Agenda and Papers - University of Edinburgh

Taking Account of all users
20. cSE is acutely aware of its customer focused responsibilities. This is underpinned by regular and
progressive staff training around customer service matters ~ this ensures staff are ready, willing
and able to cope with a variety of customer facing situations, and a diversity of user groups.
21. The recent upgrade of the Pleasance Sports Complex has enabled a major improvement in cSE’s
DDA access and compliance, which has opened up new opportunities to welcome more diverse
mix of sport and exercise enthusiasts (gyms; classes and in Paralympic sports such as shooting
and archery). Staff have also embarked on specific disability awareness training (two courses held
in 2010-11) to good effect.
22. cSE’s 7-day per week, year-round, opening hours provides the student population (undergraduate/post-graduate/part-time/international)
with a wide and varied opportunity to be active.
This is also supported by an extensive array of membership/access packages to ensure cost is not
a primary barrier to participation in cSE facilities and programmes. A recent price comparison of
Russell Group Universities shows the cSE membership fees as much better value (in cost and
quality terms) and with a significantly greater array of payment options/packages to choose from.
The annual student membership fee for cSE is £98 compared to an average of £136 across the
Russell Group.
23. Analyses of cSE membership types showed a pleasing gender split of 51% female, and 49% male,
though cSE management information system is currently unable to identify comparative data on
subject choice, under/post graduate status, nationality, year of study and so forth. This would have
provided an interesting perspective on cSE user patterns, and support strategies to engage with
under represented groups. That said, the table below offers a portrayal of cSE membership uptake
over recent years ~ this shows a very impressive increase year on year, reaching 15,490 in ’09-10,
which is an all time record.
24. Although the cSE has not yet introduced single gender exercise/sports sessions (to address
confidence; cultural issues) for practical reasons, we have launched a whole range of innovative
gym based initiatives to promote greater levels of physical activity and personal well-being ~ these
include ‘beach fit’, love the gym (bring a friend), free gym support, ‘back school’ road-shows,
swim/gym challenges, amongst other opportunities. This also covers themed week-ends/short
breaks at Firbush Outdoor Centre to capture the interest of international students and an increasing
9 JCA/Report to SQAC~2010-11