Recruitment in leisure services at North East Derbyshire District Council has transformed thanks to £20,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) funding, enabling residents and staff to gain vital qualifications and start a new career.

Since July 2025, the Council have utilised UKSPF funding to train staff and members of the public for roles in leisure services, which include Leisure Attendants, Gymnastics Instructors, Swimming Teachers, and potentially NPLQ Trainer Assessors (lifeguard trainers).

By creating a pipeline of qualified instructors and lifeguards, the Council is strengthening its leisure services, ensuring classes and swimming sessions can run smoothly and safely. For residents, this means more opportunities to access high-quality fitness and swimming lessons locally, while those who gain qualifications benefit from secure employment and the chance to build a rewarding career in health and wellbeing.

This initiative has been a game-changer for recruiting into hard-to-fill posts, breaking down financial barriers to training and opening doors for those transitioning into a new field.

So far, the funding has supported:

• 6 British Gymnastics Activity Instructors / Level 1 Instructors
• 6 Swimming Instructors gaining Level 1 & 2 teaching awards (with 5 now employed
• 17 Pool Lifeguards

Index 1 – Clay Cross Active.

Index 2 – A lifeguard.

These newly trained staff are now working across Eckington, Dronfield, and Clay Cross leisure facilities. Participants include upskilled staff, volunteers who have joined the workforce, and residents who have embraced a fresh start in leisure careers.

Councillor Kathy Rouse, portfolio holder for Health and Leisure said “It’s great to see the UK Shared Prosperity Fund being utilised to help upskill residents in North East Derbyshire through this important training, helping to further their careers, whilst also contributing to the success of our Leisure Centres. Congratulations to those who have qualified, we look forward to seeing you poolside!”

To find out more about North East Derbyshire Leisure Centres or to become a member, please visit Just Do More Memberships – Just Do More! .

Recruitment in leisure services at North East Derbyshire District Council has received £20,000 from the UK Government and EMCCA through the Shared Prosperity Fund.

This project is funded by @East Midlands Combined County Authority and the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

UK Shared Prosperity Fund: prospectus – GOV.UK 

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is providing £25.17 million of funding for local investment across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire in 2025/26. This funding, distributed by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), aims to boost pride in place and increase life chances in the region. The investment will focus on supporting communities and businesses, as well as developing skills for individuals.