Diversifying the workforce

The original Renaissance in the Regions report identified creating a more diverse workforce as a priority. In line with the report's recommendations MLA has committed nearly £500,000 to the Museum Association's (MA) Diversify programme, which provides targeted traineeships for minority ethnic individuals.

Information for Diversify host museums and for trainees

The Diversify scheme is managed by the Museums Association. You can get information for host museums and individuals interested in positive action traineeships from the MA website.

Results of the Diversify scheme

In 2004, MLA commissioned Gaby Porter to undertake a short survey of the trainees, museums and museums studies courses participating in the Diversify scheme, in order to gather evidence of its benefits and demonstrate the impact of the Renaissance investment.

Diversify! Full report (PDF 842KB)
Diversify! Summary (PDF 294KB)

Hosting a positive action trainee - seminar

In November 2005, representatives from Renaissance hubs and MLA regional agencies attended a seminar which was jointly organised by MLA and the Museums Association. The aim was to discuss the issues and practicalities involved in hosting a positive action trainee. In small groups, delegates were given an opportunity to consider issues such as working with partners, choosing university courses, designing work programmes, supporting trainees, preparing exit strategies and securing additional funding. Copies of the presentations and papers from this meeting are available below.

Presentation: MLA (Powerpoint 262KB)
Presentation: Birmingham City Council (Powerpoint 388KB)
Summaries: Break out group discussions (PDF 111KB)