Stronger Boards connects museum trustees to share challenges, build networks, and develop strategic solutions across the Midlands.
About this event
Stronger Boards: being part of a museum’s board of trustees is a unique privilege and one that comes with challenges and expectations. For those fitting trusteeship in and around their lives outside of museums, it can be isolating too.
In 2026, the Stronger Boards programme will bring trustees and those working with trustees together to confront those challenges, finding pathways to the right strategic choices for your organisations, sharing learning and experiences, and building a supportive sector network within the Midlands.
Trustee recruitment and retention is a topic that comes up as a challenge for many museums across the country. As the nature of volunteering changes, it is important we support new and existing trustees to understand their role and responsibilities, and to encourage new voices into the sector.
In September, our focus for Stronger Boards will be trustee induction: the importance of doing it, and doing it right. Trustee induction is often overlooked and yet is crucial in ensuring your board of trustees has the right skills and knowledge to support your organisation, practically and strategically. Done well, it leads to productive boards and thriving museums.
We will be joined by Margaret Harrison, Head of Programmes at the Association of Independent Museums, who will talk about the importance of the right training, and the essential introductions to museum governance that all trustees should experience.
We'll share experiences and peer learning in a friendly and confidential setting.
The event will be delivered via Zoom using a range of exercises and interactive features including Chat and Breakout Rooms, and will include a short break.
Each session will last for around 90 minutes and will not be recorded.
If you have any concerns about accessibility or usability for these features please contact enquiries@mdmidlands.org.uk
This event supports the Arts Council England Inclusivity and Relevance Investment Principle
About the trainer
The session will be facilitated by Tonia Collett, a museum professional, who has been working within the sector for over twenty years, including as a trustee.
Accessibility
This event will be auto-captioned through Zoom. If you would benefit from any other form of access support, including live captioning, please answer ‘yes’ to the access requirements question on the booking form and email the MDM team as early as possible stating the support you require.
All participants will receive an email containing a Zoom link to the training prior to the event. The email will be sent to the email address used for booking. If you have not received an email the day before the event please contact us.
Important Information
https://mdmidlands.org.uk/code-of-conduct
https://mdmidlands.org.uk/booking-terms-and-conditions
Contact Us
If you need any further information or would like to speak to a member of the team please contact us:
Enquiries@mdmidlands.org.uk
Closing Date:
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