This session will help newer trustees gain confidence and a fuller understanding of their role. For experienced trustees, it will offer an essential update and a networking opportunity, as well as helping to improve the communication between trustees and staff or volunteers. We know that it can be challenging to gain a full picture of what is going on in a museum, and its strengths and areas for improvement, and this session will help you to hone your understanding of the health of your museum.

The seminar will enable trustees to understand:

• What creates ‘good governance’, and how can you demonstrate this to the wider world?
• What information do you need to enable the museum to be financially resilient?
• What questions should trustees be able to answer if they are to have a good overview of the museum’s performance and health?

Led by Adrian Babbidge: Adrian is a specialist in museum management, finance and legal issues and leads projects with Egeria, who provide advice and training for the heritage sector.

The day will begin with refreshments on arrival from 10am, starting at 10:30 with a short presentation by Janet Perry, Young Leadership Development Officer, Community Action Suffolk. Janet is leading a new project called Suffolk Young Leaders. The ambition of the project is to increase the number of young people (18-25 years) volunteering as trustees. Janet will be working with young professionals, students and graduates to offer training and support, as well as working with charities to develop this project. She would welcome your feedback and ideas.

Delegates will be eligible to apply for a SHARED Enterprise small grant to help implement their learning and embed good practice. Miranda Rowlands, SHARED Enterprise Project Officer, will give information about this after Janet’s presentation, before Adrian’s presentation starts at 11:30.

A Trustee Muster is a gathering of like-minded Museum Trustees. We aim to support you in your work, by focusing on and sharing what works, as well as addressing some of the more challenging aspects. Whether you are an experienced trustee or new to the role, you will benefit from attending these session. Museum managers and any other staff and volunteers are also very welcome to attend with their trustees.

You might also be interested in Trustee Muster – Review and Recruitment for your Board, 22 November 2017 at the Museum of East Anglian Life, Stowmarket.

Details of other AIM Hallmarks governance sessions can be found here: https://www.aim-museums.co.uk/helping-museum-trustees-get-ahead-free-aim-hallmarks-governance-sessions/

Refreshments and lunch will be provided. Please tell us if you have any dietary or access requirements.