AVAILABLE ON-LINE AT www.emms.org.uk

1861. EmmS Office Arrangements for Christmas & New Year

Our office closes for the Christmas period on Friday 22 December, and will re-open for business on Tuesday 2 January 2001.

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1862. REDS Arrangements for Christmas & New Year

Various members of the Regional Emergency and Disaster Squad will be away at different times over the Christmas period, and therefore to ensure adequate cover at this particularly wet time the following arrangements have been put in place:

• for emergencies between 23 December and 2 January (except Christmas Day and Boxing day) you should follow the usual procedure of contacting one of your local squad members, and failing that a member of EmmS staff.
• for Christmas Day and Boxing Day only, the first point of contact should be Rosemary Bower. Her mobile telephone number for those days is (07946) 871137. She will then activate the nearest available squad member.

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1863. Project Grants

Applications for the final round of Special Initiatives funding should be received by us no later than 31 December.

The Museum Standards Fund has now been fully committed, and therefore we are unable to consider further applications.

Budget constraints make it unlikely that we will be able to operate a project grants scheme in 2001/2. A statement on our future plans will be made in the January edition of HOT NEWS.

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1864. Professional Panel

The postponed meeting of the PROFESSIONAL PANEL will take place on the morning of 2 FEBRUARY, at Snibston Discovery Park, Coalville. One person from each registered museum is invited to attend, as well as from each county forum where they exist. Letters of invitation will be sent out with the January edition of HOT NEWS.

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1865. Regional Collections: Towards a Sustainable Future

Resource: The Council for Museums, Archives & Libraries has recently published a paper as a contribution to the current debate on the future of regional museums. It concludes that, while all regional museums have a role to play in contributing to social change agendas such as access, education, lifelong learning and social inclusion, only some have achieved their full potential. The additional resources needed to make museums effective contributors to social change have often been lacking, especially for local authority museums. Copies of the paper can be downloaded from www.resource.gov.uk

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1866. New Access Publication

Resource has published The Disability Directory for Museums and Galleries to provide guidance for museums and galleries on how to improve their services for all disabled people. It outlines the principles which should underpin best practice, contains practical advice and provides extensive contacts lists. Participants in the Museum Registration scheme should receive a free copy. It is also available, priced £25, from Resource on (020) 7273 1458.

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1867. Resource Case Studies Database

The Education, Access, Audience Development and Marketing Team at Resource would like case studies of projects relating to education, access, audience development, marketing and ICT for inclusion in a case studies database. They will be used in the following ways:

• as illustrations in various speeches and publications such as The Learning Power of Museums (DCMS/DfEE). In some cases this led to the museums that provided them securing grants.
• as advocacy material for Resource to use when representing the case of our sector to Government.
• as a source of information and inspiration through making some of the studies available through the Resource website.

Details of case studies may be provided by completing a form, available

• online at www.resource.gov.uk;
• by sending a blank e-mail with the word "form" in the subject line to rachel.kerr@resource.gov.uk, which automatically triggers a form to be sent to you in reply;
• by telephoning Helen Scaife on (020) 7273 8717 and requesting the form either on disc, or as a paper copy.

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1868. Volunteer Project

Resource will soon be commissioning a project to develop a demographic profile of volunteers in the cultural sector, the results of which will be used to inform policy decisions. Further details can be obtained from Val King at Resource on (020) 7273 1433.

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1869. New Accounting Standards for Charities

The Charity Commission has now published its revised Standard on Recommended Practice Accounting for Charities (SORP 2000), which will be implemented from 1 January 2001. It will affect charities with an income of more than £100,000 and all charitable companies (including exempt charities, but not universities). Other charities can continue to follow the existing SORP 1995. The Charity Commission will be sending a copy of its new publication (CC61) - Charity Accounts 2001: The Framework - by the end of December. It will also be available on www.charity-commission.gov.uk

One of the key implications for museums concerns the capitalisation of inalienable and historic fixed assets. Until now, there has been exemption, which has meant that there has been no requirement to value museum collections and historic buildings on the Charity's Balance Sheet. However, the new SORP follows recently-adopted Accounting Standards by requiring capitalisation of all an organisation's tangible assets. There is, however, provision for these assets to be excluded from the Balance Sheet when

• reliable cost information is not available; or
• when significant costs would be incurred in obtaining such valuation, which would lead to an unjustifiable expenditure of charity funds.

These changes will lead to modification of the Museum Registration that relates to the reporting of assets. However, museums will still need to demonstrate a sound financial base for their operations, and not use their collections as collateral or other security for loans, or imply that those collections are available.

It is expected that Resource will be issuing further guidance on this point. We recommend that museums' trustees, officers, accountants and auditors are aware of the change, and in particular the concessions referred to above.

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1870. Review of Cultural Heritage and Information Science National Training Organisations

The second phase of a website consultation to review the Cultural Heritage and Information Services National Training Organisations is now in progress. The project team has developed four scenarios for the future of CHNTO and isNTO and would welcome your comments on them. To join the discussion, visit www.davidhaynes.co.uk/ntoreview.htm

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1871. PRISM Fund Website

The new website for the National Museum of Science and Industry's PRISM Fund (The Fund for the Preservation of Industrial and Scientific material) can be found at www.nmsi.ac.uk/collections/prism/index.htm. The fund offers grant-aid for the purchase or conservation of any movable object or group of objects illustrating the history of any branch of science (including natural history) or technology.

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1872. Deferred Export of Ionides Octavian Gem

The export of a gem fragment showing the bust of Octavian as the god Mercury has been deferred. This ruling reflects the gem's long association with private collections in the UK, its exceptional quality and workmanship, and its importance for the study of the development of Roman portraiture and gem cutting. The deferral period, until after 20 March 2001, provides an opportunity for purchase at the recommended price of £240,914.09. The deferral period could be extended until after 20 July 2001 if there is a serious intention to raise funds.

Anyone interested in making an offer to purchase the above item should contact the owners' agent through the Secretary, the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art, DCMS, 2-4 Cockspur Street, London SW1Y 5DH.

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1873. National Target for Volunteering

The Government has set a national target for volunteering of one million more people being actively involved in their communities by 2004, and has made available new funding to help achieve it. The Active Community Unit is to receive an extra £120 million over the next three years, to be spent on:

• developing the national volunteering infrastructure
• deploying more volunteers in the public sector
• continued assistance for small community organisations as part of the New Deal for Communities.

For further details, visit www.hm-treasury.gov.uk

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1874. Working with Children

The Home Office has announced that security checks, to identify previous criminal convictions for both volunteers and paid staff, will be available from July 2001. From this date, organisations can access security checks when they take on volunteers involved in caring for, training, supervising or being in sole charge of under 18s or vulnerable adults. Charges for these checks are likely to be about £10.

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1875. Citizenship

In September 2002, 'Citizenship' will formally become part of the National Curriculum. 11-16 year olds will be taught about 'the work of community-based voluntary groups and the impact they make on social changes / policy'. This may lead to more young people playing an active part in their communities. The Institute for Citizenship and Hackney Agency for Volunteering have produced a teaching pack which can be used by any organisations which want to work with schools on the citizenship issue. This can be obtained from: Hackney Agency for Volunteering, 92 Dalston Lane, London E8 1NG. Tel: (020) 7241 4443. Email: hackneyvb@aol.com

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1876. Museums & Galleries Month 2001

Anyone planning an event for Museums & Galleries Month (1 May - 3 June 2001) who has not already registered it is invited to do so, so that MGM can begin publicising the month in the media. Registration forms, which can also be used to amend planning for events already registered, are available from The Campaign for Museums on (020) 7233 9796, or they can be filled in online at MGM's website, www.may2001.org.uk The leaflet accompanying this edition of HOT NEWS provides some background on MGM and offers practical advice on marketing an MGM event.

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1877. Museums and Adults Learning

A new book entitled Museums and Adults Learning - Perspectives from Europe has been published by NIACE, the National Organisation for Adult Learning. It seeks to foster collaboration between European museums and adult education, and demonstrates a wide range of creative approaches to encouraging museums to be used as major learning centres. The book is available from: NIACE, Publications Sales, Department F, 21 De Montfort Street, Leicester LE1 7GE. Tel: (0116) 204 4216.

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1878. University Collections Survey

EmmS and the West Midlands Regional Museums Council have jointly published Totems and Trifles: Museums and Collections of Higher Education Institutions in the Midlands. We commissioned consultants Kate Arnold-Forster and Jane Weeks to undertake a survey of museum collections in universities across the East and West Midlands, enabled by a grant from the (then) Museums and Galleries Commission. This publication is the latest in a series of such surveys, which include the North part of the South East, and the South West of England.

Totems and Trifles has revealed the richness and diversity of collections across the Midlands. It has also identified, as with other regions, that issues of governance, management and collections care should be given consideration by the universities. The report indicates that there is potential to improve both access to collections and educational opportunities for wider audiences than at present.

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1879. Developing a Website Training Day Follow-up

Following on from the Developing a Website training day held at Snibston Discovery Park in September 2000, EmmS are able to offer free follow-up advice to those museums that were represented at the day. If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please contact Debbie Richards or Brian Kennedy on (0116) 265 6783.

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1880. Forthcoming EmmS Events

PRACTICAL INTERACTIVES WORKSHOP - 18 JANUARY. Interactives are increasingly being used by museums to enliven displays. In this session we will be discussing the use of interactives and demonstrating practical ideas and techniques for making low-cost, simple, effective displays that engage the visitor.

MUSEUM EDUCATION & FRONT OF HOUSE STAFF - 23 & 25 JANUARY. Life-long learning in the museum involves all staff. This seminar is aimed at front-of-house staff and volunteers who regularly meet the public in the museum. We will discuss the practical issues of understanding visitors, especially school groups, families and adult visitor groups. Topics such as group expectations, how to talk to visitors and putting the museum visit into the context of life-long learning will be covered.

Booking forms for these events were included with the November mailing.

CONSERVATION FOR NON-CONSERVATORS - 30 JANUARY. This additional conservation course has been organised due to popular demand and there are only a few places left. The day will enable museum staff with no conservation training to undertake a variety of conservation treatments in safety. Tools, techniques, treatments and the ethical considerations of conservation will be discussed, before delegates spend the majority of the day in a conservation laboratory doing hands-on conservation with a wide range of social history items commonly found in museum collections.

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1881. Forthcoming Events & Seminars

25 January 2001 COMPETING WITH THE BEST - MUSEUM MARKETING IN 2001 - the Campaign for Museums. This is a one-day conference that addresses the pressures on museums and galleries to meet ever increasing targets in a competitive marketplace. The course promises to equip delegates with the latest strategies and techniques. Venue: the British Museum, London. Cost: £90. There are 10 places reserved for volunteers and students at £35 on a first-come first-served basis. For details contact: The Campaign for Museums, Grosvenor Gardens House, 35-37 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0BX. Tel: (020) 7233 9796. Email: conf@campaignformuseums.org.uk

30 January DIGITAL LEARNING - BIOLOGY COLLECTIONS AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES - Biology Curators Group. This meeting aims to explore some of the new ways digital technologies are being used, and to look at the potential for providing access, information and interpretation of biological collections. The meeting will comprise talks and case studies in the morning, and demonstrations in the afternoon. Venue: Museum Studies Department, Leicester University. Cost: £12. For details contact Nick Gordon, New Walk Museum, New Walk, Leicester LE1 7EA. Tel: (0116) 255 4100. Email: gordn001@leicester.gov.uk

6 February ARTS & BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP SEMINAR - Arts & Business. Arts & Business is an independent charity which exists to promote and encourage partnerships between business and the arts to their mutual benefit. This seminar is specifically designed to raise the understanding of arts sponsorship, and give practical guidance to arts organisations on how best to go about obtaining it. Venue: Carlton Studios, Nottingham. Cost: £47. For details contact Emma Priest, Arts & Business East Midlands, Carlton Studios, Lenton Lane, Nottingham NG7 2NA. Tel: (0115) 946 5648. Email: emma.priest@aandb.org.uk

8 February/ 22 February/8 March THE FUNDRAISING MASTERCLASS SERIES - Directory of Social Change. This series of three seminars provides a grounding in planning and implementation skills necessary to promote fundraising success. The titles of the seminars are: Getting Fundraising Strategy Right, Managing the Marketing Mix More Effectively, and Maximising Fundraising Potential. They are suitable both for practising fundraisers and those who are new to the profession. It should be noted that the later seminars will build on work covered in the previous ones. Venue: Birmingham. Cost: £100 - £140 per day. For details contact: DSC, Training Department, Federation House, Hope St., Liverpool L1 9BW. Tel: (0151) 708 0117. Fax: (0151) 708 0139.

14-15 March INSECT PESTS IN MUSEUMS - Natural History Museum. This two-day course is led by David Pinniger, freelance pest control consultant, and includes speakers from the Natural History Museum. Most museum collections are vulnerable to attack by insect pests; this course demonstrates that the best solution is the development of an integrated pest management programme tailored to the specific needs of a museum or collection. Venue: Natural History Museum, London. Cost: £120. For details contact: P R Ackery, Department of Entomology, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD.

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1882. Congratulations to…

… Hilary Wade, who has been appointed Head of Nottingham City Museums. She was previously Head of Middlesborough Museums and Galleries.

… Sian Davies, who has been appointed to the post of Temporary Assistant Keeper at Leicestershire Museums, Arts and Records Service. Sian will be working with Debbie Richards and Claire Browne following their return to Leicestershire Museums, Arts and Records Service on completion of their job share secondment to EmmS as Head of Member Services.

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1883. Farewell & Best Wishes to…

… Clare Pope, Assistant Curator of Mansfield Museum, who is leaving this month to become Museum Manager for West Oxfordshire District Council at Cogges Manor Farm Museum near Witney.

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CUMULATIVE INDEX No 1 (January 1990) - No 135 (December 2000)

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