We recognise that there has been some speculation around the fact that Stirling Council recently tendered for our Sports, Physical Activity and Wellbeing provision and has identified a preferred bidder. We know how important the sports and leisure services are to so many of you, and the concern felt by those of you who work in these services, which is why it’s vital that we reassure you and correct some serious misinformation.
FAQ
Why did you tender?
The Council invests more than £1m a year in the delivery of sports and leisure provision. This is currently supplied by an external contractor, Active Stirling, not an in-house operation. The previous contract has been in place since 2006, and has been subject to several extensions. Legally, the Council could not continue with such an arrangement of indefinitely extending the contract, so in December 2015, the Council took the decision to tender and undertake a competitive procurement process to ensure best value for the taxpayer.
Is this privatisation?
No – this is not privatisation. A charitable trust registered in Scotland would run the service and, because of this, it would be required by the Office of the Scottish Charities Regulator (OSCR) to reinvest any surplus back into the service.
What will happen to staff?
Staff would transfer to a new provider and are protected by employment legislation. Likewise, existing contracts with self-employed contractors/instructors who run classes and services would also transfer to a new provider.
Will this mean prices rise?
Prices won’t rise because of this process.
What will this mean for Stirling's sports facilities?
The provision and development of community sports and leisure provision across the Stirling area has been a key focus of this process. This is about providing the best possible sports, physical activity and wellbeing service and opportunities for all our people. While it will be business as usual for Stirling’s sports and wellbeing venues initially, we expect to see improved facilities and new opportunities across the area during the contract period.