Active Cheshire has delivered a strategic sports development service for Cheshire West and Chester Council for the past 4 years. Initially a 3 year contract, the joined up approach has delivered such impact that despite austerity measures, the Council has continued to invest .
The contract was not simply a lift and shift of existing services and programmes but a fundamental transformation of the entire service .
Through a strong partnership and a shared vision, Active Cheshire has built its capability to move from a grant giving organisation to a strategic market developer /commissioner, able to deliver more with less. The move has increased insight and influence locally, enabled smarter, more sustainable interventions and has created a platform for growth , increasing turnover by 40% for the CSP over the same period .
Our new approach has been cited as a key factor in the unprecedented growth in participation (some 6% increase over a 4 year period). We have subsequently been appointed to act as Cheshire West's strategic commissioner of Physical activity which has prompted positive discussions on a Subregional footprint.
Mike Dix , commissioning Manager responsible the service at Cheshire West said 'the transformation to a whole of market, commissioning approach has delivered phenomenal impacts locally. We now have a solid understanding of the local market and a wealth of experience in behavioural change. It has proved challenging cultural change for all involved but the bravery and tenacity of organisational leaders on both sides has driven success' .