Soapbox Kevin Winson: Heartfelt thanks to beleaguered Moorways staff – and farewell to Mark
I EXTEND my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Moorways stadium and sports hall staff for another excellent year of customer service.
Despite deep cuts to staffing, hours and wages, ground staff outshone those at meetings around the country in their dedication and expertise at supporting events all being encouraged by Mark Bradford.
This sentiment is echoed by national officials and teams that enjoy coming to Derby because "although facilities might be dated and worn, they are always assured of excellent service".
Concerns rose over the future standards at Moorways, with staffing changes implemented by the council impacting drastically on staff morale and work loads. Now, with the upgrade of the track, we hope for things to go from strength to strength.
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Unfortunately, this will not under the guidance of Mark who has taken the decision to leave after much heart-searching.
Many are not aware of the impact Mark had on the image of Moorways, his passion leading him to going beyond the norm, learning about the intricacies and peculiarities that make up athletics, passing on knowledge to all Moorways staff.
Many approached Mark for advice and training from across the country, raising the Moorways profile.
Mark's abilities to get the best out of anyone was recognised by having him support at many events around the UK. He was finally given the privilege of training, co-ordinating and supervising at the Olympics.
How things will change in the future waits to be seen at Moorways. The opportunity to become a centre of excellence has been missed through the need to reduce staff. The council should be looking inwards at its decisions not only regarding facilities but also its appreciation of front-line staff.
From a customer viewpoint, it shows the focus is more on money than service. Times are tough but without good customer service, facilities, like any business, generally have a downward trend.
Ignoring grass roots staff because "they are not qualified to comment" in discussions adds to discontent and reduces morale.
Finally, I again pass on my gratitude and thanks to all the staff at Moorways, especially those involved in ensuring the athletics events and training nights operate smoothly.
Their dedication and customer service is appreciated by clubs locally and nationally, while it is not appreciated by those in charge.
Perhaps, if senior managers and councillors took the time to take part in supporting an event at Moorways, such as the British Masters Track and Field Championships, they would hear for themselves what people have to say about their staff and they would be more appreciative of the qualities staff there have.
A big thank-you to Mark Bradford and best wishes in his future career.
3 Comments
by AlvastonW
Thursday, February 14 2013, 4:32PM
“Have to say I agree with much of what has been said. However coachogre misses out on saying that £400,000 is being spent on the track in phase 1 of Moorways upgrade which with some good marketing will benefit Derby. Hopefully phase 2 will see a new sports-hall and smaller pool connected to the stadium grandstand, improved lighting around the facility so throwers can train all year. Unfortunately the sports-hall may not be big enough for sports-hall athletics training, vaulting or throwing and will not help athletes train if the track is iced/snowed over. Funding for this type of facility is around £2m so perhaps someone out there with funding ideas could work with Derby AC and other sports clubs to access grants etc blocked to the council so that a real deal can be made of Moorways or will it be reduced to a satellite facility overshadowed by the MUA at Pride Park, I hope not, for there are very few athletics facilities to match Moorways even in its worn out state.”
by CoachOgre
Thursday, February 14 2013, 3:47PM
“Having spoken with Kevin whom has met with council officials only this week in relation to his letter,it has become apparent that this reduction of staff and further implementation of multi-tasking are something that Paul Robinson Director of Leisure Services found unavoidable. How this impacts on quality of service waits to be seen as knowledge gets diluted through lack of involvement with staff having to have less specific knowledge, you cannot juggle balls indefinitely before dropping one or more. Centre managers are performing well in tight circumstances whilst struggling to keep staff moral high. It is unfortunate that central government has imposed cuts and that Leisure Services get hit hard because there is NO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT to provide facilities therefore obesity, fitness related illness/conditions such as heart disease will continue to rise. Perhaps our local MP's will show as much interest in the health of the population they represent as they do animal welfare and those abroad. Youth services also sees cuts that will put more bored disenfranchised youth onto the streets. Schools, youth services and others need to look at ways of using council facilities and working with sports clubs to maximise usage and increase uptake of sports from athletics to cricket. I do agree that Sports Development seem to be very quiet in Derby, how often do you hear or see of a project that lasts more than a few weeks, boxes, ticked comes to mind. Lets see the council make good use of its staff assets and rewarding with recognition, who knows perhaps they could have 'hired/paid' Mark out for his knowledge of stadium facility requirements for far less than many consultants fees. Front line staff know more about needs of their customers than many office based staff, they maybe listened to but are they heard?”
by CoachOgre
Thursday, February 14 2013, 3:46PM
“Having spoken with Kevin whom has met with council officials only this week in relation to his letter,it has become apparent that this reduction of staff and further implementation of multi-tasking are something that Paul Robinson Director of Leisure Services found unavoidable. How this impacts on quality of service waits to be seen as knowledge gets diluted through lack of involvement with staff having to have less specific knowledge, you cannot juggle balls indefinitely before dropping one or more. Centre managers are performing well in tight circumstances whilst struggling to keep staff moral high. It is unfortunate that central government has imposed cuts and that Leisure Services get hit hard because there is NO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT to provide facilities therefore obesity, fitness related illness/conditions such as heart disease will continue to rise. Perhaps our local MP's will show as much interest in the health of the population they represent as they do animal welfare and those abroad. Youth services also sees cuts that will put more bored disenfranchised youth onto the streets. Schools, youth services and others need to look at ways of using council facilities and working with sports clubs to maximise usage and increase uptake of sports from athletics to cricket. I do agree that Sports Development seem to be very quiet in Derby, how often do you hear or see of a project that lasts more than a few weeks, boxes, ticked comes to mind. Lets see the council make good use of its staff assets and rewarding with recognition, who knows perhaps they could have 'hired/paid' Mark out for his knowledge of stadium facility requirements for far less than many consultants fees. Front line staff know more about needs of their customers than many office based staff, they maybe listened to but are they heard?”