Good afternoon everyone,
As you will be aware the government has now given the green light to open leisure centres, which is great news and another step forward towards a new normal.
Whilst it may seem simple to open the doors and for normal operations to resume, unfortunately it isn't!
Moving forwards Leeds City Council must apply strategies and protocols to limit the spread of COVID-19 throughout its buildings. This involves staff organising buildings so that it is safe for people to visit and use the facilities under the government's guidance and social distancing. We also must work with guidelines from Swim England to start all aspects of aquatics as quickly and as safely as possible.
Currently, Active Leeds which includes facility and training scheme staff, have been redeployed to other services within the council, this in itself will be a large task to bring staff back from redeployment so that other services are not left short. Staff then need to be retrained to operate safely in the buildings. This again is a timely exercise.
The training schemes staff have been working with senior council management and facility management across the city to organise a return for the training schemes. There is plenty to consider such as risk assessments, numbers in buildings, one way systems, social distancing spacing, the list is endless to make sure everyone is safe on return.
Whilst all this work is being completed day by day, all work has to be signed off by the Senior Management Team, which then liaises with unions, at this point if all is agreed it will go to a Silver Command group for the whole of the council to be signed off. This is a timely and thorough process, but, one which will help facilities and staff to have safe processes in place to keep everyone safe during their visits to the council facilities.
Considering all this information and work that is ongoing the aquatic training schemes will not be returning in July, we are aiming for a date to be confirmed in August.
Whilst I appreciate this may be frustrating and everyone is excited about the prospect of returning to training, please stay patient a little while longer while we co-ordinate a safe return for everyone.
If you have any further questions, please contact your respective training scheme staff.
Stay safe.
Regards
Richard
