Decision details

(i)  To approve the Museums and Archives Collection Development

    Policy 2024–2029 (see Appendix 1) within the Culture & Tourism

    Division, as the collections development and acquisition and

    disposals policy for artefacts and material held in trust for the public

    by Southampton City Council (SCC).

(ii)  To approve delegated authority to the Head of Service to revise the

    policy if required, following consultation with the Cabinet Member.

A Council approved Collections Development Policy is an essential

requirement of ACE’s Accreditation Scheme for Museums. A separate

Accreditation scheme governing archives is administered by The National

Archives. Without Accreditation, Council eligibility for funding from ACE,

National Lottery Heritage Fund and other lottery, trust and foundation grant giving sources would be significantly restricted.

The CDP will guide the work of the Culture & Tourism team where it is

required to rationalise current holdings or add new material to its collections

that reflect the identity of a modern, diverse, inclusive city. Culture & Tourism

provides public access to these important learning resources, using them to

engage and inspire residents and visitors to the city through exhibitions,

events, learning programmes and national and international loans.

The Policy provides a robust framework in any scenario in which collections

may need to be rationalised, managed and relocated to alternative premises

arising from considerations around assets and potential regeneration in the

city. The approach to Asset Development and Disposal Programme (ADDP)

was set out in the Cabinet and Council Report in March 2024. The CDP also

provides assurance to Members and the public that national standards are

employed.

The alternative options considered were to retain the existing approved

Council Collections Development Policy 2018-2023 or to have no policy at

all. These options were rejected because the current policy has expired and:

(i)  An up-to-date policy is required to secure Accreditation status and

    to reflect our public offer and engagement programmes.

(ii)  In anticipation of any potential relocation of collections to more

     suitable facilities, then a robust policy is required to adhere to

    national standards and guidelines.

(iii)  Accreditation and the CDP unlocks access to external funding

    streams as part of minimum standards and provides reassurance

    to residents that we are caring for collections within the resources

    available.