SPORT ENGLAND NORTH EAST POPS THE BUCKS FIZZ WITH AN ‘EXCELLENT’ ASSESSMENT IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

Sport England North East will bring in the festive season with much cheer, as they celebrate scoring firmly in the ‘excellent’ category during their Quest assessment - setting an example to other sports partnerships across the region.

The organisation, which is dedicated to improving opportunities to take part in sport and active recreation for people of all ages and abilities across the North East, has received an 89% rating from Quest, the UK quality scheme for sport and leisure.

Managed on behalf of the home country sports councils by national specialist sport, leisure and culture management consultancy PMP, Quest is designed to help sports development managers and bodies improve and enhance the quality of service they are providing through better management of planning, people and delivery.

The assessment took a detailed look at every aspect of Sport England North East’s principles and practices, including its business and communications strategies, the extensive research commissioned by the region’s team, the day-to-day operation of the regional office, and customer and partner relations.

Judith Rasmussen, regional director with Sport England North East, said: "This is a fantastic achievement, and one which the whole team is extremely proud of.

“A huge amount of work has gone on over the last year to achieve an 89% rating, and everyone involved in sport within the region -  whether they are taking part, volunteering, coaching or working within the sports sector-  will ultimately get the benefit of having a highly rated organisation on their doorsteps.

“We actively encourage other sports organisations to go through the assessment to ensure that the quality of sports services in the North East is of a high standard. To lead by example with such a high rating ourselves will hopefully act as an incentive and – in true competitive sports style – set a bit of a challenge to all involved in sport.”

"As always with these assessments, the results represent a milestone, rather than a final destination - we will be increasing our efforts to further improve our work across the North East, and get as many people as possible actively involved with sport in 2008."