Research

Museum Development England EDI Training and Support Scoping Project (November 2023-March 2024) Tendering Opportunity

On behalf of Museum Development England, MDNE is seeking a consultant to undertake a scoping exercise looking at training in the museum sector in terms of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). The objective is to enable MDE to develop new national EDI programmes for the sector from April 2024 onwards, with programmes designed to reach a broad range of audiences in museums including trustees, workforce (including leadership/senior staff) and volunteers. 

The project will run from November 2023 to March 2024, and tender submissions are invited by October 2nd 2023. For more information see the Request for Tender document, and if you have any queries please contact Ian Bapty, MDNE Manager (ian.bapty@twmuseums.org.uk).

Request for tender MDE EDI Research Project

TWAM Selection Questionnaire

Standard Terms and Conditions


Museum Development Programme Evaluation 2015/16

In 2016 we commissioned TBR to undertake an evaluation of the North East Museum Development Programme for the period April 2015 to November 2016 (as part of the 2015-18 programme).

Specifically, the evaluation aimed to address the following questions:

  • What has been the impact of museum development support on organisations?
  • How effective/relevant is the programme model?
  • What are the priorities of the North East museum sector for the next 5-10 years?

The resulting report can be downloaded here.

Economic Impact Study 2012/13

We commissioned an economic impact study of the NE museum sector in early 2014. The study was undertaken by ERS and demonstrates the economic contribution of the sector (65 museums) during 2012-13. Impact is illustrated at a regional level and also at a sub-regional level to show impact across County Durham, Northumberland, Tees Valley and Tyne & Wear. The key findings were:

  • The museum sector’s total economic contribution to the North East was £45.4m supporting 1,218 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs
  • For every £1 of public money invested in the sector, there was a return of investment of £4.12
  • By attracting £7.6m visitor spend to the region, the sector directly created 126.2 jobs in the visitor economy sector
  • Over a quarter of a million NE residents participated in learning activities
  • 2,276 volunteers gave over 191,585 hours of their time to support the museum sector

The final report can be downloaded here. A separate summary of quantified impacts can be downloaded here.