Following an intensive two-day assessment of its services, four GLL-run leisure centres in Newham have achieved the Customer Service Excellence (CSE) award - the new Cabinet Office quality mark.

As well as scoring top marks for all five, key criteria, the CSE report highlighted two 'compliance plus' areas - disability provision and customer consultation - where the Newham centres exceed the requirements of the CSE standard and are examples of national best practice.

The assessment visit covered all four borough centres - Atherton, Balaam, East Ham and Newham Leisure Centres - all run by GLL in partnership with the London Borough of Newham and including the recently opened Multi-Sports Centre, constructed at a cost of £5m.

Rigorously examining how the centres achieve customer excellence, the 60 plus criteria application process saw GLL spend six months ensuring requirements were met and fine-tuning operations. Fully compliant in all elements, the CSE assessor praised GLL staff for "consistently demonstrating their understanding of the needs and challenges faced by their customers" - despite the very broad range of centres managed by GLL. Also highlighted in the report was the role of GLL's community development officers (CDOs) - key players in Newham's 'compliance plus' status. CDOs 'offer a high level of service' by working closely with the local community to establish services required and to identify hard to reach and disadvantaged groups.

Gareth Kirk, GLL's Partnership Manager for Newham, said: "Newham is the first GLL borough to achieve 'compliance plus'. We're delighted with the result and recognition for GLL's commitment to put our customers - and potential customers - at the heart of service delivery. Disability provision is a key focus and Newham has led the way in hosting disability events, attracting athletes from across London - all down to the on-going hard work of leisure centre staff. We plan to continue to build on our strengths and raise standards for local people - improving skills, well-being, health and inclusion through sport."

CSE Assessor, David Thornton, added: "I was pleased to see GLL take the concept of customer service excellence very seriously and wherever possible involve customers and partners in continually reviewing and improving services to ensure they meet the needs of the local community. I was particularly impressed with the facilities available for customers often regarded as disadvantaged in society through disability and/or lack of finance."

Grant Aitken, Newham Council's divisional director for leisure, said: "Our purpose is to deliver the very best services, improve the customer experience and increase opportunities for everyone to take part in physical activities. I am delighted the hard work between the council and our partners is being recognised."