Decision details

The Executive received the report the proposals regarding staffing at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery (RAMM). This followed work unertaken on making savings from Exeter City Council’s revenue contribution, whilst maintaining an outstanding service and delivering its business plan. The report set out a restructure at RAMM in order to make the required savings whilst maintaining the National Portfolio Organisation delivery plan.

Particular reference was made to the requirement to make a saving at the RAMM, whilst still maintaining its high level of service. The RAMM also received an annual grant of £618,000 per annum from Arts Council England, a result of its National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status. The proposed restructure would make the required savings with the best chance of maintaining the NPO delivery plan and allowing the museum to remain one of the most valued city museums in the country.

Councillor M. Mitchell, as an opposition group leader, spoke on this item and enquired if the Unions had been consulted as part of the consultation?

The Director of Culture, Leisure and Tourism advised that process had been undertaken in line with the Council’s Organisational Change Management policy.

Members welcomed the report and highlighted the good work and reputation of the RAMM and reputation of the staff.

The Portfolio Holder for Culture and City Centre Strategy clarified that the report was addressing a restructure of staffing at the RAMM and was not making redundancies.

RECOMMENDED that Council, on the grounds of service efficiency approve the redundancy and pension strain related to the restructure at the RAMM.