Flitwick Leisure Centre

The friendly and modern Leisure Centre in Flitwick offers sports and leisure facilities to all ages and abilities, offering value for money, helping many to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle or simply more active and enjoyable lifestyle.

The centre is jointly owed by Flitwick Town Council and Central Bedfordshire Council, but is managed by Stevenage Leisure Limited. The sports and leisure facilities are operated by dedicated professionals who put customer satisfaction at the core of all they do.

With over 70 full time and part time staff currently employed at the popular leisure Flitwick Leisure Centre, Suzanne Clague (Office Manager) has seen her team grow and develop and understands the rewards of staff training.

‘’Customer care is not just for reception, it effects all staff on all levels from gym instructors to bar employees, because they are continually dealing with customers and are providing a service.’’

Over the past years team members (staffs) at the Leisure Centre have completed NVQs at Bedford College and this year sees more staff keen and motivated to embark on the courses at Bedford College. Suzanne herself has also been undertaking a Managing People Course at Shuttleworth College (now part of Bedford College) which has also proved fruitful.

‘’I have always received a really good service from Bedford College over the years. The accessibility and facilities at Bedford College have been great.’’

What type of training has been undertaken by the staff?

"Over the last few years and especially within the last year the NVQ Level 2 Customer Care course has proved popular, and this year sees another wave of staff signing on to do the course. We have also used the college for our Level 2 Food hygiene for all the Costa team members."

What are your business objectives?

"To deliver the best possible service to our customers and clients."

Were they achieved?

"Defiantly, staff have become more aware of their behaviour towards customers. We have a survey each year around July. It gives clients the opportunity to give their feedback, so it will be interesting to see the feedback."

What has been the impact on the performance of you staff?

“It has encouraged team work and helped with staff retention, staff feel they are working towards a common goal. I have also learnt within my management course new strategies and methods to keep my staff motivated.”

What has been the impact on the performance of the organisation?

"Well trained happier staff means a well trained business, due to the training the team help each to always deliver the best possible service."

Why did you choose these courses?

"I have a really good relationship with Bedford College, I am always kept informed with any coming courses which can help the organisation."

Why did you choose Bedford College?

I have always received a really good service from Bedford College over the years. The accessibility and facilities at Bedford College have been great. I have a great working relationship with staff at the college. They are always flexible when it comes to training; they are always willing to come to us for short a course which helps us greatly.