Heritage Services are facing an unprecedented challenge. Significant budget cuts have resulted in reduced opening hours, redundancies and a residual threat of closure. We fully recognise the uncertainty this is creating for all those involved in managing museums, archives, galleries and historic assets. Many Councils are taking this opportunity to review the range and level of services provided and potentially explore alternative options for service delivery going forwards.

To support this, Winckworth Sherwood and The Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC)have developed a free technical guide for Local Authority Heritage Services exploring more effective ways to deliver their services.

‘The Trust Option for Heritage Services – a practical guide’ captures learning developed by Winckworth Sherwood LLP and the Sport, Leisure and Culture Consultancy from options appraisals, business cases and externalisations to a Trust.

The Guide provides a pragmatic, step by step approach to undertaking a service review, developing a business case and conducting an independent options appraisal. If the Trust option emerges as the preferred option, a clear road map to its implementation is provided.


This guidance provides focused support for Councils seeking to undertake a review of their Culture and specifically Heritage Services, with a view to explore if the Trust Option offers best value for their Council.

It provides a step by step approach to:

Joanna Bussell, Partner of Winckworth Sherwood said, “The cuts facing Heritage Services are unprecedented.  We do not underestimate the challenges faced by Heritage Services.  This is, however, an opportunity to explore alternative options for service delivery.  The Trust option has a proven track record in delivering savings and acting as a catalyst for cultural change in the way the service is delivered.  Careful consideration needs to be given as to whether the Trust option is the right option for each local authority’s service.  We are delighted to collaborate with SLC in relation to this Guide which provides technical, legal and practical advice in relation to the Trust option.”

Duncan Wood-Allum, Director of SLC said, "We're delighted to collaborate with Winckworth Sherwood on this technical guide for Heritage Services. SLC and Winckworth Sherwood have jointly provided advice and support to a wide range of clients including Canterbury City Council, London Borough of Islington, London Councils through the Heritage Change Programme and Derby City Council. We very much hope this guide, built on years of experience will support Councils in adopting a best practice approach from business case right through to implementation."