Helpdesk

Iplicit

FuseMetrix

Planday

My ePayWindow

Intranet

Category: General News

  • Be part of our first ever all-colleague pantomime! ✨

    Be part of our first ever all-colleague pantomime! ✨

    We’re putting on the Museum’s very first pantomime on 26 January 2026 – and we’d love you to get involved!

    After a few auditions last week, we’re now inviting everyone to come along for a relaxed group reading of the script. Whether you’ve already auditioned, thought about it, or just fancy giving it a go for the first time, this is your chance to join in.

    • Tuesday 26 August
    • 5.30pm
    • Classroom 2

    No pressure, no need to prepare – just a fun, friendly chance to read through the script together and see where you might like to take part. The script is attached so you can have a peek before we meet.

    If you’d like to come along, simply drop us an email at [email protected] to let us know.

    Come along, have a laugh, and help make this panto one to remember! 🎭

  • CCF Update

    CCF Update

    There is currently a vacancy on the Colleague Consultative Forum (CCF) within the Cleaning & Recycling constituency. As a nomination has been received, we would like to ask for any further nominations for the Cleaning & Recycling representative position.

    The closing date for nominations will be Friday 29 August 2025. Elections will be held following this date if we have multiple candidates for this role. If the candidate for nomination is unopposed, Cleaning & Recycling constituents will be invited to endorse their candidature.

    As a reminder, vacancies still remain in the following constituencies;

    • Cleaning & Recycling x 1
    • Visitor Welcome & Admissions x 1
    • Volunteers x 1

    The above vacancies will remain open and should a nomination be received, we will recommence the nomination process.

    If you would like to be considered as a CCF Representative, you will need a colleague from the same constituency as you to propose your nomination and the name of another colleague, again within the same constituency, who seconds the nomination. Unsure about which Constituency you fall under? Find out here.

    To put yourself forward, please complete and return a nomination form to the People Team (based at Hartill) either by hand, deposited in the black post box just inside the entrance to Hartill’s offices, or via email to [email protected].

  • All Colleague Briefings – September 2025

    All Colleague Briefings – September 2025

    As part of our continual programme of ensuring engagement and communication across the Museum’s operational and strategic activity, we will be holding briefings to update all colleagues on the Museum’s progress for 2025.
    These briefings will take place on:
    • Tuesday 9 September (in Hall 2).
    • Friday 12 September (in The Workers’ Institute).  
    • Saturday 13 September (in The Workers’ Institute).

    All the briefings will commence at 9am, finishing at 9.30am.

    • Many of you will already be scheduled by your line managers to attend one of these sessions. If you have not yet been scheduled, please contact your line manager.
    • All contracted colleagues are mandated to attend these sessions. We would also strongly urge colleagues from both our volunteer and casual community to all attend.
    • You only need to attend one of the briefing sessions.

    Can you please sign up using the following link: All Colleague Briefings September 2025

    Slips will be available for colleagues to submit questions or comments in advance.  These can be submitted anonymously, which is especially helpful for anyone unable to attend or who prefer not to speak up on the day. We will place some in break areas, but they will be available from line managers at morning briefings.
    If you have any trouble signing up for the briefing because you do not have a BCLM email address, please speak to your line manager who will be able to add your name for you.
  • 🎭 BCLM Panto Auditions – Get Involved! 🎭

    🎭 BCLM Panto Auditions – Get Involved! 🎭

    We’re excited to announce auditions for the Museum’s very first all colleague pantomime, taking place on 26 January 2026!

    Auditions will be held on 11 and 13 August 2025 – and we’d love for you to get involved!

    Whether you fancy yourself in the spotlight or prefer working behind the scenes, there’s something for everyone. As well as acting roles, we’re also looking for enthusiastic team members to help with IT, stage décor, costume, and hair & make-up.

    Audition pack available here; Snow White Audition Pack. If you would like a printed copy or more information, please email: [email protected].

    Tickets will be available closer to the time so colleagues and their families can come along and enjoy a bostin’ panto together!

    Please note: If you’re unable to attend on either of the dates above, we’ll do our best to arrange an alternative audition where possible. Scripts and character details will be shared nearer the time.

  • Woodside Library – Latest update

    Woodside Library – Latest update

    We’re pleased to provide an update regarding Woodside Library. We have now appointed a new contractor, Weatheroak Developments, who will be completing the remaining works on the library.

    The works will resume with the new contractor from Monday 11 August. Please be advised that there will be vehicles moving on site before 10am while works continue, so colleagues are asked to be mindful of this when moving around the area during those key pre-opening hours.

    It is hoped that works will be completed this year, in preparation for opening in 2026.

    Future updates on progress will be shared via our usual channels when we have them.

  • A mid-year Collections Development Group update

    A mid-year Collections Development Group update

    Thank you all for your continued support in helping the Collections & Interpretation team promote and implement our Collections Donations Procedure. 

    We’re really pleased to say that we’re seeing a noticeable reduction in unsolicited donations being left onsite or sent in without prior contact. This is a brilliant step forward – so thank you for your help in making this happen. It’s making a real difference in helping us enhance the collection responsibly, with the right due diligence in place. 

    You can find a copy of the  Collections Donations Procedure here.

    We also have printed leaflets available across the site to hand out to prospective donors so they’re guided through the donation process.  

    Last year, we established our  Collections Development Group, a cross-team group that meets monthly to review proposed donations and develop the designated collection. 

    Please, see here  a few highlights from the past six months.

    Thank you again for helping us strengthen, safeguard and share our collection.  

    If you have any questions or suggestions, or come across potential donations, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team [email protected]  

  • Letter from the Museum’s Patron – HRH The Duke of Gloucester

    Letter from the Museum’s Patron – HRH The Duke of Gloucester

    Lieutenant Colonel Alastair Todd LVO, Private Secretary to HRH The Duke of Gloucester, recently sent a letter to the Museum on behalf of His Royal Highness. In it, he congratulates us on receiving Gold in the ‘Large Visitor Attraction of the Year’ category at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

    The letter has been copied below, or you can read a scan of the letter.

    “His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester, as Patron of the Black Country Living Museum, has asked me to convey his hearty congratulations on the news that you achieved ‘Gold’ in the ‘Large Visitor Attraction of the Year’ category of the Visit England Awards for Excellence.

    This is an outstanding and well-deserved achievement which is a fitting reward for the hard work, enthusiasm and commitment of you and your team who have made the Museum a ‘must-see’ destination. The £30 million Forging Ahead project has clearly been an enormous success and has contributed to increased visitor numbers as well as a renewed focus on the Museum and all that it has to offer.

    The Duke would wish to convey his very best wishes to you and all at the Black Country Living Museum, and looks forward to visiting again in the future.”

  • Summer Activity Club – discount for colleagues

    Summer Activity Club – discount for colleagues

    We are pleased to be offering colleagues a discretionary discount on our Summer Activity Club (suitable for 7 – 11 year olds).

    Throughout the club, children will take part in engaging activities designed to inspire imagination and confidence, all set against the backdrop of our rich industrial heritage. You can find out more information and view a sample itinerary for the sessions on our website Three Day Summer Activity Club.

    Each activity club booking is for three dates – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, allowing children to form relationships with their fellow club members and build the activities up to a final showcase of their creations.

    Each session runs for 4 hours and includes lunch;

    • Week 1: 30, 31 July, 1 August
    • Week 2: 6, 7, 8 August
    • Week 3: 13, 14, 15 August

    Each week follows the same programme, so please choose one week from the available dates above when booking. The price for the club, which includes 3 x 4 hour sessions and food, is £82.50 however colleagues can benefit from a discounted price of £74.25 (equivalent to £24.75 per session). Bookings must be made via the Ticketing team either in person (Ticketing are located in Canalside offices) or by telephone. Please note that spaces are limited and will be offered on a first come first served basis.

    Please note discount is available on the 2025 Summer Activity Club only. As the Museum is offering this discount at its discretion, we reserve the right to remove it any time. By offering this discretionary discount the Museum is under no obligation to offer a similar discount for future activities of a similar nature.

  • Large format printer – reminders

    Large format printer – reminders

    When using the large format printer, there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure everyone can continue printing their posters, signs, etc., and that we respect our colleagues.

    • If you’ve never used the large format printer before, instructions can be found in the large folder next to the PC by the printer in the Canal Side office.
    • Please let Hannah or Luke know straight away if the paper runs out or is running low. If they aren’t notified in time and we completely run out, especially in the lead-up to an event, it can cause a major operational issue, as we won’t be able to print signs, menus, or other essential materials.
    • Avoid wasting paper, and be mindful of the purpose of your poster and the type of paper needed.
    • When you finish a roll, replace it immediately and then let Hannah or Luke know.
  • Mental Health Support – Health 2 employment

    Mental Health Support – Health 2 employment

    As part of our ongoing commitment to Health & Wellbeing, we are able to offer support through Health 2 employment again this summer, in partnership with Able Futures, who are offering virtual or phone one-to-one consultation slots throughout July and August.

    These sessions are open to all colleagues who would like to learn more about the support available or discuss their mental health needs in confidence. The service is designed to help individuals have more good days than bad days by offering practical mental health support at no cost.

    Who Can Access the Service?

    You’re eligible if you:

    • Are aged 16 or over

    • Are employed or self-employed

    • Live in England, Wales, or Scotland

    • Experience a mental health issue (including self-diagnosed)

    Book a Consultation
    To arrange a free and confidential consultation, please follow the link below: 👉 Access to Work (Mental Health) – Book an Appointment — Health 2 Employment

    Feel free to share this with friends, family, or colleagues who might benefit.