Chairman role for Lockwood

STUART Lockwood - appointed chairman of Sporta

THE chief executive of Oldham Community Leisure has been appointed chairman of Sporta, the national association of leisure and cultural trusts.

Stuart Lockwood will chair the national body which supports the vital work of trusts as they invest in facilities to deliver the best, most cost-effective services during times of austerity.

Mr Lockwood said: "Oldham Community Leisure is typical of many trusts in the sector in our commitment to continually improving the local offers for Oldham residents by re-investing surpluses and working in partnership with similarly placed community organisations in the delivery of health and wellbeing outcomes.

"We, like others in the trust sector, do far more for our communities than a caretaker role for leisure facilities. I'm a passionate advocate for the not-for-profit sector and to be chosen by my peers to represent them as chairman is a great honour."

Sporta members operate a third of public leisure centres in the UK with over 1,600 facilities, a combined turnover of more than £1 billion and they employ around 50,000 staff.

Brian Leonard, chief executive of Sporta, said: "The genuinely not-for-profit Sporta trusts have the distinctive ability to get the best outcomes from public facilities and programmes, including for the most disadvantaged communities and people.

"Working with his colleagues from around the UK, Stuart will ensure that Sporta can continue to support all of our members and the health and wellbeing of the millions of people who rely on their services."