The Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's Cabinet Delegated Decisions meeting on 26 September 2025, led by Councillor Bill Cawley, Portfolio Holder for Communities, addressed the future management of the Nicholson Museum and Art Gallery. The decision was made to outsource the museum's management, develop a revised business plan and governance framework, and delegate contract award decisions to the Executive Director (Community Services) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities. This decision aims to enhance the museum's operations and community engagement following a £3.9 million renovation funded by the Levelling Up Fund (LUF).

Management Arrangements for the Nicholson Museum and Art Gallery

The main item under consideration was the future management arrangements for the Nicholson Museum and Art Gallery. The museum, located in the Nicholson Institute, has been operated by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council (SMDC) since 2010.

Decision: Councillor Bill Cawley approved the proposal to change the delivery model to an outsource arrangement, agreed to the production of a revised business plan and governance framework, and delegated the contract award and associated decision-making to the Executive Director (Community Services) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities.

The rationale behind this decision is to secure the operational management of the Museum and Art Gallery, supported by a new governance model and business plan. The public reports pack states that:

A governance document will provide a framework for the museum to operate within. A business plan will set out key aspirations, targets and monitoring methods to map out a plan to make sure that the benefits of the capital investment from LUF are reflected in the museum's operations. A longterm solution to manage and staff the museum adequately ensures the museum has resilience built into its operating model and has longevity upon reopening.

The museum closed to the public in March 2025 for redevelopment works, expected to last 12 to 18 months. The report notes that the closure of the Tourist Information Centre in November 2024, which prompted a staffing issue, and the ongoing works have provided an opportunity to explore different delivery models for the long-term.

Outsourcing to Outside Arts

The council is considering outsourcing the museum's management to Outside Arts, who have already been working with the museum via a Service Level Agreement (SLA). According to the reports pack:

Given the above progress, and the strong community engagement and relationships developed which are building in momentum, it is proposed that Outside Arts be contracted to manage and staff the Nicholson Museum and Gallery by SMDC, and work to refine and produce a business plan and governance document for consideration. The model will be fully funded using existing salary budget from a vacant post on the establishment.

Outside Arts has been working to engage key stakeholders and community members, promoting participation opportunities through digital platforms, local press, and events. Nicola Jakubowski, project lead at Outside Arts, has engaged with partner agencies including Midlands Museum Development, Staffordshire History Network, Heritage Volunteering Network and Support Staffordshire with a view to registering the Friends of Nicholson as a start up group and supporting with the development of a Charity Incorporated Organisation (CIO).

Friends of Nicholson Group

The Friends of Nicholson Group has established dedicated subgroups focusing on fundraising and income generation, audience development, volunteering and operations, and collections. These subgroups are responsible for creating tailored strategies and action plans.

Alternative Options

The alternative option considered was to continue with the existing management arrangement. However, the decision was made to move forward with the outsourced arrangement to enhance the museum's operations and community engagement.

Implications

The reports pack outlines several implications of the decision, including:

• Community Safety: No direct implications were identified.
• Workforce Management: The management arrangement will be funded via the existing staff salary budget from a currently vacant role.
• Equality and Diversity: An Equality Impact Assessment will be completed as part of the Access Audit.
• Financial Considerations: Costs will be covered via the existing salary budget.
• Legal: The UK Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 grants the power for Local Authorities to operate museums, requiring them to maintain collections in line with accepted practices.
• Climate Change and Sustainability: Opportunities exist to collaborate with Outside Arts to engage the community on climate change themes through displays, events, and community engagement.
• Conservation and Enhancement of Biodiversity: Future opportunities exist for engaging the public with nature and educating on biodiversity, potentially through events and displays in collaboration with Outside Arts.
• Consultation: Consultation has occurred via visitor feedback surveys and detailed input from the Nicholson Stakeholders Group, informing preliminary work on the management, governance, and business plan.
• Risk Assessment: The Risk Assessment for the Nicholson Institute is updated annually.