A worksheet on running a Leisure and Recreation facility

Running a Leisure and Recreation Facility Worksheet

The aim of this worksheet is to find out more on the day-to-day running of a local leisure and recreation facility. If taking part in a work experience programme, the following research checklist will ensure that you get the most out of your visit.

The following questions are to be researched and recorded by you during your visit and paper evidence obtained wherever possible

1. What range of activities/services is routinely programmed at the facility? (Obtain a copy of the programme)
2. What factors affect the design of the programme or the provision of the services?
3. What factors act as a constraint upon the programming of activities or provision of services? (this may have been partially answered in No. 2)
4. What methods are used to evaluate the programming of activities or provision of services? Why are these methods used?
5. What actions have taken place recently as a result of such evaluation?

Obtain a plan of the facility or draw a plan as accurately as possible

1. Describe the 'core' facilities of the design.
2. Describe the 'ancillary' facilities that support the core facilities and explain in what ways they influence them.
3. In what ways does the design and location of the facility reflect the activities/provision on offer?
4. What constraints does the facility suffer as a result of its design and location? (this may have been partially answered in No. 3)
5. In what ways are 'special needs' accommodated?
6. As you research the facility take notes on the type of specialist and general equipment used in the different areas:

Financial Resources

1. Taking into consideration the sector in which your chosen facility operates, explain their financial aims and objectives, and how the facility is funded.
2. Who has responsibility for day-to-day financial management and how is it managed?
3. What factors determine pricing strategies at the facility?
4. Determine ways in which financial aims and objectives can be better achieved.

Human Resources

1. Obtain a copy of the organisational structure of the facility.
2. With reference to the organisational structure and its aims and objectives, how are staff deployed in order to meet customer needs and yet maximise efficiency?
3. How does the organisation of human resources within the facility affect employment opportunities and promotion?
4. How are training needs met?
5. With reference to its main aims and objectives, what type of person is best suited to a job in this facility?

Operational Procedures

1. In what ways are operating procedures communicated to all staff?
2. What form of booking system does the facility use and why?
3. What incentives/promotions are offered to maximise use of the facility?
4. Is the facility licensed in any way and how is health and safety ensured on the premises?