|
1.0
|
Apologies
|
| 1.1 |
Apologies were received from Loyd Grossman, Nicholas
Hodgson and Michael Stevenson. |
|
2.0
|
Minutes of Previous Meeting and Matters Arising
|
| 2.1 |
The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as
a true record of the proceedings. |
| 2.2 |
The Chairman signed the minutes. |
| 2.3 |
There was one matter arising concerning the review
of the national training organisations. Alan Watkin
asked how the decision to cease funding had been
announced after it had been taken by the March Board
meeting. Neville Mackay replied that he had written
the following day to the NTO chairs, but had not as
yet received any reply. A press release had also
been issued by Resource. |
|
3.0
|
Resource’s agenda for the English regions
|
| 3.1 |
Stuart Davies opened the discussion by outlining his
paper on the English regional agenda. The paper
explained the current situation and progress to
date. The Board was invited to approve the direction
proposed and consider the various issues associated
with establishing new cross-sectoral agencies (to
replace existing regional domain agencies) by April 2004. |
| 3.2 |
Neville Mackay said that underlying Resource’s
regional framework is a desire to encourage regional
agencies to become more strategic in their work and
more effective advocates. A recent very constructive
meetings with regional library agencies had taken
place, and had cleared much of the ground in that
domain. Similar discussion with the museum and
archives domains were ongoing. The Options Report
produced by John Holden would complement this. |
| 3.3 |
David Barrie queried the need to invest substantial
additional revenue funds in regional agencies in
order to achieve Resource’s regional objectives.
Stuart Davies replied that this investment was
required to build capacity, to bring the archive and
library domains to the level currently enjoyed by
museums and increase capacity for the three domains
collectively within the new regional agencies. After
discussion, the Board endorsed the need for capacity
investment of this kind. |
| 3.4 |
Alan Watkin asked about the relationship between the
proposed new regional agencies and Resource. Stuart
Davies replied that it was likely that there would
be some form of joint Committee between the agencies
which operated rather like the current Committee of
Area Museum Councils. There needed to be clear lines
of communication between Resource and the new
agencies to formulate and deliver policy. Vivien
Griffiths asked about the relationship between the
Options Report and this Board paper. Stuart Davies
replied that the Options Report focused on the
structural options and processes to facilitate the
establishment of the new agencies, while the Board
paper set the policy parameters. Resource is
currently recruiting a new member of staff who will
have a clear mandate to work with the regional agencies. |
| 3.5 |
Matthew Evans made the point that regional
devolution and the regional agenda might accelerate
following the general election. Stuart Davies
replied that Resource would need to consider its
regional agenda in the light of central government
objectives, and should be in a position to respond
rapidly to any policy changes. If regionalism were
to become even more important after the election,
Resource may need to consider accelerating its plans
for the creation of new cross-sectoral agencies |
|
4.0
|
Acceptance in Lieu (AIL)
|
| 4.1 |
Karen Knight introduced a summary paper outlining
options for the future of the AIL scheme. She
invited the Board to agree to the recommendation to
maintain the AIL function within Resource, and to
raise the profile of the scheme as an integral part
of its administration and delivery. The AIL scheme
is a worthwhile and prestigious scheme, valued by
the domains. The AIL Panel recommended that the
scope of the scheme should be widened, procedures
simplified and the scheme more aggressively
marketed. Effectively managed and presented, the AIL
scheme could become a subtle lever for Resource to
widen access and contribute to the care and
enrichment of collections. |
| 4.2 |
David Barrie said that the scheme works well, and is
probably the single most important route by which
collections are enriched through major acquisitions.
Keeping it in-house would attract continued
confidence and support for the scheme. Matthew Evans
said that it was important for the scheme to be
branded as a Resource scheme, to the credit of the
organisation. Neville Mackay agreed to discuss with
David Barrie how the Board might best be regularly
kept informed of developments, e.g. by circulating
the AIL Panel minutes. |
| 4.3 |
The Board unanimously agreed that the AIL scheme
fell sufficiently within the strategic remit of
Resource and should remain in-house, and that the
recommendations of paper RB(01)21 should be
implemented as soon as is practicable. |
| 4.4 |
Karen Knight had prepared an appendix to RB(01)21
concerning progress with the outsourcing of other
executive functions of Resource. Alan Watkin said
that it was essential to keep stakeholders and staff
informed of developments. Neville Mackay said that
until final decisions had been taken, these
functions would continue and that service levels to
the domains would remain the same. |
|
5.0
|
Resource’s relationship with Scotland, Wales
and Northern Ireland
|
| 5.1 |
This paper had been produced in response to a
request from the Board at its March meeting for
Resource to clarify the basis for its relationship
with the devolved administrations and devolved
agencies, and to co-ordinate work across the UK. The
Board was invited to endorse Resource’s two-stage
approach, which is to firstly develop concordats
with the devolved administrations, then to define
relationships with domain agencies. |
| 5.2 |
The Board agreed with the approach outlined. Neville
Mackay said that concordats with Wales and Northern
Ireland would be agreed during the summer, and he
was hopeful that this gave some confidence that
discussions with domain agencies in Wales and
Northern Ireland would be complete by December.
Discussions with the devolved administration and
agencies in Scotland were more complex but continuing. |
| 5.3 |
Alan Watkin stressed the importance of full
communication in this process. Jane Ryder said that
the approach taken in Scotland by the Scottish
executive was to initiate discussions through the
domain agencies. Maurna Crozier expressed concern
over the tight timescale, and welcomed the creation
of a Resource staff post to oversee this programme.
Matthew Evans felt that it was important that any
new relationship with the devolved administrations
recognised the value of maintaining a UK-wide
approach to some issues such as the development and
application of ICT. Neville Mackay agreed to
establish a small Board sub-group (Neville Mackay,
Alan Watkin, Jane Ryder and Maurna Crozier) to
discuss these issues in more detail, and agreed to
write to domain agencies to update them with progress. |
|
6.0
|
Deaccessioning of collections, transfers and
disposal
|
| 6.1 |
In response to an interview with Matthew Evans, and
a subsequent article in the London Evening
Standard media interest had been generated in
the lively topic of deaccessioning, transfer and
disposal of collections. In reply to this important
debate, Karen Knight had prepared a Board paper to
bring Board member up to date with the current
debate and recommend how Resource might respond to
recent discussions. |
| 6.2 |
The paper emphasised that deaccessioning is an
important part of a wider collections management
toolbox. It was essential to consider it as part of
Resource’s Stewardship Strategy rather than a
one-off issue. |
| 6.3 |
Vivien Griffiths said that initiatives such as Best
Value in the local authority sector offered
opportunities for innovative partnerships and
projects. Mark Wood suggested that it would be
helpful to look at other European models such as
those developed in the Netherlands, and to look
critically at past deaccessioning successes and failures. |
| 6.4 |
Matthew Evans noted the Board’s approval for Karen
Knight’s proposals. In response to the recent press
coverage, and to reassure stakeholders, it was
agreed that Neville Mackay and Karen Knight would
reassess the action plan for the Stewardship
Strategy, to make clear that deaccessioning is
acknowledged as part of a sustainable collections
management process. |
| 6.5 |
The Board discussed the wider issue of the
relationship between Board members and Resource on
key issues. It was agreed that while it was
appropriate for Board members to publicly express
opinions on key issues, care should be taken to make
it clear that such opinions, (where they differed
from an agreed Resource Board view) were the
personal views of the individual concerned. |
|
7.0
|
Approval of 2000-01 accounts
|
| 7.1 |
Vanessa Harris presented the 2000-01 accounts to the
Board. The accounts were not to be laid before
Parliament as Resource is not a statutory body. They
are presented as a charity account as Resource is a
registered charity. The main points to note were a
small surplus (a break-even position had originally
been predicted) relating to carry-overs of purchase
grant funds and small projects which are shortly to
be concluded. |
| 7.2 |
The Board approved the 2000-01 accounts for
signature by the Chairman and Chief Executive. The
accounts will be published on the Resource website.
On behalf of the Board, Matthew Evans thanked
Vanessa Harris for her work with Resource and the
former Museums and Galleries Commission, and wished
her every success in her new post. |
|
8.0
|
Regional Museums Task Group
|
| 8.1 |
Stuart Davies gave an update of progress with the
Regional Museums Task Group, and circulated a copy
of the report structure and timetable. At its
penultimate meeting, the Task Group had agreed the
framework and final timetable for production of the
report. Most chapter reports were now complete or
nearing completion. The wide-ranging consultation
had involved 350-400 museum and museum-related professionals. |
| 8.2 |
Matthew Evans said that the project had gone well.
On the emerging findings and conclusions, Mark Jones
asked how the proposed regional hubs would be
identified. Stuart Davies replied that the unanimous
view of the Task Group was that Resource should
concentrate on setting criteria, and that regional
partners should demonstrate how they fit those criteria. |
| 8.3 |
David Barrie asked how much the recommendations
would cost. Stuart Davies said that these were
currently being worked up but were likely to be
substantial. It was agreed that Resource would
publish and launch the report once it had been
passed to the Secretary of State, with follow up
seminars in each region. Neil MacGregor and Mark
Jones asked how the report would be discussed with
the National Museum Director’s Conference (NMDC).
Matthew Evans replied that the NMDC chair Robert
Crawford had been mandated by NMDC to see the draft
report, and speak for them. Mark Jones said that it
was important to ensure the support of the national
museums and galleries for the report’s recommendations. |
|
9.0
|
Resource’s archives agenda
|
| 9.1 |
Neville Mackay gave an update on Resource’s archives
work. The archive issues discussed at the March
Board meeting had been developed into a consultation
paper. This had been launched by Matthew Evans at
the Society of Archivists Annual General Meeting at
the end of April. This had been well-received by the
archives community. Resource was currently working
on developing plans and a work programme for a major
Archives Report, which it was hoped government would
commission from Resource in late summer. This would
draw on experience gained through the Regional
Museums Task Force. |
|
10.0
|
Resource’s libraries agenda
|
| 10.1 |
Neville Mackay gave an update on Resource’s
libraries agenda. He and members of the senior
management team have been working hard to improve
Resource’s profile with the libraries community. To
assist with this, Resource will be publishing a
document in July outlining progress with its
libraries work. Matthew Evans will be giving the
keynote speech at the Library Umbrella conference,
and the Public Library Association Conference. |
| 10.2 |
DCMS was currently exploring the possibility with
Resource of transferring responsibility for advising
the Secretary of State on statutory functions
concerning the provision of public library services.
This work would enhance Resource’s libraries role.
Meetings were due to take place in DCMS in June.
Neville Mackay agreed to report progress to the July
Board meeting. |
|
11.0
|
Resource’s 2010 Vision
|
| 11.1 |
Neville Mackay reported to the Board on behalf of
Michael Stevenson who is leading this Board
sub-group. The group was tasked with looking at
factors and trends driving museums, archives and
libraries. Members included Ajay Chowdhury, Mark
Wood and others drawn from outside the Board. A
report would be produced for publication in October/November. |
|
12.0
|
Resource’s cultural diversity work
|
| 12.1 |
Neville Mackay said he had held a useful meeting
with Lola Young to discuss the development of
Resource’s cultural diversity work. The Board agreed
to set up an informal sub-group to develop this
further. Lola Young, Maurna Crozier, Vivien
Griffiths and Alan Watkin expressed interest in
joining this group. |
|
13.0
|
Heritage Lottery Fund
|
| 13.1 |
Matthew Evans is due to meet with Liz Forgan the new
HLF Chairman next week. HLF is currently reviewing
its policies and will be consulting widely. Resource
will make the most of this opportunity to comment
fully to secure the future of these key funds for
our sector. |
|
14.0
|
Review of the Designation Scheme and
Designation Challenge Fund
|
| 14.1 |
Neville Mackay reported to the Board on behalf of
Loyd Grossman who is leading the Designation Review
Steering Group. Meetings and interviews had been
held with the museum constituency, and meetings have
been arranged with archive and library
representatives. A progress report has been prepared
for the Steering Group which is due to meet in early June. |
|
15.0
|
Minutes of the Finance, Audit and general
Purposes Committee
|
| 15.1 |
Subject to two suggested minor amendments these
minutes were noted. |
|
16.0
|
Any other business
|
| 16.1 |
Letter from the Fitzwilliam Museum: Matthew
Evans circulated a letter he had received from the
Director of the Fitzwilliam Museum concerning the
issue of VAT liability for museums that do not
impose an admission charge. The Board discussed the
implications of this, and agreed that it whilst in
would not be appropriate for Resource to lead a
campaign on behalf of non-national museums, Resource
should lend support to an overall campaign. Matthew
agreed to reply to this effect. |
| 16.2 |
The Coram Foundation: David Barrie asked if
Resource was aware of issues concerning the
charitable status of the Coram Foundation. Neville
Mackay replied that Resource had not received any
correspondence concerning this issue. |
|
17.0
|
Date and Time of Next Meeting
|
| 17.1 |
The next Board meeting will be on the
31st of July 2001 ithe Board Room of
1, Queen Anne’s Gate at 11.00am -1.30pm,
followed by lunch.
The meeting closed at 1.30pm.
|
Action List
|
| 3.0 |
RESOURCE’S AGENDA FOR THE ENGLISH REGIONS
- The Board approved the direction taken by
Resource
|
| 4.0 |
ACCEPTANCE IN LIEU
- The Board approved the decision to retain
this function in-house
- Neville Mackay and Karen Knight to implement
the recommendations of the review
|
| 5.0 |
RESOURCE’S RELATIONSHIP WITH SCOTLAND, WALES
AND NORTHERN IRELAND
- Board sub group comprising Neville Mackay,
Alan Watkin, Jane Ryder and Maurna Crozier
to be established
- Neville Mackay to write to domain agencies
to update them of progress
|
| 6.0 |
DEACCESSIONING OF COLLECTIONS, TRANSFERS AND DISPOSAL
- Resource to issue a press release concerning
these concepts within the framework of the
Stewardship Strategy
|
| 7.0 |
APPROVAL OF 2000-01 ACCOUNTS
- Accounts to be signed by Chairman and Chief
Executive
|
| 8.0 |
REGIONAL MUSEUMS TASK FORCE
|
| 9.0 |
RESOURCE’S ARCHIVES AGENDA
|
| 10.0 |
RESOURCE’S LIBRARIES AGENDA
- Neville Mackay to report to July Board
meeting on progress with transfer of
responsibility for advising the SofS on
statutory library functions from DCMS to
Resource
|
| 11.0 |
RESOURCE’S 2010 VISION
- Paper to be produced by Board sub-group
October/November
|
| 12.0 |
RESOURCE’S CULTURAL DIVERSITY WORK
- Board sub group comprising Neville Mackay,
Lola Young, Maurna Crozier, Vivien Griffiths
and Alan Watkin to be established
|
| 13.0 |
HERITAGE LOTTERY FUND
- Matthew Evans to meet with Liz Forgan
- Resource to meet with HLF policy review
teams
|
| 14.0 |
REVIEW OF THE DESIGNATION SCHEME AND
DESIGNATION CHALLENGE FUND
- Action ongoing
- Review team to report by end July
|
| 15.0 |
MINUTES OF FINANCE, AUDIT AND GENERAL
PURPOSES COMMITTEE
- Minutes approved by the Board
|
| 16.0 |
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
- Matthew Evans to reply to letter from the
Director of the Fitzwilliam Museum on VAT
|
