Next steps

Test your ideas

Setting up a new museum is challenging but running it can be even more of a challenge if the expected visitors, income, or volunteers do not materialise. Undertaking an options appraisal or feasibility study of your plans at an early stage can ensure you avoid this type of unwelcome surprise. The study will become a key part of how you explain the viability of your plans to others. It is often commissioned in its entirety or in part from consultants, though you may have the skills to undertake it in-house.

A feasibility study is as much about thinking about your future business and operations as it is about exploring potential sites and architecture. You may only have one option for a site for the museum or many; these should be carefully explored as the location of a museum can have a big impact on the number of visitors it receives. You also need to ensure that the buildings are or can be made accessible for visitors and can provide the right environment for the collections.

As well as looking at the physical location and space requirements of the museum, the feasibility study should describe the experience the museum will offer and the benefits it will bring. Collections should be considered at this early stage, for example, the study should ensure the building is appropriate for the collections to be displayed and stored. It should include sections on the market – who the visitors will be and their needs and interests; analysis of the market for any other key income streams such as venue hire; analysis of competitors and comparators; an outline of what it will cost to create the museum and what it will cost to run it on a long-term basis. Visitor number projections (based on a good understanding of the experience that will be offered) are a key part of the feasibility study and are usually best undertaken by a consultant and may also carry more credence when this is the case. This should all assist in putting together an outline Business Plan for your museum.

Developing a business plan

When your ideas start to come together it is essential to create a Forward Plan or Business Plan for your museum. This will set out what you are hoping to achieve over the next few years and how you intend to do it. It is an essential tool for you and your colleagues to monitor your progress and also demonstrates to potential supporters that you are a serious organisation worth investing in. There is an AIM Success Guide on Business Planning, which can help you with this process.

Legal matters

Your museum will need to ensure it meets its legal responsibilities. Taking professional legal advice as appropriate to your museum and its circumstances is advisable. These are some of the legal areas you may need to be aware of:

• Charity law – The Charity Commission (England & Wales) website explains more
• Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator
• Charity Commission for Northern Ireland
• Tax and VAT – HMRC website provides detailed guidance
• Health and Safety legislation – the Health and Safety Executive provide a range of guidance
• Employment law – Acas gives employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice
• Volunteer rights and expenses – gov.uk gives details of volunteer rights and expenses
• Data protection – if you hold personal data (eg in a membership database or collections files – digitally or on paper) you will need to register with the Office of the Information Commissioner.
• FRS102 Guidance note on the reporting of heritage assets in annual accounts – AIM’s Guidance Notes
• Safeguarding – protecting children and vulnerable adults in your care
• Resources for voluntary and community groups – Voluntary community groups
• Equality Act (2010) – legislation.gov.uk
• Equity and Inclusion for Museums – Introductory resources from Museum Development UK
• Reporting treasure and archaeological finds – Report treasure, wreck material or archaeological finds in England and Wales
• Additional information is available from the Portable Antiquities Scheme
• Treasure Trove Scotland
• Archaeology and Treasure in Northern Ireland

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