## **North Somerset Sports Foundation (NSSF) Full Detailed Quarterly Review** 

Hybrid Trustee & Stakeholder Edition Reporting Period: January – April 2026 

## **1. Executive Summary** 

• This quarter represented substantial organisational growth, stronger systems and increasing external credibility. 

• The Foundation expanded partnerships, strengthened governance, improved operational controls and progressed long-term sustainability plans. 

• NSSF is increasingly positioned as a high-impact organisation combining sport, education, health and community wellbeing. 

## **2. Strategic Partnerships & External Engagement** 

• Engagements included Foster Carers, DWP, Quartet Community Foundation, Jack Hazeldine Foundation, Shine and the Chatty Cafe Scheme. 

• A strong health partnership developed with Donate for Defibs and Great Western Air Ambulance supporting defibrillator installation and future cardiac rehabilitation pathways. 

• A strategic visit to Empire Fighting Chance informed the development of a Football Therapy Programme and a focus on fewer, higher-impact interventions. 

## **3. Funding & Organisational Development** 

- Discussions progressed with the Axentis Michael Trust regarding transformation of onsite spaces. 

- Builder quotations were sourced to support realistic capital costings. 

- Fundraising capability was strengthened internally through Get Grants bid-writing training. 

- Cardiac rehabilitation funding opportunities are being progressed. 

- Financial forecasting is underway to support a future Lawn Tennis Association interest-free loan proposal for padel courts. 

## **4. Education Division Review** 

• Students remain on track academically with approximately 150 hours delivered since January excluding holidays. 

- Four students are realistically expected to pass GCSE Maths. 

- Extended Sports Diploma learners are achieving merits and distinctions. 

- The student football programme secured the AOC Tier 1 League title. 

- Three assessment days attracted more than 40 prospects with around 15 active applications. 

- The programme continues to validate long-term ambitions to become an independent provider. 

## **5. Football Operations Review** 

- NSRTC was invited into Bristol City fixtures and tournaments from U7-U14. 

- NSSF will host U13 and U14 fixtures in Clevedon. 

- New grassroots teams U9, U11 and U13 are planned for 2026/27. 

- The second annual tournament is scheduled for May. 

• Mallorca Tour 2026 includes over 100 players across 14 teams, reflecting strong family engagement and pathway confidence. 

## **6. GymLab & Health Delivery** 



• GymLab membership stands at 611 active members, representing steady performance with growth potential toward the longer-term 800 target. 

- Kym Harris was promoted to Head Coach after being identified as pivotal to GymLab success. 

• Strong demand continues for Seniors, Hyrox and newer programmes including Mums, Babies & Bumps and SGPT. 

- These initiatives have supported engagement, retention and modest income growth. 

## **7. Site Management & Operations** 

- Overall site operations remained stable during the quarter. 

- The master key system improved day-to-day access arrangements. 

• Reactive maintenance issues including ceiling lighting and spin bikes were managed with minimal service disruption. 

• A replacement coffee machine was installed and while issues remain, performance improved compared with the previous unit. 

• A January incident involving an ex-member required police attendance and was managed appropriately with no further issues. 

- Cleaning, presentation standards and day-to-day risk controls remained generally strong. 

## **8. Governance, HR & Culture** 

- Site-wide staff performance reviews were completed. 

- Holiday and shift allocation audits were undertaken to improve fairness and internal controls. 

- Weekly management meetings were introduced to drive accountability and responsiveness. 

- A new rota template was created to improve management coverage at key times. 

- Becky Lowe was appointed Development Lead effective 1 April. 

- An offsite culture and values session was held at Rocket Padel. 

## **9. Safeguarding & Compliance** 

- Safer Recruitment training was completed for the senior leadership team. 

- Site-wide safeguarding awareness was delivered for gym staff. 

- Additional safeguarding training was completed across wider teams. 

- A Legionella risk assessment has been completed with report awaited. 

- Preparation for the June Health & Safety review is underway. 

## **10. Facilities & Operational Assets** 

- A full kitchen audit and preparation process resulted in a 5 Star Food Hygiene Rating. 

- Continued footwear checks were prioritised to protect the 3G pitch. 

- Container insulation and improved recycling systems were identified as future priorities. 

## **11. Visibility, Credibility & Reputation** 

- Two websites were launched: nssportsfoundation.org and thegymlab.org.uk. 

- These platforms support due diligence, increase credibility and generate new enquiries. 

- Improved visibility contributed to external approaches including interest from TK Maxx. 

- LinkedIn presence was strengthened for networking and partnership development. 

- Social media clean-up improved message alignment with the charity mission. 

## **12. Community Outreach** 

- An Easter egg donation campaign reached four locations across North Somerset and surrounding areas. 

- Community asset building progressed through partnerships and defibrillator installation. 



## **13. Financial Management** 

• Amazon ordering has functioned as a temporary solution, though a more efficient long-term supplier model is being explored. 

• Income growth priorities remain membership acquisition, retention, programme development and stronger systems support. 

## **14. Key Risks** 

- Supplier issues remain a risk, particularly bsport and coffee machine matters. 

- Capital growth projects remain dependent on successful funding. 

- Growth places ongoing pressure on staffing capacity and systems. 

- Potential compliance works may arise following Legionella recommendations. 

## **15. Key Achievements** 

- 5 Star Food Hygiene Rating achieved. 

- AOC Tier 1 League title secured. 

- 611 active GymLab members. 

- 100+ Mallorca Tour uptake. 

- 40+ education prospects engaged. 

- Leadership promotions completed. 

- New websites launched. 

- Major partnerships formed. 

- Stronger governance systems embedded. 

## **16. Priorities Next Quarter** 

- Submit major funding bids. 

- Launch Football Therapy pilot. 

- Secure further education enrolments. 

- Implement rota improvements. 

- Resolve bsport dispute. 

- Recruit additional staffing cover. 

- Grow GymLab memberships. 

- Progress padel court feasibility. 

- Convert partnerships into funded delivery. 

## **17. CEO Reflection** 

- This quarter demonstrates a clear transition from start-up momentum to structured organisational growth. 

• NSSF now has stronger systems, clearer priorities, better external relationships and increasing long-term sustainability potential. 

- The focus ahead remains sustainable growth, high-quality delivery and measurable community impact. 

