Who are the Members of the Society?

The Members (or Trustees) of the Society (West Lothian Leisure Ltd) are the Board of Directors (Non Executive Directors). There are 12 Directors made up as follows:

Three nominated by West Lothian Council

Three from the local business and professional community

Three users or customers of West Lothian Leisure

Three employees of the Society (elected by employees every 3 years)

When vacancies arise for a user/customer or local business Board Member an advert will be placed on this website and in other appropriate places.

An Introduction to West Lothian Leisure Limited

What is West Lothian Leisure?

West Lothian Leisure (also referred to as WLL, the leisure trust, the society or the company) is an Industrial and Provident Society registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 (no. 2533R(S)). WLL, which was established on 28 January 1998, is also a Scottish Charity (no. SC 027 470) and is governed by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).

In everyday terms, this means that WLL is a non profit distributing organisation with charitable status and is a social enterprise.

The Society’s objects as defined in its Rules (or constitution) are:　

To advance education and to provide or assist in the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare for leisure-time occupation with the object of improving conditions of life for the said inhabitants.　

To provide or assist in the provision of facilities for physical education and development which will enable and encourage pupils and students of schools or establishments for the provision of further and higher education to play games and sports and thereby to assist in ensuring that due attention is given to the physical education and development of such pupils and students as well as to the development and occupation of their minds and with a view to furthering this object to provide or assist in the provision of or for the use of such pupils and students as aforesaid.　

Our purpose, therefore, is centred around providing sports, health, active leisure and learning opportunities that enhance the quality of life and improve the health of the communities we serve. We do this primarily by managing and providing services from nine public sports and leisure facilities leased from and on behalf of West Lothian Council.

Why does it exist?

It was established by West Lothian Council to manage and operate its major public sports and leisure facilities in a more cost effective way and to make use of funding and support only available to charities and social enterprises.

Who does it benefit?

The real beneficiaries are the community and the users of the service and this comes about in two ways. Firstly, the savings made by the Council are redirected into other Council priority areas such as schools and community care; and, secondly because the Society is established for the benefit of the community of West Lothian any surpluses made by the Society are put back into the service for local people.

Who are the Members of the Society?

The Members (or Trustees) of the Society are the Board of Directors (Non Executive Directors). There are 12 Directors made up as follows:

Three nominated by West Lothian Council

Three from the local business and professional community

Three users of the service

Three employees of the Society

Do Members hold Shares in the Society?

Yes, each member of the Committee holds one share in the Society. Its value is one pound (£1) if asked. There are only twelve shares in the Society, which cannot be traded.

How is it Managed?　

The day to day operations of the Society are managed by the Trust’s Senior Management Team (Executive) led by the General Manager (Chief Executive), who is given strategic direction by the Board of Directors. The Directors have ultimate control of the Society subject to providing and operating the services in accordance with contracts, leases and funding agreements made with West Lothian Council. Directors and paid staff of the Society have a duty to act in the interests of the charity and operate in accordance with its objects and purposes.

What is expected of Board Members?

Board members are expected to conduct themselves in a business like fashion and only to take decisions, which are in the best interests of the Society. (It is a similar position to someone who holds a place on a company Board of Directors). The members of the Board owe a legal and fiduciary duty to the Society and should do nothing through their decision-making or actions, which is contrary to the Society’s Rules, Standing Orders, Operating Guidelines and Code of Conduct.

Members of the Board are expected to contribute to the Society’s future business plans and to bring their own skills and expertise to the Board.

Do Members of the Board have any liabilities?

Members of the Board do have some legal responsibilities and potential liabilities. Further information on this can be obtained from the General Manager. The Society has arranged insurance cover to indemnify Members of the Board for legal claims made against them.

Are Board Members paid or can they profit from the Society?

No, members of the Committee are volunteers and they cannot profit from the operation of the Society.

How often does the Board meet?

The Board meets at least 6 times per year on a regular schedule and if necessary on a more frequent basis. Meetings are normally held on the last Thursday of every second month in the evening, and normally last around 2 hours.

The Board has two standing Sub Committees: the Audit Sub Committee and the Appeals Sub Committee, on which Board members sit. The Audit Sub Committee meets regularly throughout the year to further scrutinise finance in particular. The Appeal Sub Committee only meets when required.

Elections to the standing sub committees and office bearer elections (Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, etc) are held at each Annual General Meeting. AGM’s are held in September each year.

What types of decisions does it take?

The Board oversees a range of matters, which include:　

Investment proposals　　　

Legal and Financial compliance　

Appointment of Professional Advisers　

New policies and practices　　

Business planning　　

Performance monitoring　　

Strategy and direction of the Society