Decision details

This report relates to the setting up of a charitable trust to raise funds and support the work of Leeds Museums and Galleries (LMG). This is a key recommendation in a recent fundraising review commissioned by LMG in order to support the delivery of the service’s 5-year strategy (approved by the Executive Board on 16 March 2022).

The Director of City Development submitted a report on the proposed establishment of a charitable trust with the purpose of raising funds in support the work of Leeds Museums and Galleries (LMG), which was in response to a key recommendation from a recent fundraising review undertaken which had been commissioned by LMG in order to support the delivery of the service’s 5-year strategy and a 10-year site investment plan.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member highlighted that the proposed Trust would be independent of the Council, that its main purpose would be for fundraising and that it would not manage or own any Council assets.

Members discussed the importance of establishing a robust and professional board, and also whether the establishment of the Trust could have any potential impact upon other local organisations in this sector.

Responding to a specific enquiry, assurance was provided that the Executive Board would be kept updated on the progress being made in respect of the Trust, as requested.

RESOLVED – That the formation of Leeds Museums and Galleries Development Trust, be approved, and that the responsibility for the implementation of this resolution be delegated via the Director of City Development to the Head of Service, Leeds Museums and Galleries, from December 2022.

Consultation has taken place over six months with staff and key stakeholders, including the Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education. This has been led by the Head of Service, and Catherine Longley, the consultant working with Good Fundraising Co. Ltd. on the service’s fundraising review (August – November 2022).

More recently, advice has been sought from colleagues in Finance and Legal, as well as colleagues in other local authorities and charitable trusts, particularly Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council and Norfolk Museums Service.

Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education

Chief Officer, Culture & Economy

Group Leader, Heritage and Arts, Barnsley Council

Head of Development, Norfolk Museums Service

Head of Development at Norfolk Museums Service

Head of Legal Services & Deputy Monitoring Officer

Head - Property and Development, Leeds City Council

Finance Business Partner, Leeds City Council

Senior Management Team, Leeds Museums and Galleries

Chair, Leeds Art Fund

Secretary, Friends of Leeds City Museums

President, Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society