Museums and Board Diversity - An invitation

The Powell-Cotton Trust is leading a sector-wide research and development project on Museums and Board Diversity.

The project aims to understand more about the diversity of museum boards, specifically across the South East so that governance better reflects local communities and supports museums to remain relevant, inclusive, and resilient.

We want to get a sense of how diverse museum boards are and why board diversity matters in museums.

As a result of this project, a resource will be developed and shared with museums via Museum Development South East (MDSE).

What do we mean by ‘diversity’?

The Equality Act 2010 defines nine protected characteristics that promote diversity and protect individuals from discrimination in the UK. 

The Powell-Cotton Trust believes diversity (and inclusion) is about creating an environment in which our audiences, workforce, and partners are treated fairly and without discrimination.  Where a culture is created that respects and values the differences between individuals.  Where varied contributions from a diverse workforce and audience participants are valued, and that different perspectives, voices and experiences of individuals are heard and acted upon.

In addition to considering the protected characteristics, when it comes to diversity and inclusivity, we also also consider socio-economic status, as well as interests, skills, lived experience, and local connections, in order to be representative of our community.

More information about Diversity can be found on Arts Council England’s website, here: Diversity | Arts Council England.

Complete the Questionnaire

Are you a museum manager or trustee of a museum in the South East?  If so, we want to hear from you about board diversity.

Please help us by answering 6 very short questions here.

Focus Group

If you would like to take part in a focus group exploring this subject on Wednesday 24th June at 10am please contact: mairead@culturerunner.com.

More about the Project

The Powell-Cotton Trust has commissioned CultureRunner to undertake research into board diversity in museums across the South East.  The research aims to identify what is working well, where the key challenges lie and what support is needed to enable more diverse boards and a sustainable sector.

There are two distinct and overlapping strands to this project.

1. South East Museums sector wide mapping and reviewing of board. Identifying challenges and areas of best practice for developing and maintaining diverse boards.
2. Reviewing/ Evaluating the diversification of the Powell-Cotton Trust. Identifying key lessons for both internal review and sector facing materials.

The project will develop practical guidance, case studies and accessible resources for the sector which will be shared in early 2027.