Staff retention is major concern for heritage sector, research finds

NEW FIGURES from specialist insurer Ecclesiastical have revealed the extent of the recruitment and retention crisis in the heritage sector. Four in five heritage organisations are concerned about recruitment and retention of staff and volunteers over the next 12 months, with 70% having an increased focus on staff wellbeing.

Ecclesiastical has also revealed that 21% of heritage organisations are already struggling to attract and retain staff. High salary demands are believed to be the top reason for staffing challenges.

More than half of the heritage organisations surveyed are reassessing and increasing salaries (53%) and ensuring they have better incentives for staff (52%), such as private health insurance. A third have also introduced more flexible ways of working (34%), including hybrid working and flexible hours.

Last year, York Museums Trust closed all of its sites and paused behind-the-scenes activities for a week in support of staff health and wellbeing.

Faith Kitchen, customer segment director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “As the UK's leading insurer of Grade One-listed buildings, we're passionate about protecting Britain's heritage. Attracting and retaining staff is a key risk for heritage organisations to manage to ensure they have adequate staffing levels. With rising inflation and as the cost of living soars many are reassessing their career choices.

“Our research shows heritage organisations are taking proactive steps to attract and retain talent and the majority now have an increased focus on staff wellbeing.”

Ecclesiastical recently launched its Heritage Risk Barometer 2022, which explores the top risks within the heritage sector and focuses on key areas of concern – including the impact of the cost of living crisis attracting local visitors, the recruitment crisis and responding to climate change. The Heritage Risk Barometer 2022 is available to view on the Ecclesiastical Insurance website at www.ecclesiastical.com/ heritagebarometer. q

Levelling Up funding from the UK Government. The award was made as a result of close partnership working by the local council, Bridgend County Borough Council and Awen Cultural Trust –demonstrating that the investment would make a visible positive difference to the local area and support the creative economy of the region.

The funding will be used to enhance and redevelop the Grade Two-listed Art Deco building, which celebrated its 90th anniversary last year. It features a ‘striking’ three-storey octagonal domed theatre and two single-storey loggias fanning out from the dome.

The restoration and improvement works, masterminded by Purcell, include addressing the condition of its concrete structure: it was one of the first Ferrocrete buildings in the UK. The aim is to preserve its unique heritage while also meeting the needs and aspirations of the community for extended and improved arts, culture and heritage services.

The proposed new facilities include new function spaces at the esplanade level, new rooftop function and café spaces offering panoramic sea views across the Bristol Channel and a new studio theatre and ancillary facilities. There will be increased and improved accessibility, including new Changing Places toilet facilities. At street level, new business incubation, workshop and office spaces will be created.

Richard Hughes, chief executive of Awen Cultural Trust, commented: “We have been working with the council on these ambitious plans for the Grand Pavilion since 2016, so I am delighted that we have been successful in securing the funding to bring these to fruition. The redevelopment of the Grand Pavilion represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for us to safeguard this iconic building for many years to come and ensure it retains its position as a flagship regional arts and cultural venue of choice.

“Having managed the venue for over seven years, we know how much the Grand Pavilion means to local people and groups so we look forward to engaging with them as our plans evolve.”

The project at the Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl is one of 11 projects in Wales that won support from the second round of Levelling Up Fund cash. q