The People behind our Places

Our People Survey

We value the views and opinions of our People; what we are doing well and what we could be doing better. Here are some of the great responses we received in our survey at the end of 2019:

  • 67% Positive Engagement Score achieved - Employee engagement is a key outcome measure including pride, loyalty, importance of work, advocacy of the organisation and willingness to go the extra mile.
  • Corporate Social Responsibility - 76% of colleagues feel good about the ways we contribute to the community and 73% feel that we manage our impact upon society responsibly.
  • Diversity was one of our highest scoring categories, with 84% of colleagues feeling they are treated fairly, regardless of their age, race or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability or gender.
  • Empowerment and Accountability - 78% of colleagues feel that they are contributing to the organisations objectives.

 

Here are some of our people profiles. Meet Chloe, James and Raj. 

Chloe Amis

Operations Manager, Riverside Leisure Centre

Job title when you first joined Places Leisure: Personal Trainer and Receptionist

What is your greatest achievement at Places Leisure?  My greatest achievement is becoming Operations Manager at Riverside Leisure Centre. I'm also proud to have passed as a TA and I'm now aiming to complete my level 3 adult education so that I can do First Aid at Work courses.

How do you deliver outstanding customer service? I engage with customers every day - when walking around the centre or helping the team out on reception. When doing my walks and talking to customers I feel this enhances their experience and makes their visit more enjoyable. I exceed expectations by where possible going the extra mile.

What’s your advice for someone considering a career with us?  Advice for someone considering a career would be to just go for it - even if It means going in at a level you do not want to - Places Leisure recognise hard working people - like myself, my site have progressed me right up through the ranks from reception part time, to helping the sales team in spare hours, following on to senior receptionist, casual duty manager to then full time duty manager. I feel honoured my site recognised potential and have funded me through my courses to help get me to where I am today.

James Dumper

Contracts Manager – Gosport & Dorset Contracts

Job title when you first joined Places Leisure: Receptionist / Lifeguard

What do you love about working for Places Leisure? I love coming to work every day knowing that it is going to be different to the previous and going to work is like going to see family. Places Leisure has given me opportunities to develop my understanding and qualifications in an industry that is ever changing and so important to many people.

What is your greatest achievement at Places Leisure? I feel like I’ve accomplished loads of great things whilst being at the company but the greatest achievement has to be assisting the opening of a new leisure centre in 2012.

How do you engage with customers, enhance their experience and exceed their expectations? It is important to listen to customers and find out what their wants and needs are. We have regular customer forums and ask for feedback in a variety of ways to find out the latest thoughts opinions and our direction of travel.

What’s your advice for someone considering a career with us? If you want a career that is varied, exciting and helping people then Places Leisure is for you. There are many training opportunities to enable you to get the most out of your working day and helping others.

Raj Kaur Kahlwan

General Manager, Sparkhill Pool and Fitness Centre

Job title when you first joined Places Leisure:  Duty Manager

What do you love about working for Places Leisure? I love the fact that hard work is recognised, with numerous avenues available for anyone who wants to learn and develop within the company. There are opportunities for operational training and progression for people who want to ‘work their way up’, we have a partnership with a NVQ provider for accredited qualifications, and there are the AIMS and Rising Stars talent programmes to name a few. The team culture and support network is brilliant!

What is your greatest achievement at Places Leisure? Graduating from the fantastic ‘Rising Stars’ programme, learning a wealth of knowledge from our Company Directors, Heads of Departments, industry experts and my peers. Winning the award for the ‘Highest Risen Star’ was a moment that I look back on with great pride.

How do you engage with customers, enhance their experience and exceed their expectations? I pride myself on being friendly, professional, and aim for continuous improvement. I always try and put myself in the customer’s shoes and understand that every person has their individual goals, aspirations and reasons for coming to our site. It is our job to ensure our customers keep coming back. A friendly smile really can go a long way.

What’s your advice for someone considering a career with us? If you have a passion for sport and leisure, Places Leisure provide countless opportunities to learn something new. There is a real reward in knowing that you are helping the community become healthier and more active, and you get to make some life-long friends along the way. Get involved, every day is different.