Category: Information Sharing

Guidance for Progress Discussions
Progress Discussions are the Museum’s formal process of giving and receiving feedback with regards to the contribution each one of us makes in our role. What does this mean for you?
- For salaried roles in particular, Progress Discussions also include the process of setting clear objectives going forward. All Salaried teams should have ‘Team’ objectives and individual objectives should be aligned to these. Many of your functional leads will be in the process of setting team objectives, or may already have done so. You should therefore expect clarity on your individual objectives between now and the end of March (or by the end of April for those teams heavily impacted by the opening of the Industrial the Industrial Quarter). Click here for more information regarding the timelines, contents and expectations of Progress discussion for salaried colleagues. Please liaise with your line manager in your next 1-1 to agree timelines for your objectives to be set. You should expect 4 Progress Discussions over a calendar year:
1) By the end of March

2) June.

3) September.

4) December.
- For hourly paid, contracted employees, we are in the process for launching and communicating the format of Progress Discussions to Line Managers of these teams. Towards the end of March, expect to be communicated regarding the application of Progress Discussions for hourly paid contracted roles. Besides the casual opportunities for feedback and support, all contracted employees should have formal and recorded meetings to discuss expectations of your role and developmental needs, including a Wellness Plan, to support your ability to deliver an excellent visitor experience.
For further information, please click on the Guidance for Colleagues.
16 February 2024
January Reset Training – Review

Thank you to everyone who took part in the recent training sessions during January Reset. A big shout-out to those who contributed to the Team Exhibition – your involvement was key to the success of the event, and we appreciate your dedication to the Museum.

We hope that you found the training both informative and engaging. Our aim was to provide valuable insights, an overview of your achievements, further learning that will support you in your role, and an opportunity to network with colleagues.

To further support your understanding of the training content, we are pleased to share the All Colleague Briefing slides. A link to the slides can be found at the end of this article, please take some time at your convenience to review the material.

We are also pleased to announce the continuation of our ‘Optional Development’ program, available until 30^th April. The Museum will fund two hours of additional pay (hourly paid/casual) for iHasco training undertaken outside of contracted hours. A comprehensive list of courses is attached for your perusal. If a particular course captures your interest or you did not attend the Menopause and Autism training sessions but would like to learn more, kindly reach out to People & Culture at [email protected] via email to request assignment to that course. Upon successful completion, please notify the team via email.

Your feedback is invaluable to us. If you haven’t completed the feedback forms yet, we’re eager to know your thoughts on the training content, format, and any areas where we can further support your learning journey. Please feel free to share your feedback using the QR code below.

Thank you,

People & Culture

All Colleague Briefing Day Presentation

2 February 2024
Colleagues tickets for 2024 evening events

Please note that staff tickets are available for all evening events that are on sale to the general public. As a reminder, you can get 50% off up to four tickets per event (not per night, when events are running on multiple dates). If you are interested in buying tickets, please go to the Canalside office and speak to the Ticketing Team (at the far left of the office).

The full staff ticket policy can be found in the useful documents section of the intranet.

Tickets for Festival of Light and Summer Lates will be coming soon, and Christmas event tickets will go on sale in June.

31 January 2024
People News October 2023

Welcomes

Earlier this month, the Museum welcomed the following new colleagues:

• Daniel James, who has joined us as a Commis Chef and can be found in the E&C kitchen.

• Katarzyna Plucienniczak and Kurt Billingham have joined us as Enterprise Team Members, Kat will focus primarily on supporting events while Kurt will support across enterprise units.

• David Foster, who took on the role of Audiences and Communications Coordinator is based in Canal Side.

• Charlie Moon joins us as Museum Welcome Administrator for a fixed-term maternity cover for Lana Grinko. Charlie is based in the Leaning Centre in Rolfe Street.

• Jake Ensor, our new IT Technician apprentice, will work alongside Andy and Luke.

A big black country welcome to all of the above.

19 October 2023
All Colleague Briefings – October 2023
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 and the plans for the remainder of 2023, a critical year following the opening of the row of six buildings in our new street.

These briefings will take place on:
- Wednesday 18th October 2023
- Thursday 19th October 2023
- Saturday 21st October 2023
All the briefings will be held in the Museum’s Workers’ Institute, and will commence at 9.00, finishing at 9.30.
- 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.
- Refreshments will be provided in the WI.
Can you please sign up using the following link: All Colleague 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.
5 October 2023
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 12^th 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 6^th 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 17^th 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 6^th 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.

28 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].

26 September 2023
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.
26 September 2023
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
25 September 2023
Inclusive Story Training (Bronze)

You may be aware that the Museum has been hosting some quite detailed sessions with the Historic Characters and other front-line colleagues, around the topics below (for the opening of the new town). On the premise that everyone that works or volunteers at the Museum represents the Museum, it is important that all colleagues have a working knowledge of the below and can share this with colleagues, visitors and wider guests if needs be.

We have opted for one combined session given the impact on the capacity of the Interpretation & Research team, who will be leading these and also to ensure that we can all support each other with a common level of understanding:

Providing historical context on the inclusive stories we will be sharing as part of Forging Ahead

Creating a wider understanding on the strategy and approach taken towards inclusive storytelling at the Museum

Discussing challenges that have come and will come with moving into telling stories in living memory

Discussing challenges related to diversifying our storytelling, and share our methods to address those challenges

You are therefore invited to attend a training session on one of the following dates:

Monday 4 September 5-6pm

Wednesday 27 September 8.30-9.30am

Friday 29 September 5-6pm

All sessions will take place in the Museum Conference & Learning Centre, in Classroom 1. 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.

Refreshments will be provided in Museum Conference & Learning Centre, in Classroom 1.

Can you please sign up using the following link: Colleague Bronze Training. If you have any trouble signing up for the sessions 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. Could you please confirm your attendance by 2pm, Friday 1 September 2023.

We hope the session will be informative, informal and interactive to ensure all colleagues have confidence and comfort in the information being shared.

Kind regards

People & Culture

22 August 2023