Decision details

To consider the report of the Service Lead: Cultural Services seeking approval for the Collections Development Policy 2018-2023. This policy sets out the governing framework and criteria for developing the maritime, archive, local history, archaeology and art collections and the process of acquisitions and disposal for the Service over the next five years.

(i)  To approve the Collection Development Policy 2018-2023 (see Appendix 1) for Cultural Services, as the collections development and acquisition and disposals policy for collections held in trust by Southampton City Council.

(ii)  To delegate authority to the Head of Service to revise the Implementation Plan associated with the Policy for Museum Accreditation if required, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Homes and Culture.

1.  A Council approved Collections Development Policy is an essential

requirement of the Arts Council England (ACE) Accreditation Scheme for Museums. A separate but similar Accreditation scheme governing archives is administered by the National Archives. Without Accreditation, eligibility for funding for Southampton City Council from the Arts Council, Heritage Lottery Fund and other lottery, trust and foundation grant giving sources would be significantly restricted.

2.  The Collection Development Policy will guide the work of the Cultural Services team as it rationalises current holdings, adds new material to its collections that reflect the needs of the city, and provides enhanced public access to this important learning resource.

To retain the existing Southampton City Council Arts and Heritage Collections Policy 2014-2017. This option is rejected because the current policy expired in 2017 and an up-to-date, forward looking policy is required to secure Accreditation status and to reflect our public offer and engagement programmes.  In order to progress work surrounding collections relocation as part of the Medium Term Financial Strategy proposals, a robust Collection Development Policy is required in order to adhere to national standards and guidelines.