Agenda

To receive any apologies for absence from Councillors.

Councillors are requested to declare any interests on items included in this agenda. Please refer to the workflow on the preceding page for guidance.

Declarations received will be reported at the meeting.

To confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting held on 30 January 2023. 

To receive any public questions, statements or petitions submitted in accordance with the Constitution. Further information on the requirements for submitting these is available to view at the following link:-

https://democracy.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeID=151&Info=1&bcr=1

The deadline for the submission of public questions is 4 clear working days before the meeting.

The deadline for the submission of a statement is midday the working day before the meeting.

The deadline for the submission of a petition is 10 working days before the meeting.

To note the new acquisitions to the Collection (material owned and held in trust by the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum charity in accordance with its charitable objectives) and the loan of material to other institutions (ie public art galleries and museums and to approve the disposal of items in the Collection which do not meet the Museum’s Core Offer according to the Museums Association Code of Ethics.

This report provides an update on the activities of the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum from 1 October 2022 – 28 February 2023.

Visitor numbers and performance have continued at pre-Covid levels with sustained good performance in admissions, shop and café. 

Visitors are now returning for group travel, education activities and events.

The ACE MEND Project is underway:

·        work on replacement and renewal of the environmental plant and machinery is designed and commissioned with work starting on 13 March and to be completed in 3 phases by February 2024.  

·        The detailed specifications and work required for the Conservatory repairs have been completed ready for imminent tender.

·        Drainage surveys completed

·        CCTV updates yet to be started

The project remains in budget and on time, with a proposed completion date of February 2024.

The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum Management Committee’s recommendation for governance change of the Museum has been fully supported by the approval of externalisation, formally agreed at BCP Council meeting on 10 January 2023.  Financial support of £98,500 has been received from National Heritage Lottery Fund which will support the legal costs for governance change and the transition costs for a new independent operation.

The work programme to achieve externalisation can now be implemented.  The priority is to initiate the application to the Charity Commission for a change of governance under Section 73 of the Charities Act, which requires decisions on the specific governance changes desired.

In order to manage the complex, multi-faceted process a Steering Committee will be set up consisting of Portfolio Holder, Management Committee Members, BCP Council officers and museum staff and advisers, which will meet regularly. This is in addition to regular update reports to this Committee for approval.