Agenda item

13.1

The Interim Executive Director, Place submitted a report seeking approval for Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust and Museums Sheffield to merge into one unified Sheffield Museums Trust from April 2021, as detailed in this report. While both Trusts are independent organisations (with Sheffield City Council representation on their Boards), Sheffield City Council has significant interests in the new Trust.  Sheffield City Council also hold a number of agreements with the two trusts. Therefore, formal endorsement by Cabinet is sought for the creation of the new Sheffield Museums Trust.

13.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a) endorses and welcomes the creation of Sheffield Museums Trust;

(b) fulfils its duties as Trustees of the Weston Park Charitable Trust which includes agreeing to grant a licence to assign;

(c) approves the licence to assign for all other properties as detailed in this report;

(d) notes and agrees in principle the proposed novations of other contracts between the parties, the Tenancy at Will for Graves Gallery and the licence to occupy for Shepherd Wheel;

(e) delegates authority to the Director of Culture and Environment, in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance to enter into the novations, Tenancy at Will for Graves Gallery and the licence to occupy for Shepherd Wheel; 

(f) notes and agrees in principle the proposed arrangements for the transfer of the funding and services agreement;

(g) delegates authority to the Director of Culture and Environment, in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance approval to enter into the new contract for services; 

(h) agrees for the loan to be discharged which is secured against the Simplex Car and for an agreement to be entered in to in relation to the car as further detailed in this report;

(i) notes the work being undertaken on Lifecycle Costs as further detailed in this report; 

(j) agrees to the assignment, transfer and grant of lease and other occupancy rights as further detailed in this report; and

(k) to the extent not already delegated to them by the Leader’s Scheme of Delegation, delegates authority to the Director of Culture and Environment, in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance and the Director of Finance and Commercial Services, to take any other decisions necessary in order to meet the aims and objectives of the report.

13.3

Reasons for Decision

13.3.1

Sheffield Museums Trust will become one of the largest groups of museum sites in the country, with a unique opportunity to showcase and celebrate the history, development and diversity of the city, while allowing us to take our place on a national stage.  It will become an even greater asset to Sheffield people and to our visitors.  A merged museums trust opens up opportunities for additional external funding, and creates a more resilient, flexible and skilled organisation for the future.  More of the Sheffield Collection will become accessible for Sheffield people to enjoy.  Both Trust Boards see this as a strongly positive step for the future.

13.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

13.4.1

The alternative to the new Sheffield Museums Trust would be for the two existing museums trusts to continue separately.  There are many advantages and opportunities presented by a single united Museums Trust, and warm enthusiasm from both organisations for this development.  There seems little merit in continuing as two separate trusts.

13.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

13.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

13.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Mick Crofts, Interim Executive Director, Place

13.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Economic and Environmental Wellbeing Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee

13.1

The Interim Executive Director, Place submitted a report seeking approval for Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust and Museums Sheffield to merge into one unified Sheffield Museums Trust from April 2021, as detailed in this report. While both Trusts are independent organisations (with Sheffield City Council representation on their Boards), Sheffield City Council has significant interests in the new Trust.  Sheffield City Council also hold a number of agreements with the two trusts. Therefore, formal endorsement by Cabinet is sought for the creation of the new Sheffield Museums Trust.

13.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a) endorses and welcomes the creation of Sheffield Museums Trust;

(b) fulfils its duties as Trustees of the Weston Park Charitable Trust which includes agreeing to grant a licence to assign;

(c) approves the licence to assign for all other properties as detailed in this report;

(d) notes and agrees in principle the proposed novations of other contracts between the parties, the Tenancy at Will for Graves Gallery and the licence to occupy for Shepherd Wheel;

(e) delegates authority to the Director of Culture and Environment, in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance to enter into the novations, Tenancy at Will for Graves Gallery and the licence to occupy for Shepherd Wheel; 

(f) notes and agrees in principle the proposed arrangements for the transfer of the funding and services agreement;

(g) delegates authority to the Director of Culture and Environment, in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance approval to enter into the new contract for services; 

(h) agrees for the loan to be discharged which is secured against the Simplex Car and for an agreement to be entered in to in relation to the car as further detailed in this report;

(i) notes the work being undertaken on Lifecycle Costs as further detailed in this report; 

(j) agrees to the assignment, transfer and grant of lease and other occupancy rights as further detailed in this report; and

(k) to the extent not already delegated to them by the Leader’s Scheme of Delegation, delegates authority to the Director of Culture and Environment, in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance and the Director of Finance and Commercial Services, to take any other decisions necessary in order to meet the aims and objectives of the report.

13.3

Reasons for Decision

13.3.1

Sheffield Museums Trust will become one of the largest groups of museum sites in the country, with a unique opportunity to showcase and celebrate the history, development and diversity of the city, while allowing us to take our place on a national stage.  It will become an even greater asset to Sheffield people and to our visitors.  A merged museums trust opens up opportunities for additional external funding, and creates a more resilient, flexible and skilled organisation for the future.  More of the Sheffield Collection will become accessible for Sheffield people to enjoy.  Both Trust Boards see this as a strongly positive step for the future.

13.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

13.4.1

The alternative to the new Sheffield Museums Trust would be for the two existing museums trusts to continue separately.  There are many advantages and opportunities presented by a single united Museums Trust, and warm enthusiasm from both organisations for this development.  There seems little merit in continuing as two separate trusts.