A new governance model has been implemented at Live Borders and agreement reached on the transfer of two services.
These changes will support ongoing efforts to ensure the future sustainability of sport, leisure and cultural services.
The governance model has now changed to that of a Single Member Trust, as was agreed to progress at a Council meeting in June. This sees Live Borders retain its independence and charitable status, but we become the sole member – the equivalent of a shareholder. This change replicates the model across many other similar trusts across Scotland and will aide strategic alignment between Live Borders and ourselves.
At Full Council on Thursday, Elected Members also confirmed the transfer of Active Schools and Sports Development services to us. This will take place formally on 1 October, with a short transition period planned to ensure a smooth transfer and no break in service delivery. All existing service staff will transfer across.
Councillors also agreed to a delay to the delivery of an options appraisal on the future delivery of cultural and community services currently operated by Live Borders. This report will now be delivered in December and will allow consideration on whether services such as libraries, museums, visitor attractions, town halls and community centres will remain with the trust, be delivered by us, or a combination of both.
Council Leader, Councillor Euan Jardine
“The changes formally agreed in the past week are another step towards our shared goal of ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of services which are very much valued by our communities.
“I look forward to Active Schools and Sports Development colleagues joining us in the autumn and continuing their work in our communities and with departments across the Council and maximising the opportunities for people to be active.
“There are undoubtedly challenges ahead, but there are great opportunities for us to work together to benefit the health and wellbeing of our residents, to capitalise on our incredible history, heritage and visitor attractions and to invest smartly in services and facilities for the benefit of our region.
“I am excited about what the future holds, whilst acknowledging that difficult decisions do lie ahead, and it really feels like we are starting out on a new path with the changes agreed this week.”
Transformational change programme
A joint transformational change programme has been progressing aimed at delivering high quality services through a financially sustainable and high performing partnership between Live Borders and the Council. This followed an independent joint review of sport, leisure and cultural services and facilities which took place during 2023 and received significant input from Borderers.
Projects within the programme include the development of detailed options appraisals and associated consultation on the future of the Council-owned buildings operated and managed by Live Borders which meet various criteria, including high repair/maintenance costs, decreasing user numbers, increased running costs and where there is the potential to relocate or co-locate services.
Alison Moore, chair of Live Borders
“On behalf of the Board of Live Borders I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Active Schools and Sports Development teams for all of their work for the Trust over the years. The work that they do and the support that they give to children and adults alike engaged in sporting activities in our local area is tremendous. We have every confidence that they will continue to deliver this excellent work under the auspices of the Council going forwards.
“The change that has been made by the Board of Live Borders in becoming a single member Trust is a step forward in aligning our governance structures with those of other leisure trusts in Scotland. This change emphasises the closeness of the working relationship that is enjoyed between the Council and Live Borders.
“We also need to recognise though, that these changes do not have a material impact on the underlying financial position of the Trust. It was clear in the review of the Trust that was undertaken last year that our local communities understand there must be changes to our services for Live Borders to remain economically viable. This will only be achieved through significant change to the services that are provided. The transformational change programme is absolutely central to this change.”
About Live Borders
In partnership, Scottish Borders Council and Live Borders are responsible for delivering a broad range of valued culture, sport and leisure and community services in towns and communities across the Scottish Borders.
The current trust arrangements were originally established in 2003 with the formation of Borders Sports and Leisure Trust. The services delivered have been expanded over the years, including the addition of Active Schools and Sports Development in 2011, cultural and community services in 2016, community sports provision at a number of schools, and the addition of the Great Tapestry of Scotland Visitor Centre in 2020.