Author: IT Team

  • Peaky Blinders Nights – Staff Survey

    Thank you all to those of you who contributed to, worked on or came along with friends and family to our recent Peaky Blinders evenings.

    As ever, we really value your feedback, both as staff members to make sure you get what you need to do your job, but also about your impressions of how visitors responded.

    Please take 5 minutes to complete this survey.

    Visitor Survey Feedback: 

    • 86% Good or Excellent
    • 81% The performances I saw were interactive
    • 84% of people came because they are a fan of Peaky Blinders

    Qualitive data: 

    • “This year the actors had a bit more presence, the bank robbery coming into the pub was brilliant”
    • “If there were more food / Drink facilities available it would have made the night much better”
    • “We absolutely loved the wrestling, the atmosphere was brilliant, the staff were very friendly and posed for photos, the horse racing, the musicians…. I could go on and on!”
    • “I would print off a map as none were available. It is quite difficult to navigate in the dark.”
    • “Authentic, made us feel like was on the film set. Lots to do and plenty to eat and drink.”
    • “The music wasn’t from the era which I was looking forward to. I feel we paid to dress up and enter a nightclub as it was just focused on drinking and some singing.”
  • Bronze Engagement Training

    Bronze Engagement Training

    Hi all,

    Please find the training slides for the Inclusive Storytelling Bronze Engagement sessions.

    Please note, every colleague at the museum should take time to read and absorb, especially if employees have missed the training or if teams have new recruits.

    If you have any questions about the engagement sessions, please contact [email protected] 

     

  • The BCLM babies have arrived: let’s get knitting!

    The BCLM babies have arrived: let’s get knitting!

    As we are putting the finishing touches in place to our recreation of the Lea Rd Infant Welfare Centre, we have already welcomed in the “babies” who are to be weighed as part of visitor activity in the building. However, they really need some authentic 60s outfits and blankets to get properly settled in.

    Do you have any old knitted or flannel baby clothing at home which could be used to dress the babies?

    They are new-born size, so much of the donated clothes are too big for them. Bonnets, bootees, vests, dresses, matinee jackets and cot blankets would all be welcome. So dig around the attic, or get those knitting and crochet needles out.

    Please email [email protected] if you think you can offer anything or have any questions. You can also just drop items off in Canalside.

  • Safe Together at BCLM: Fire Safety

    Safe Together at BCLM: Fire Safety

    Our Fire and Emergency Evacuation procedures have been updated to ensure the safety of all employees during a potential emergency evacuation.

    To enable this, the safety zones and assembly points have been updated. There will be eight zones, with the Visitor Centre and top of site becoming Zone 1, Rolfe Street becoming Zone 2 and the new 1940s-60s town being Zone 4, with other current zones moving up by one.

    The new procedures, including the updated site map, can be found here:

    Please read the full Fire Safety Notice thoroughly.

    If you have any concerns, please contact your Line Manager.

    Thank you.

  • Attention all Colleagues – we have some thrilling new activities for you!

    Attention all Colleagues – we have some thrilling new activities for you!

    After reviewing the feedback from the Health & Wellbeing survey, we are excited to announce two new activities for you to get involved in!

    Get ready to get active, social, and get your game on!

    1. Quiz Night!
    Let’s make this an evening to remember!

    Are you ready for a night of fun, laughter, and friendly competition? The Health & Wellbeing Group is thrilled to invite you to our exciting Quiz Night event at the Elephant & Castle Pub on Thursday 12th October 2023, arrival at 5:30 PM, for a 6pm start.

    Prize: The winning team will each receive a family ticket to Hoo Zoo, Dinosaur World – a fantastic opportunity for a fun day trip.

    Refreshments: The bar will be open for you to purchase your favourite drinks and snacks throughout the event as well as a few free nibbles.

    Relax, enjoy a beverage, and unwind with your fellow participants.

    How to Participate: Please assemble a team of four members and give yourselves a creative team name!

    To secure your spot, please email [email protected] by Friday 6th October. Please make sure to provide the names of all team members and your team’s name.

    (Please note, the quiz is free to enter but is capped at 13 teams due to space).

    2. Embrace Autumn – Wreath Making!

    As the vibrant colours of autumn begin, it’s the perfect time to get creative and embrace the season’s beauty.

    Come and celebrate the season by crafting your very own beautiful wreath. Immerse yourself in the artistic process while enjoying the company of colleagues and friends, join the Health & Wellbeing Group at 4.30pm – 6.30pm on Tuesday 17th October in The Brickworks, where we’ll craft small autumnal wreaths together.

    Cost: The workshop is priced at £7 per person, which covers all the necessary materials.

    To secure your spot at the workshop, please email [email protected] by Friday 6th October. Spaces are limited, so sign up early to avoid missing out.

    Foraging Adventure: For those who sign up early, we’re offering a unique opportunity to forage for some of the materials in the picturesque surroundings of Mary Stevens Park at 10.30am on Saturday 14th October 2023. It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature and gather special elements for your wreath. If you choose to join us for the foraging activity, please bring comfortable outdoor attire and a sense of adventure. This activity is optional, and all materials for wreath making will still be provided.

    We can’t wait to see your artistic talents shine.

    If you have any questions regarding these two activities, please email [email protected]

    Thank you.

     

  • People News September 2023

    People News September 2023

    Welcomes

    Earlier this month we welcomed Drew Rhodes, Site Cleaner, Megan Greaves, Enterprise Team Member (Gift), Chris Hough, Painter and Valarie Plummer, Little Makers Coordinator, all bring a wealth of experience to the Museum and we are glad to have them on board.

    We also welcomed a number of casual workers to our Enterprise Team, to support Events.

    Farewells

    We will be saying farewell Hannah Jameson (Development Coordinator), Hannah has secured a role at Compton Verney to be nearer to her family.

    Bonnie Wilkes (Enterprise Team Manager) will also be sadly leaving the Museum this month.

    We wish all our colleagues the best in their future endeavours.

    Sadly departed

    Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Phil Vaughn (Historic Character Team) who sadly passed away earlier this month. Phil left the Museum in 2017 and will be greatly missed by all. If colleagues would like to enquire about funeral details please email [email protected].

  • Infant Welfare Centre & Cast Iron Houses Preview

    Infant Welfare Centre & Cast Iron Houses Preview

    We are thrilled to announce that the opening of our new Infant Welfare Centre and Cast Iron Houses exhibits is fast approaching.

    Before these new buildings officially open to visitors, we would be delighted for you to be among the first to experience these exciting new additions during an exclusive sneak preview event.

    These sessions will take place on:

    • Monday 9 October 2023, 09:00-9:45
    • Tuesday 10 October 2023, 09:00-9:45
    • Wednesday 11 October 2023, 16:15-17:00
    • Friday 13 October 2023, 16:15-17:00

    Places are limited so if you would like to attend, please email [email protected] by Friday 6th October, indicating which session you would like to attend.

    Thank you.

  • Health & Wellbeing Survey – the results are in!

    The Health & Wellbeing Survey results are in!

    To gain valuable insights into the needs and preferences of our dedicated employees at the Black Country Living Museum, we recently conducted a survey – to view all results, please follow this Link.

    In this article, we will outline our plans to enhance health & wellbeing for all, here at the museum.

    Based on the survey results, we are committed to taking the following actions to support your health and wellbeing at BCLM:

    1. Colleague Wellbeing Initiatives:

    Exercise Initiatives: We will explore options for exercise initiatives such as walking groups and cycling activities.

    Social Engagement: Our team will work on planning social events and activities to promote colleague engagement. Our first event will take place in October – Watch this space!

    Healthy Eating: We will consider offering cooking and healthy eating classes to support your dietary preferences.

    Work Environment: Improvements to work environments, including rest areas and equipment.

    1. Diverse Activities:

    Excursions and Events: We will organise excursions and events, including quiz nights, movie nights, and other activities based on your interests.

    Skills Sharing: Colleagues interested in skills sharing will have the opportunity to contribute to our planned activities.

    1. Activity Timing:

    Flexible Timing: We will schedule activities to accommodate different preferences, including after work and evening options.

    1. Communication and Feedback:

    Intranet Updates: We will ensure that the intranet is regularly updated with information about upcoming activities and events.

    Open Dialogue: Your feedback and suggestions will continue to be welcomed and valued.

    1. Inclusivity:

    Supporting All Colleague Types: We recognise and appreciate the contributions of all colleague types at BCLM, including salaried, hourly paid, and volunteers.

    Your input has been instrumental in shaping our plans, thank you for being an essential part of Black Country Living Museum, we are excited to embark on this journey to prioritise health & wellbeing.

    Many thanks,

    The Health and Wellbeing Group

  • 1950s: A Rockin’ and Rollin’ Evening – UPDATED LINK

    1950s: A Rockin’ and Rollin’ Evening – UPDATED LINK

    Thank you to those of you who worked or came along to our first 1950s Event.

    Over 1000 visitors joined us to celebrate Rockin’ and Rollin’ the night away. We value your feedback – whether you worked on or attended the event – please let us know your thoughts so we can feed it back into discussions about next years 1950s weekend!


    Survey

     

    Comments from visitors:

    “My partner and myself did so much dancing the sweat was dripping off her chin she is 79yrs old and she said it makes me feel like I’m 16 again this was the best night out for many years”

    “Would have been good to have a dance workshop too”

    “The atmosphere was amazing. It was well organised & really was like stepping back in time. I love the new street”

    “Queue times were quite bad too. My friend spent most of the evening waiting for fish and chips!”

    “Making it an all day event, with access to the rest of the museum, would be brilliant”

    “I think the engagement from immersive actors could be better”

     

    119 people responded to the survey with the following results:

    • 72% of people learnt something new about 1950s history
    • 91% felt it was an immersive experience
    • 77% said the event was Excellent – with a further 21% saying it was Good
    • 94% of people bought food with 54% purchased from Hobbs & Sons Fish and Chip Shop
    • 86% satisfaction rate with food and drink purchases
  • Changes to accessing the Employee Assistance Scheme for BCLM Colleagues

    Changes to accessing the Employee Assistance Scheme for BCLM Colleagues

    The EAP scheme provides Museum colleagues access to mental health support 24/7, 365 days a year, via Health Assured.Health Assured’s trained counsellors can provide a listening ear and in-the-moment support to talk through any difficulties you might be facing — from pressures at work to relationship struggles and financial pressures to bereavement.Health Assured have recently made a change to how you access this service. Previously, when you called Health Assured, you had to quote ‘Perkbox’. As of Monday 18 September, you now need to quote ‘Perkbox’ AND ‘Black Country Living Museum’ when calling Health Assured on 0800 756 0861.

    If you have any further questions about this process, please email [email protected]

    Thank you.