The challenge
We felt that people with mental and physical disabilities were significantly under-represented in our volunteer workforce and we wished to address this.
Case Studies
Case Study 1 - Challenging Disability
Case Study 2 - Youth Council
The challenge
As part of a project planning grant received from Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), we needed a new Audience Development Plan with a greater connection with young people. A specially commissioned Renaissance Funded Youth Strategy proposed the formation of a Youth Council to fulfil this role.
Case Study 3 - Investing in Volunteers
The challenge
A few years ago we felt we wanted to diversify the ethnic, socio-economic and educational backgrounds of our volunteers. Following our success in this area we gained Investing in Volunteers accreditation. This is only valid for 3 years, so last year we needed to renew it.
Case Study 4 - 'Count Me In': Youth Ambassadors Project, Devon
The challenge
Devon local authorities were concerned about the low number of young people participating in cultural activities and were looking for ways of reaching this age group in particular.
Case Study 5 - Training New-Style Curators
The challenge
When trying to recruit a new Maritime Curator after the post fell vacant, it proved impossible to find just the right blend of specialist knowledge and collections care enthusiasm and expertise that the organisation needed. My experience as an AMA mentor, and a member of the Museums Association Professional Development Committee, persuaded me that a person with this blend of skills was rare if not non-existent. So it was decided that ss Great Britain Trust would train our own, made-to-measure curator.
Case Study 6 - Creative Apprenticeships South West
The challenge
Museums recognised the need to attract employees who could be trained to develop specific, practical skills and who did not necessarily have two degrees or could afford to volunteer.
Case Study 7 - First Hand Scheme
The challenge
We wanted to make museum collections more accessible to visitors, and when we heard about the British Museum’s ‘Hands On’ scheme, we felt this could be ideal for us. We also had excellent relationships with the Highbury Trust for adults with learning difficulties, many of whom love the museum and we were looking for meaningful volunteer roles for them. The two seemed a possible perfect match.
Case Study 8 - Key Stage 4 Work experience Placements that Engage and Inspire
The challenge
In Cornwall, all Year 10 school students undertake an employer placement. The Royal Cornwall Museum (RCM) determined students who apply to work with them should not only find this good work experience but also understand the range of museum career opportunities.
The challenge