In this bulletin we share an outline approach to re-opening and work patterns, as well of news of wellbeing visits to the Museum, and a special letter we’ve received from our Honorary Patron.
Re-opening Principles
As a reminder from the previous Museum Update, we are planning to re-open from Step 3 of the Roadmap and are working to be open again from Monday 17 May. This date is subject to the four tests that accompany the Government’s Roadmap being met – including the continued decline of infection rates and hospitalisations.
The Museum will re-open with the Spring programme, ‘Discover the Black Country’. The principles behind re-opening in May will be based on how we welcomed visitors back to the Museum in August 2020, namely:
- Predominantly online ticketing with a daily visitor attendance cap
- Maintaining social distancing (including one-way routes and household/bubble-only entry to historic buildings)
- Making use of outdoor spaces for demonstrations and storytelling
- Accessibility-only transport offer (i.e. Doris running, but no other passenger vehicles until a review at Step 4 of the Roadmap – currently scheduled as 21 Jun)
- Enterprise offer in Gift Shop, WI, Hobb’s, Bakers, Sweet shop in line with prevailing social distancing measures. We are also reviewing the opportunity to reopen Tubeworks and Morrall’s.
As a reminder we will be open seven days a week when we reopen in May, welcoming visitors from 10-4. During July and August we will be open 10-5, and then return to 10-4 and seven days in September. From 1 November to 19 December we move to Wed to Sun, 10-4, then open 20 Dec to 31 Dec seven days 10-4 except 25 and 26 Dec.
Line managers, or a member of your departmental management team will also be in touch with colleagues to update everyone on their proposed work pattern as we move closer to re-opening. Where possible, we will endeavour to give people one week’s notice of any changes to your work pattern. The Museum will continue to deploy furlough flexibly until the end of September. Further details will be sent to colleagues to whom this applies in a letter from the People & Culture team.
Colleagues should also continue to be advised by their line manager as to whether or not they should work from home, or be needed on-site.
The NHS Vaccination Centre
The Engagement Operations team are working closely with NHS colleagues to understand how we work together when both teams are back onsite.
Wellbeing visits to the Museum
As of April we can offer welfare visits to the Museum site for those colleagues who feel they would benefit from walking around on-site ahead of re-opening. As per last year, these visits must be pre-booked via the Duty Manager and will be available between 12.00-3.00pm on the following weekend dates:
Because of the continuing social distancing rules, please note you can bring along a maximum of one other person to accompany you, and we will have a maximum of two sets of visitors on site at any point. Places can be reserved on a first come, first served basis either by emailing [email protected], or by calling the DM line on 07788 666161. Only outdoor areas of the Museum will be accessible and entry into site should be via the green gate at the side of the Rolfe Street building.
We ask that staff only travel the Museum if it is safe for you to do so and we politely request that you do not post any pictures or comments on social media about visiting the Museum to avoid any potential confusion for the public about the Museum remaining closed and the vaccination programme.
A letter from our Honorary Patron, HRH The Duke of Gloucester
BCLM’s Honorary Patron, HRH The Duke of Gloucester, has written a letter expressing his gratitude and admiration for the efforts of all colleagues – including volunteers – to support the Museum and local community during these very challenging times. You can read the full text of the letter here .
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