DURHAM County Council is among the first tranche of local authorities in the UK to achieve a new national certification recognising the quality of its leisure facilities.
The council, which operates 15 leisure centres across the county, is now certified to The Active Standard, which has been developed by ukactive, the UK’s trade body for the physical activity sector, in conjunction with its partners.
The new scheme is designed to promote high standards in gyms, leisure centres, swimming pools and other sport and fitness facilities to ensure they are safe, compliant and help welcome more people to be active.
Alison Clark, Durham County Council’s head of culture, sport and tourism, said: “We are delighted that our fitness and leisure facilities have been awarded The Active Standard, a prestigious quality mark that demonstrates our dedication to safety and exceptional customer service.”
Following rigorous assessment, Right Directions, an independent third-party assessment body, found that the council met national standards for its health and safety practices, professional standards, safeguarding procedures and data protection processes, helping to give customers confidence when using its leisure facilities.
Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “Demand for our nation’s fitness and leisure facilities is growing rapidly as more and more people across the UK prioritise physical activity for their health and wellbeing.
“The Active Standard will help more people to feel confident that they can enjoy all the benefits of being active in a safe environment.”
The council will be reassessed for The Active Standard in three years’ time.