Agenda and minutes

The Chair to note apologies for absence.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Cali.

The Chair to note public address requests.

The public can speak on any agenda item for a maximum of three minutes per speaker per item.  You are not required to register your intention to speak in advance but should arrive at the meeting a few minutes early, complete a Public Address Protocol and notify the Scrutiny Officer of your intention to speak.

There were none.

Members to state any interests.

There were none.

Members to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 23 May 2016.

The Chair signed the minutes of the meeting held on 23 May 2016 as a true and accurate record.

 The Scrutiny Panel to receive a presentation that sets the scene, including:

Ø    Background to the Museum Trust

Ø    Timeline

Ø    Relevant Legislation

Ø    Relevant data

Nick Gordon, Cultural Services Manager gave the Panel a presentation that set the scene.

Key points:

The Chair highlighted that at its next meeting the Scrutiny Panel needs to look at the business side of setting up a Museum Trust.

·         A number of Museums services across the country are contracting but Northampton Museums are expanding

·         The Vision for Northampton Museums and Art Gallery was highlighted

·         The three core purposes of the Museum and Art Gallery

o   To enrich the lives of Northampton’s people and visitors to the Borough

o   To be an internationally recognised `centre for excellence’ for shoes

o   To be financially sustainable and of economic benefit for Northampton

·         The reasons for considering Trust status were emphasised, along with the disbenefits

·         There are four options for Trust status:

o   Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)

o   Charitable Company limited by guarantee

o   Unincorporated association

o   Trust

·         Legislation – Corporate and Unincorporated were provided

·         The process for transfer and the monitoring and implementation were provided

·         A report to Cabinet is scheduled for September 2016

The Scrutiny Panel asked questions, made comment and heard:

·         15,000 pairs of shoes, 7 photos of each

·         10-15% of the collections are on display at one time.  Art collections are permanently rotated

·         A very complete log of the art collections is kept

·         Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) is the most flexible option. It is also the simplest option

·         The Trust would be managing the Museum on behalf of the Council. A Museum Trust would be set up for the benefit of the Council and residents of Northampton

·         The Trust would be set up so that it is strong and financially viable

·         The Museum lost accreditation status for a period of 5 years and will be applying for accreditation in 3 years’ time. This would not affect it going for Trust status

·         The Scrutiny Panel discussed the expansion of the Museum and the leather craft museum

·         78 Derngate is a charitable Trust and one of the Partners that the Trust would work with

·         A Marketing officer for the Museum has been appointed recently

The presentation was noted and would inform the evidence base of this Scrutiny review.

The Scrutiny Panel to approve the Community Impact Assessment (CIA) for this Review.

The Scrutiny Panel approved the Community Impact Assessment for this Review.  The document would be published on the Scrutiny Webpage.