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    East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust Business Improvement Plan 2025-2028

    East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust, on behalf of East Dunbartonshire Council, is responsible for the operation, management and delivery of Leisure and Cultural services throughout East Dunbartonshire.

    The services are delivered under the terms of a service agreement with the Council. These services are delivered through five main groupings which are Libraries, Heritage and Arts, Sports Development, Leisure Centres and Active Schools.  The Trust Articles of Association set out the Key Objectives of the Trust which are reflected in the Culture Leisure and Sports Strategy.  The key objectives are detailed below.

    The company's objects are:-

    • To advance the arts, heritage, culture and science
    • To advance public participation in sport
    • To provide recreational facilities, and organise recreational activities with such facilities/activities being made available to members of the public at large with the object of improving their conditions of life
    • To advance education
    • To advance health
    • To advance citizenship and/or community development (which may include the promotion of civic responsibility, volunteering, the voluntary sector and/or the effectiveness or efficiency of charities)
    • To relieve those in need by reason of age, ill health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage
    • To promote, establish, operate and/or support other similar schemes and projects which further charitable purposes.

    Although EDLCT is not listed as a Lead Strategic Group the five key service delivery areas of Libraries, Heritage & Arts, Leisure Centres and Active Schools & Community Sport contribute to the LOIP for East Dunbartonshire Council.  The range of activities and programmes on offer between Leisure and Cultural services make a clear contribution towards Outcomes 2, 3, 5, and 6.  Key examples of these include the Active Schools & Community Sport programmes, Learning Opportunities across Libraries and Culture and partnership working to impact on Health issues through the Live Active, Vitality and health walks programmes. A brief description of the work of the teams is detailed below:

    Active Schools & Community Sport Team (ASCS)

    Following a restructure last year, Active Schools and Sports Development became one department, moving from a sport specific to locality-based model to better align with local and national priorities. The new team work closely together across the three locality areas of:

    • Bearsden and Milngavie
    • Bishopbriggs and Auchinairn
    • Kirkintilloch, Lenzie and the Villages.

    To help develop school and community opportunities the ASCS team work in partnership with a variety of external organisations including sportscotland, national governing bodies of sport and local clubs.
    The team also work closely with EDC, ED Health & Social Care Partnership, and other partners to deliver targeted programmes such as Going for Gold nursery programme

    Active Schools

    The Active Schools Team continue to work across all ED Primary, Secondary and ASN schools to:

    • Increase the number of children and young people participating in school and community sport
    • Increase capacity through the recruitment, retention and development of volunteers to deliver sport in school and the wider community.

    The team achieve both national outcomes by working closely with pupils, school staff, parents, volunteers, local sports clubs, as well as local and national partners to create a broad range of accessible extracurricular opportunities both within school and the local community.

    Active Schools Coordinators use local and national data to ensure opportunities are targeted at those in most need, tracking success each term through Sportscotland Mysport Data and regular Cluster plan reviews. 

    The team maximize additional funding opportunities to provide targeted projects that engage hard to reach or vulnerable pupils who may not currently participate in physical activity and sport. Active Schools Coordinators work closely with Community Sport Officers to ensure activities within the local community are accessible and inclusive, increasing the number of targeted community session available for those who have the largest barriers to participation.

    Community Sport Team

    Community Sport will continue to deliver a wide range of grassroots sport and physical activity programmes across East Dunbartonshire through term-time programmes which run for 40 weeks of the year and school holiday programmes for a further 9 weeks.  Activities on offer include:

    • A comprehensive Aquatics programme, including the term time Learn to Swim framework, individual swimming lessons, holiday camps, diving and a range of other aquatic disciplines
    • Gymnastics programme ranging from adult & child to recreational and trampolining classes, with schools competitions and holiday camps
    • Football community programme offering mini-kickers, football centres, goalkeeping and girls only sessions in addition to a targeted primary schools/after schools programme and holiday camps
    • A Multi-sport programme that includes a range of activities such as athletics, badminton, basketball, netball, tennis and holiday camps
    • A 30-week Rugby programme delivered in primary schools, and in partnership with local rugby clubs, Education and Scottish Rugby
    • The Athlete Performance Programme is a strength & conditioning programme to support local athletes in progressing through the pathway of their chosen sport from club / regional to elite level, and runs for 40 weeks of the year
    • Guidance and support for local sports clubs and athletes
    • The Volunteer pathway supported, linking closely with the Active Schools teams volunteer programme. The Community Sport team will provide training and mentoring opportunities, connecting volunteers to EDLCT sessions and local community clubs where suitable.

    Heritage & Arts Team

    EDLCT Heritage & Arts Service provides free physical and digital access to museum and archives collections and widens access to participation and learning through the offer of a broad cultural and creative programme. Specialist staff support access to online resources, including local archives and family history

    The Heritage & Arts Service works to embrace and celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion through:

    • Community engagement and partnership working
    • Exhibitions, performance, activities and events programme
    • Targeted work through externally funded programmes. 

    We engage with people through local heritage, archives & collections, cultural assets and heritage & arts programming, contributing to improved mental health and well-being. We do this through:

    • Operational management of four heritage venues; The Auld Kirk Museum, Lillie Art Gallery and Kirkintilloch Town Hall & Heritage Centre and Kilmardinny House which enable access to civic and national collections through permanent, temporary and touring exhibitions
    • Heritage & Arts learning opportunities through talks, workshops, co curated exhibitions and events
    • Access to and engagement with physical and digital local studies, family history and archives collections
    • Engagement opportunities for children, young people and adults in visual and performing arts
    • Externally funded programmes which enhance our service offer by providing projects which target priority groups and Place Areas
    • Developing partnerships to maximise opportunities to improve health and wellbeing outcomes
    • Provision of high quality, affordable spaces, for the use of local businesses, groups and individuals for business and social interaction.

    Leisure Centres

    EDLCT Leisure Centre allow public access to a range of sports and physical activity opportunities to the public. There are three large multi-purpose facilities in the area which are all 4 star visit Scotland accredited and attract over 1 million customers every year.  The centres are also our main base for the extensive Community Sport programme

    EDLCT Centres provide facilities for:

    • Swimming
    • Over 360 Fitness Classes each week
    • Sports activities including Badminton, Squash, Football, Pickleball and Table Tennis
    • Live Active Exercise referral scheme
    • Children’s Play Activity
    • Community Sport programmes including swimming football and gymnastics
    • Access for a number of local Sports Clubs
    • Access for schools
    • Gym membership totalling 13,830.

    Libraries

    EDLCT Libraries offer free and universal access to resources for reading, learning and enjoyment.  Specialist staff support access to a world of information, knowledge and ideas; in particular we strive to ensure every citizen of East Dunbartonshire has access to online and digital resources.

    The library service works to earn its place in the heart of communities. The service celebrates equality, diversity and inclusion and is committed to supporting people by improving:

    • Reading, literacy and learning
    • Health and Social & Economic Wellbeing
    • Achievement and employability.

    Our priorities include:

    • Free access to books, newspapers electronic newspapers & magazines, audio and e-audio books; and a wide range of online services
    • Support with reading for pleasure, from committed staff offering help to select and promote a wide range of library resources and activities; including a growing number of local reading groups
    • Digital inclusion; including free internet access, access to high quality modern devices (laptops, tablets and printers), use of new and emerging technologies, information on internet safety and one to one and group digital support and coaching
    • A programme of social and cultural activities – including classes, cultural activities and informal learning opportunities.
    • Providing access to warm, safe community spaces and meeting spaces
    • Supporting reading, informal learning and social opportunities for children, young people and their families, offering a wide programme of focussed activities including Bookbug Sessions, Code Clubs and visits to schools and early years settings
    • An inclusive offer with targeted and tailored services and activities in libraries and community venues, including dual-language books and a Home Library Service.

    Section 2 - Our Priorities for 2025-28

    As a charity, our main aim is to provide facilities for recreation, sport and cultural pursuits which are of maximum benefit to the community and accessible to all. In order to help deliver our aim a Strategy was developed with key partners and formally launched on 14 March 2017. 

    The Culture Leisure and Sport Strategy (CLSS) was adopted by all Community Planning Partners and set out the direction for culture, leisure and sport by establishing an overarching ambition for provision within the area. The ambition is to be realised through a series of long-term objectives and key priorities for action. The strategy pulled together national and local priorities in all of the areas that shape culture, leisure and sport to produce a co-ordinated approach to provision. Until the new Strategy is produced later this year, the key over-arching objectives still apply.

    Increasing Participation for All

    To increase participation in culture, leisure and sport for all residents, workers and visitors of East Dunbartonshire in an inclusive and sustainable manner

    Improving Physical/Mental Health and Wellbeing

    To improve health and wellbeing through culture, leisure and sport opportunities that enables everyone in East Dunbartonshire to lead full and active lives

    Developing People

    To support and develop the network of volunteers and staff involved in delivering culture, leisure and sport in East Dunbartonshire, and to support all individuals in developing their talent, skills and confidence

    Maintaining the Quality of Our Existing Culture, Leisure and Sports (CLS) Offer & Maximising Opportunities

    To maintain the quality of our current culture, leisure and sport offer, improve existing services and maximise opportunities for providing new activities and services by incorporating high environmental and design standards. Therefore ensuring that East Dunbartonshire has first class culture, leisure and sport venues and services.
    EDLCT has a further two priorities in addition to the four CLSS priorities:

    Review of 2016 CLSS

    To work in partnership with EDC to review and update or renew the Culture, Leisure & Sport Strategy for East Dunbartonshire to provide a more up to date framework and direction for the partnership working required to address the challenges we face and build upon our successes

    EDLCT Digital Strategy implementation

    Continued development of Digital strategy key objective areas, improving processes for staff, and customer service delivery. Using analytics to identify key objectives beyond 2026 and key performance indicators set for next phase of development areas. 

    Section 3 - How we contribute to our agreed Local Priorities

    Section 3 - How we contribute to our agreed Local Priorities

    How we contribute to our agreed Local Priorities
    Area How we contribute to this Priority

    Economic Growth and Recovery
    • Continued development of cultural venues to provide safe, warm, welcoming and well equipped spaces for learning, leisure and business
    • Work in partnership to provide and promote local cultural events and activities in towns and villages across East Dunbartonshire with a particular focus on priority Place areas.
    • Maximise use of facilities across EDLCT through effective marketing to residents and visitors and development of effective partnerships
    • Improve energy efficiency, reduce waste and promote recycling in EDLCT facilities
    • Work in partnership to promote local tourist attractions, walk and cycle paths across a range of services.
    • Participate in local gala days to promote opportunities for East Dunbartonshire residents and visitors.

    Employment and Skills
    • Support work placements from schools and EDC’s shared prosperity fund programme for neurodivergent adults
    • Development of libraries as Information Hubs, providing information and signposting to partner organisations and services
    • Invest in the development of our coaching staff to ensure career opportunities and improve/ ensure the quality of the programme
    • Provide a wide range of opportunities for people of East Dunbartonshire to improve their skills and learning through the Coach and Volunteer training program delivered by the ASCS Team
    • Develop Young Leaders’ skills through the Active Schools Training programme with supported volunteer placements within schools and the local community
    • Offer volunteering opportunities across a range of services
    • Offer employment opportunities to deliver knowledge, skills and learning developed through volunteering and mentoring pathway
    • Work in partnership with employability charities such as Street League to enhance pathways to employment.
    • Work in partnership with schools, colleges and universities to provide suitable student placements and other volunteering opportunities that enhance their learning and employability skills
    • Contributing to the Local Skills and Accountability Board in conjunction with CIMSPA
    • Delivering National Pool Lifeguard Courses to the local community.

     

    Delivering for Children and Young People
    • East Dunbartonshire Sports Inclusion Forum will continue to bring together schools, local clubs, national bodies and other EDLCT/EDC services to share good practice and develop opportunities for children and young people with additional support needs to participate in sport within their local community
    • Delivery of learning activities for early years, including targeted provision in Locality areas
    • Provision of learning activities and events for children and young people within cultural settings
    • Developing educational resources to promote local heritage
    • Quality opportunities for children and young people to participate in sport and physical activity at all levels are provided through the school and community setting
    • Programmes are prioritised that help target the inactive, young people from areas in the 25% most deprived in Scotland (from SIMD), those with additional support needs and girls and young women
    • Provision of strength & conditioning programme (Athlete Performance Programme) to support talented young sports people
    • Support sport and physical activity programmes which contribution to children and young people’s health and wellbeing across nursery, primary and secondary establishments.

    Adult Health and Wellbeing
    • Continue to develop partnership with EDHSCP to deliver Health Information Hubs in libraries
    • Continued partnership working with NHSGGC to expand delivery of the Improving the Cancer Journey programme and other health information programmes
    • Targeted programmes of activity tackling loneliness and exclusion
    •  Expanding the provision of lifestyle programmes including Live Active to enhance / maintain wellbeing outcomes
    •  Behaviour change initiatives to support positive and active lifestyles
    • Opportunities to participate in a range of fitness activities throughout East Dunbartonshire to improve physical and mental health
    •  Leisure Centres facilitate partnership initiatives for example Better Points App scheme co-promoted with the Active Travel Team
    • Continued use of EDLCT facilities as bases for more specialised targeted activity such as walking programmes (Involvement in a group or club activity fosters a sense of belonging and socialisation beneficial to sustained physical activity and emotional health & well-being).

    Safer and Stronger Communities
    • Delivery of a programme of exhibitions and events across cultural venues
    • Diversionary activities delivered through Active Schools such as YDance -Cash Back for Communities
    • Work in partnership with internal and external partners to use sport and physical activity to support identified vulnerable children and young people both within school and the wider community (For example Active Schools Inclusive Dance project)
    • Development of an EDI policy with ongoing review.

    Older Adults, Vulnerable People and Carers
    • Continued provision and development of the home library service.
    • Opportunities provided through inclusive initiatives in addition to targeted work with specific populations
    • Training programmes provided to ensure people are equipped with the knowledge and skills to deliver to specific groups
    • Decreasing social isolation through engagement in sport and physical activity (For example - Health Walks, Vitality group fitness, walking football and walking netball)
    • Increased access to activities for children and young people in Place areas
    • Increase opportunities for children & young people with a disability to take part in physical activity and sport opportunities within their local community.

    Climate Change Mitigation
    • LED light replacement across EDLCT facilities
    • Promotion of active travel at all leisure facilities in partnership with EDC and Better Points
    • Electric vehicle charging points provided at EDLCT facilities
    • Promote use of electric vehicle within libraries and other Trust services
    • Reduction in travel for meetings by utilising online meeting options
    • Continued use of “wee green library” electric vehicle for delivery of library services in communities not served directly by a library branch. 

    Cost of Living Support
    • Provision of a wide range of free services to library members
    • Outreach library services to Priority Place areas
    • Concession memberships available across EDLCT Sport and Leisure provision
    • Free swimming access for under 5s
    • Discounted gym and swim memberships for 12 – 17 years
    • Concession rates applied to cultural classes, performances and events.

    Section 4 - Key Improvement Actions

    Key Improvement Actions

    Key Improvement Actions
    Improvement Action Description Rationale Due Date

    Investigate options for a Central Reservations Facility

    Overall review of the current booking system and explore the option to centralise this important function

    To provide a single point of contact offering a more consistent and efficient service to customers and reduce duplication across the service

    31st March 2026

    Investigate options to move Leisure Management System (TLMS) to cloud based model

    Scope costs, resources and timescales for transition to cloud-based system with XN Leisure

    To improve functionality and ensure ongoing technical support

    31st March 2026

    Section 5 - Priority Performance Indicators

    The Priority Performance Indicators can be viewed in the EDLCT BIP Tables document.

    Section 6 - Sustainability

    The Sustainability table can be viewed in the EDLCT BIP Tables document.

    Section 7 - Risk Management

    The Risk Management table can be viewed in the EDLCT BIP Tables document.