FLG TRANSITION - EMPLOYEES

Welcome to BlueFit Swimming

Fitness Lifestyle Group – Employee Information

Welcome

We are excited to announce that BlueFit Swimming will be taking over the management and operation of the Fitness Lifestyle Group learn to swim facilities.

BlueFit is a national leisure management partner operating leisure and aquatic facilities and swim schools in close collaboration with local government and private enterprise. We currently operate more then 50 facilities across Australia and pride ourselves on promoting a family future without facilities.

The Fitness Lifestyle Group and BlueFit is committed to keeping all employees informed during the transition process and providing you with relevant information to support the change in management process. It remains very much a ‘business as usual’ approach during the transition period and leading upto the change in management.

On behalf of the Fitness Lifestyle Group and BlueFit, we would like to aknowledge and thank every single team member for your ongoing support and contribution to learn to swim families. We are excited about the future of our new BlueFit Swimming locations and look forward to building upon the foundations created over many years.

About BlueFit

BlueFit forms part of the BlueFit Group, a national leisure management group, which operates approximately 50 facilities across Australia.

Founded in 2007 by owner and Chief Executive Officer Todd McHardy, BlueFit has worked in partnership with Local Government, Private Enterprise and various partners delivering sport, recreation and aquatic programs and services nationwide.

BlueFit now operates a range of swim schools and leisure facilities right across Australia providing valuable swimming lessons for more than 35,000 students every week. Learn more about BlueFit in the video below:

Your Employment

Whilst this is an exciting time for BlueFit Swimming, we appreciate that some team members may be nervous when it comes to change and understand it comes with some uncertainty for current employees. We are very conscious of this and are committed to working with the Fitness Lifestyle Group to ensure a smooth change in management.

BlueFit seeks to convert the majority of employees from the incumbent operator as part of each transition. In fact, more than 95% of employees have been successful in employment as part of our recent transitions.

Expression of interest (EOI)

It is important to note your employment transfer between employers will not occur without each employee completing an expression of interest form. All employees are required to complete this form should they wish to continue to work at the Swim School before 19 November 2023.

To submit your EOI, click the button below. Once you have submitted your EOI we recommend you keep an eye on your email (including junk folders) for further information and instructions from BlueFit.

Any existing employees who do not lodge an EOI will not be considered for employment and not form part of BlueFit’s recruitment process.

For employees wishing to be considered for a position with BlueFit, you will need to complete our expression of interest process before 19 November to be considered for a role. All future communications about the recruitment process and subsequent transition process from BlueFit will only be sent to employees who have expressed an interest in employment.

EOI submission is due by close of business 19 November 2023.

Key Dates

The dates below will provide you with a general overview of our timelines and processes to ensure all team members are onboarded, inducted and trained before the change in management date. These dates are a guide only and are subject to change.

It is important that you understand the key due dates in the timetable below given the short period of time we have to achieve all actions required with the change in management and most importantly ensure our team members are paid on time 

8 November 2023

Online team member briefing completed 

8 November 2023

Team member Expression of Interest (EOI) applications open

19 November 2023

Team member Expression of Interest (EOI) applications are due by close of business 

26 November 2023

Recruitment and selection process conducted 

26 November 2023

Applicants advised of the outcome of recruitment and selection process 

27 November 2023

Team members to receive employment contract and onboarding documentation via SALT self service 

1 December 2023

Team members required to complete onboarding and upload all qualifications via SALT self service 

15 December 2023

Team members to complete online training modules 

January 2024 

Team members attend face to face training conducted in each state. 

Jan and Feb 2024 

BlueFit to commence operational responsibility for learn to swim and aquatic operations. 

Frequently Asked Questions for staff

We understand that during this time of change there will be a number of questions raised by employees. We hope that viewing our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ below will answer any of the questions or concerns you may have.

Who is BlueFit

BlueFit is part of the BlueFit Group (www.bluefit.com.au)

Founded in 2007 by owner and Chief Executive Officer Todd Mchardy, BlueFit has worked in partnership with Local Government, Private Enterprise and various partners delivering sport, recreation and aquatic programs and services nationwide.

Operating more than 50 facilities nationwide, BlueFit is committed to Inspiring Community Activity in the communities we serve. In fact, this underpins everything we do in our facilities and swim schools. Learn more about BlueFit in the video below:

Why is BlueFit taking over the management of the Fitness Lifestyle Group Pools and Swim Schools?

BlueFit has entered into a license agreement with the Fitness Lifestyle Group to operate the learn to swim program and pools as part of the Fitness First and Goodlife Health Club network of facilities. BlueFit will commence operations of the swim school program and pools in a staged progression commencing from January 2024.

What does the change in management at my workplace mean for me?

From 1 January 2024, BlueFit will commence management and operation of the swimming pool at your place of work.
Until 1 January 2024, it remains a business as normal approach for existing team members with all current staff continuing with their current employment until this date. Once BlueFit commences management of the swim school, small changes will be made to any branding.. However, we anticipate that there will be minimal changes to programs and services operated from the Centres.
BlueFit will commence operation of the swim schools from 1 January 2024.

What will happen to my job?

BlueFit intends to make offers of employment to current employees.
For employees wishing to be considered for future employment at the swim schools, you will be required to submit an Expression of Interest application. BlueFit is unable to commit to employment outside of its recruitment process however, we do anticipate that most staff will be re-employed into the same or equivalent role with BlueFit.
We encourage all team members to complete an Expression of Interest application for a role at BlueFit. The EOI is due by 19 November 2023.

What does the recruitment and selection process involve?

BlueFits recruitment and selection process comprises four (4) succinct steps.

Step 1 – Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Team members wishing to apply for a position at the swim school with BlueFit must complete an Expression of Interest. The EOI is due by 19 November 2023.

Existing employees should complete their Expression of Interest to be considered for a role at BlueFit Swimming. You should apply for the role that most suits your skills and experience and qualifications.

  • Please follow all the instructions, your application will include:
  • Your availability to work shifts
  • Previous experience Why you want to work with us
    Any team member that does not lodge an EOI will not be
  • considered for employment.

Step 2 – Submit Job Application
Team members that complete an EOI in advance of the due date will be issued a link to complete a job application for available roles.. You should apply for the role that most suits your skills and experience and qualifications.

Please follow all the instructions, your application will include:

  • Your availability to work shifts
  • Previous experience
  • Why you want to work with us


Step 3 – Interviews
If you have applied for a permanent role with us, you may be required to attend an interview. Should you be required to attend, you will receive a notification via email with sessions available to book. A range of days and times will be offered to applicants.

Step 4 – Notification to applicants
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their EOI application and interview via email. If you are successful, your offer of employment will be conditional on providing the necessary qualifications, clearances and pre-employment checks required. Refer to your email for further details.


Step 5 – Onboarding in SALT self service
Successful candidates will be required to complete an online onboarding process in SALT self service. This includes reviewing and agreeing to your employment contract online as well as completing online compliance requirements.

What does the onboarding process involve?

Active employees will receive an invitation to commence onboarding online. This must be completed before the commencement of your initial shift. This includes electronically signing your employment agreement as well as reviewing and acknowledging key employment policies.

You need to prepare the following information for your onboarding:

  • Your bank account details
  • Your tax file number
  • Your superannuation details
  • Your emergency contact details
  • All qualifications

It is important to note that all qualifications and clearances are subject to central verification to ensure each employee holds the current qualifications and clearances for the role you perform.

Do I need to supply any documents?

Yes, to be transferred to BlueFit we must confirm your working rights in Australia. You maybe requested to provide any of the following during your onboarding with us:

  1. Copy of a current Passport photo page; or
  2. Copy of your birth certificate & current photo ID
What is it like working for BlueFit?

BlueFit is a family owned and operated business that has been servicing the community for over 15 years. We treat our team members like family and value team members who demonstrate outstanding service and who are committed to achieving our mission.

People are our biggest asset at BlueFit and our team members are treated with respect. We are always looking for people who are positive team players and always willing to go that extra mile when it comes to ensuring our families have a great experience in our facilities.

What are the non-negotiables working for BlueFit?

We require all staff to hold a current Working with Children’s Check as part of our Child Safety Framework. In addition, BlueFit team members must hold a current First Aid and CPR qualification. Swim instructors must hold a current teaching qualification and some roles may require a lifeguard qualification.

It is the responsibility of each staff member to keep the necessary qualifications and clearances active at all times.



What happens if I don’t hold the above qualifications?

Southern Education, BlueFit’s internal RTO will provide courses locally close to the change in management date. Any transferring employee who does not have an active mandatory qualification will be required to book into one of these courses.

Will my service with the Fitness Lifestyle Group count for continuity of employment purposes?

All transferring employees will have their commencement of employment date transferred. This means your length of service transfers to BlueFit at transition.

When do I get paid?

BlueFit has a fortnightly pay cycle. All employees receive their pay transferred electronically to a personal bank account nominated during your onboarding process. You will receive your payslip via the email you provide as part of your onboarding process in SALT self service.

When will I be paid by BlueFit?

BlueFit will pay your wages or salary effective from the transition start date, 1 January 2024. Your first payment will be processed on Thursday, 18th January 2024.

Will I keep my current rate of pay?

Your pay rates will be in line with the Fitness Industry Award and you will maintain any penalties that have applied to your role under the Fitness First Enterprise Agreement. In short, your pay rates remain the same. 

The terms and conditions of your employment agreement with the Fitness Lifestyle Group will not apply if you commence employment with us.

Will I keep my rostered shifts?

We regularly review staffing and team member rosters based on the operational needs of the business, customer demands and enrolment numbers.

As part of your onboarding process, we will request availability from all employees, and we will always work with team members to ensure rosters are based on availability and the business needs. That said, team members with greater flexibility and availability will enjoy a broader selection of shifts available.

We expect all team members to commit to rosters assigned to them in order to maintain consistency in instructors for our families and high standards of service.

Will I have to sign a new contract of employment with BlueFit?

Yes. To become an employee of BlueFit you will be required to sign a new Employment Contract as part of your onboarding process.

Does BlueFit provide opportunities to work at other sites?

Yes. Subject to availability, BlueFit has the ability to roster employees at other locations we manage nationwide. Furthermore, team members may like to consider career development opportunities that may become available from time to time at other BlueFit locations.

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