalents 2,284,839 2,637,097 Total current assets 2,355,976 2,762,482 Current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 14 (668,165) (709,143) Net current assets 1,687,811 2,053,339 Net assets excluding pension liability 1,687,812 2,053,340 Defined benefit pension scheme asset/(liability) 15 - (3,550,000) Net liabilities 1,687,812 (1,496,660) Funds Unrestricted funds 16 1,594,715 1,929,236 Restricted funds 16 93,097 124,104 Pension reserve 15 - (3,550,000) Total Funds 1,687,812 (1,496,660)
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DRAFT liveArgyll.co.uk 29 FINANCIAL STATEMENT Operating results (excluding the pension liability adjustment) The operating results for liveArgyll for the year ended 31 March 2023, excluding the pension adjustment, report an overall deficit of £365,527. Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022 £ £ £ £ Income: Donations and legacies - 1,099 1,099 351,571 Charitable activities 2,895,111 376,563 3,271,674 2,863,481 Management fee 4,075,464 - 4,075,464 3,937,594 Total income 6,970,575 377,662 7,348,237 7,152,646 Expenditure: Charitable activities (7,305,095) (408,669) (7,713,764) (6,933,787) Total expenditure (7,305,095) (408,669) (7,713,764) (6,933,787) Net expenditure (334,520) (31,007) (365,527) 218,859 Transfers between funds - - - - Deficit from operations (334,520) (31,007) (365,527) 218,859
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liveArgyll.co.uk 30 THANK YOU Thank you to our partners, funders and stakeholders for their invaluable support throughout the year. As a local charity we couldn’t achieve what we do without you!