Sporta is holding a 'Time to Trust' conference to promote the trust model to local authorities considering how best to deliver their cultural and leisure services.

The day-long event is ideal for local authorities looking for a more cost effective and community led approach to culture and leisure that fits both the Big Society and Localism agendas. It is also ideal for existing trusts looking to reinforce/expand their offer and will demonstrate how leisure trusts can be used as a core element in the development of strong civil societies.

Craig McAteer, Chair of sporta said: "Trusts are already a significant provider of cultural and leisure services across the UK, with a proven record of service improvement, investment and efficiency. At a time when resources are scarce, with increased pressure 'to do more for less', and with a Government committed to transferring the delivery of public services to social enterprises in the third sector, our members can give valuable advice on setting up a new social enterprise/trust or working with an existing trust in their area."

sporta currently represents more than 100 trusts and social enterprises that deliver cultural and leisure services in the UK. The seminar will bring together a range of experienced contributors using real life examples to cover:

• what is involved in setting up a trust

• what should be avoided • the latest thinking on procurement issues

• investment potential • hot issues of the moment

The day will kick off with thoughts from Baroness Glenys Thornton, advisor to sporta, Craig McAteer, Chair of sporta and a short session on the current Policy Perspective from Brian Leonard, sporta's Chief Executive.

Other speakers include Mark Poppy from Local Partnerships, an organisation jointly owned by HM Treasury and the LGA, working with the Cabinet Office on social enterprises and Peter Gunn, Chief Executive of the newly formed BHLive trust in Bournemouth. Craig McAteer, also Chief Executive of Rochdale's Link4life, will provide a short case study on how trusts can generate investment, alongside Phil Storey, Chief Executive of Pendle Leisure Trust. Whilst Mark Sesnan Chief Executive of GLL, Jon Argent Chief Executive of Halo Leisure and Peter Gunn from BHLive will lead a round up session on hot topics facing trusts.

The conference will take place on 16th February 2011 from 9.15am - 4.15pm in central London. The cost, which includes refreshments and lunch, is £145 (ex Vat) per delegate and a reduced rate of £115 (ex VAT) for 2nd delegates.

A discounted rate is also available for members of CLOA, ISPAL, ISRM or sporta.

For more information or book your space email [email protected].