Decision details

Councillor Russell, the Lead Member for Leisure and Arts, introduced a report reviewing the governance arrangements in respect of the Maidstone Museums.  The Lead Member explained that it was considered that this was not the time for a change in the governance arrangements especially having regard to the new gallery plans.  It was therefore proposed that the existing governance arrangements should continue in place, but with some minor modifications and a further review within a timescale to be determined.

In response to a question, the Lead Member said that she had met with the Trustees of the Bentlif Wing.  The Trustees were looking to recruit some new Trustees and that might provide an opportunity to improve relations with them further.

The Committee supported the proposals set out in the report and wished to add a further recommendation that the governance arrangements in respect of the Maidstone Museums be reviewed in three years’ time.

RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE LEAD MEMBER FOR LEISURE AND ARTS:

1.  That Maidstone Museum and Maidstone Carriage Museum (collectively known as Maidstone Museums) remain as directly provided services within Maidstone Borough Council.

2.  That Maidstone Museums continue to work with the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment Trust and the Bentlif Wing Trust.

3.  That Officers ascertain the intention of the Trustees of the Brenchley Trust in relation to the future of this Trust.

4.  That arrangements with the Maidstone Museums’ Foundation and Kent Archaeological Society be formalised by means of Memoranda of Understanding.

5.  That the governance arrangements in respect of the Maidstone Museums be reviewed in three years’ time.