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Category: Key update

  • Calling all Volunteers – Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022

    Help make history by becoming a volunteer at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

    Applications opened on 12 January for volunteers to join the cast of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies. 

    Organisers are inviting Midlands-based people who are passionate about music, dance – and can move a beat, to apply to be part of something spectacular this summer. Athletes Hosts are also required to welcome the athletes taking part in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. This role should appeal to those who want to be part of the ceremony but don’t want to appear on stage.

    Successful applicants will perform in front of a full capacity audience in Birmingham’s newly developed Alexandra Stadium, as well as a worldwide broadcast audience of up to one billion people.

    The Birmingham 2022 Ceremonies Team is made up of some of the finest West Midlands creative talent, including, theatre director Iqbal Khan, award-winning writer Maeve Clarke, rapper Joshua ‘RTKal’ Holness, and Peaky Blinders creator, Steven Knight.  This team is calling for the most ambitious, outgoing, and dedicated local people to apply to be part of the performance that opens and closes the biggest sporting celebration since the London 2012 Olympic Games.

    There are 2000 volunteer roles available and anyone over the age of 18 can apply. Applications close Monday 7 February

    Help make history by becoming a volunteer at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

    Applicants can find more information and register their interest for this great opportunity by completing the online applications form at birmingham2022.com/ceremonies

  • Forging Ahead – an invitation to see what’s behind the hoardings

    Forging Ahead – an invitation to see what’s behind the hoardings

    Buildings are going up, and the launch of Forging Ahead is getting ever closer – with so much now happening, staff are invited to take part in events to have a closer look at the construction and learn more about what is going on behind those hoardings.

    Briefing sessions will start in the WI and then take staff for a look in the Historic Development and Industrial Area compounds, followed by a walk up to see the new Visitor Centre from the terrace area outside Rolfe Street. PPE (hard hats, boots, etc.) is not required.

    Sessions will last about an hour with a maximum of 10 staff at each session. Places will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis. Attendance is voluntary and in your own time, with sessions taking place on selected Mondays at 2pm and Tuesdays at 10am over the next few months:

    • Tuesday 23rd November 2021, 10am – 11am
    • Monday 6th December 2021, 2pm – 3pm
    • Monday 17th January 2022, 2pm – 3pm – FULLY BOOKED
    • Tuesday 1st February 2022, 10am – 11am – FULLY BOOKED
    • Monday 14th February 2022, 2pm – 3pm – FULLY BOOKED
    • Tuesday 1st March 2022, 10am – 11am – FULLY BOOKED

    Click here to sign up to one of the above sessions.

    Please note that only colleagues with BCLM email addresses will be able to access this online sign up form. If you would like to attend one of the above sessions and do not have a BCLM email address, please contact your Line Manager or People & Culture who will be able to sign up on your behalf.

  • Andrew Lovett recognised in New Year Honours

    Andrew Lovett has been awarded an OBE in the recent New Years’ Honours announcements.

    As Chair of the Association of Independent Museums (AIM), Andrew has been recognised for his services to Cultural Heritage, particularly during Covid-19. He is among several figures from the sector named in the New Year announcements.

    Speaking on New Year’s Day Andrew said:

    “The Board of AIM put their trust in me when they elected me Chair in 2019, and I took the hint to do the very best I could for our members. That was thrown into sharp relief by the pandemic, when many beloved museums and heritage sites were facing bankruptcy.

    “At that time of crisis, I characterised the alternative to swift public-sector investment as a ‘messy fire-sale of assets, peoples’ lives and their communities.’ We are all here to thrive, not just survive. For visitors. That is the return on investment. It seems to me, this honour simply reflects the value people attach to their museums – especially museums that enjoy and thrive because of their independence. I am very grateful for, and humbled by, the appreciation shown for the part I was privileged to play, allowing a future to be seen.”

    Colleagues from others museums who also received honours include Bill Griffiths of Milton Keynes Museum, Christopher Moore vice-chair at Bletchley Park Trust, as well as Judith Owens at Titanic Belfast , Dame Di Lees at Imperial War Museum, Sir Laurie Magnus and Sally Embree at Historic England, Darren Barker at Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust, Alexis Page at English Heritage, Robert Franklin and Roger Highfield at the Science Museum Group and Louise Smith at DCMS, who played a major role in developing and securing the Culture Recovery Fund.

    Congratulations to Andrew and everyone recognised in the New Years’ Honours for their work in championing our cultural heritage.

  • Action for Happiness: Happier January

    Action for Happiness is a movement of people committed to building a happier and more caring society.

    Each month they release a “Monthly Action Calendar” which are packed with actions you can take to help create a happier and kinder world.

    This month’s theme is Happier January. This month, we’re encouraging everyone to focus on small steps to try to boost happiness – for ourselves and others around us – to spread kindness and hopefully inspire others to do the same.

    Let’s all use their calendar below, or the Action for Happiness App, to do more good this month.

  • People News Update 17/12/21

    Farewells

    Maureen Farley-Remington ( Sales and Ticketing )
    After 14 years in the Sales & Ticketing Team, Maureen has sadly decided to retire and will be leaving the Museum at the end of December. Maureen is moving out of the region to London to be closer to her daughter and spend some well-deserved time with her.

    Janet Andrews ( Admissions)
    Janet has been a familiar face for both staff and visitors in her role on the Admissions desk having been with the Museum for over 4 years. Janet has sadly also confirmed her intention to retire at the beginning of January.

    Other leavers include Ruth Harvey (Development Team) and Elli Fereday (Receptionist), both had been appointed in a temporary capacity.

    Our sincere thanks and best wish to all of the above.

    Welcomes

    Next week Bonnie Wilkes is joining our Enterprise team as Enterprise Team Manager. Bonnie comes from a hospitality background and brings with her over 25 years of experience in the industry.

    Ben Owen joins us in early January 2022 as our in-house Painter/Decorator. Ben brings a wealth of multi-skilled trade knowledge after working as a sub contractor for many years.

    Also joining in early January is Janine Downes, our new Head of Public Programmes. Janine brings a wealth of experience from earlier careers, and latterly she has led the development of library services across Worcestershire and the event Programme at The Hive. Many of you may have already seen and met Janine on site, as she has been popping in to the Museum over the last few weeks.

    Finally, Paul Raybould joins in January as our Senior Motor Mechanic. Paul has over 40 years in the automotive industry and has a keen interest in classic cars and vintage vehicles. Paul even worked in the original Bradburn & Wedge when it was running in the 1970s!

    Wishing them all a very warm welcome to BCLM.

  • A Thank You Message from Andrew

    Dear Colleagues,

    As we head towards our second and final weekend of An Enchanted Christmas I wanted to express my personal thanks to all colleagues who’ve worked so hard to deliver these events.

    Enchanted is a new kind of event for the Museum to entertain younger families with an imagined storyline.  We’ve received some encouraging feedback from visitors who’ve been delighted by their visit.  This will help us further develop this event and others in the programme.

    None of this would have been possible without the enthusiasm, expertise and commitment of colleagues across the Museum.  An event like this requires a huge collaborative effort.  I’m proud of the work people have done to make these weekends so lively and create such a warm welcome to visitors who’ve chosen to spend time with us ahead of Christmas.

    With thanks and best wishes for Christmas & New Year.

    Andrew

  • Volunteers Needed for the NHS

    To support the national effort of vaccinating all adults with a Covid-19 Booster, the NHS is once again calling out for Volunteers. Details of how to volunteer can be found here: https://nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk/i-want-to-volunteer/volunteer-roles

    If you would like to volunteer and are successful, please do discuss this with your line manager to determine how this can be accommodated amongst your regular work obligations.

  • UPDATED INFORMATION: Colleague update in response to the Government’s introduction of ‘Plan B’

    Important update. The Government has issued new rules around self-isolation and testing:

    From Tuesday 14 December, fully vaccinated contacts of a COVID-19 case – whether Omicron or not – should take a rapid daily lateral flow test (LFT) for 7 days to slow the spread of the virus.

    • People who are fully vaccinated and identified as a close contact of someone with Covid-19 should take a lateral flow test every day for 7 days.
      • Anyone who tests positive via LFT, or develops symptoms, should self-isolate and take a confirmatory PCR test to verify the result. If the PCR is positive then people must self-isolate for 10 days from either the day they took the positive LFT, or from when they developed symptoms. People do not have to continue with LFTs while they isolate.
      • If the PCR is negative, fully-vaccinated people can stop self-isolating, but should continue to do daily rapid tests for the remaining 7 days.
    • Anyone who tests positive, or develops symptoms will need to self-isolate
    • Anyone who is unvaccinated is not eligible for this new testing policy and must self-isolate for 10 days

    Internal Staff Communication

    Following the UK Government’s announcement (08-12-21) in response to the Omicron Variant of COVID19, the Museum has prepared an internal document to share the latest update, the actions that are being taken to comply with the guidance and the protocols we’ve put in place to provide additional reassurance.

    The Museum is fortunate in that we do not have any event where we can hold 500 people internally planned at any one time, and are well below the 4,000 outdoor event capacity. Therefore, visitors will NOT be required to produce the NHS COVID Pass.

    We are reviewing the changing advice regularly and will update and inform everyone of these changes as we know about them.

    The latest guidance that directly impacts us include:

    • Face coverings in almost all internal areas are now mandatory – with the exception of hospitality  – from Friday 10 December
    • Guidance on isolation has changed – from Tuesday 14 December, people who are fully vaccinated and identified as a contact of someone with COVID-19 – whether Omicron or not – should take an NHS rapid lateral flow test every day for 7 days to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Please see update above for further details
    • Guidance on working from home has changed – from Monday 13 December

    Full details can be found here.

    In addition to the mandatory steps we must take in line with the latest guidance, we have also decided to take some additional measures to help manage our Christmas period:

    • Respraying of all distancing markers where queues may form
    • Respraying of ‘no entry’ markers
    • On entry to the Museum – Visitors will be offered a mask if they do not have one
    • Information  on admissions screens and entry boards as people enter
    • Doors and windows opened wherever possible
    • Hand sanitiser stations across site
    • Repeated signage across site referring to masks and social distancing – especially in high traffic areas.
    • COVID event risk management form regularly completed (minimum 3 times a day) to allow for a dynamic Risk Assessment of events
    • Track and trace points updated and made obvious at relevant catering outlets
    • Additional staff to act as stewards to provide extra engagement opportunities for visitors. Particularly in expected areas with heavy traffic or where queues may form
    • Communication material will be sent to all expected visitors prior to our events, including key messages on what we’re doing at the museum and what we require them to do

    The planning of our current programmes (Unwrapping Christmas and An Enchanted Christmas)  and Enterprise offer already includes COVID-safe protocols for front line colleagues. These can be found below, or via your team manager:

    Key Information Enchanted ChristmasDownload

    As you would expect the Museum has consistently maintained its compliance with  COVID-safe protocols and we will continue to follow these. Noted below are a few additional measures, as well as a reminder to all colleagues of adherence to existing protocols, these include:

    • Wearing a face covering at all times whilst in indoor public areas, unless exempt
    • Washing and/or sanitising hands on entering the Museum
    • Observing respectful behaviours re social distancing when passing others
    • Ensuring COVID protocols in terms of sanitising any ‘touch points’ in common areas are adhered to  
    • Taking a  Lateral Flow Test (LFT) Twice weekly
    • An increase the number of rest areas – details of this will be shared shortly via team managers
    • All rest areas will have limits on numbers using these areas at any one time

    We appreciate that staff may have strong views on compliance with face coverings, however, please do not offer an opinion or enter into a debate about the wearing of face coverings with visitors.

    Working From Home (Office Staff Only)

    Our approach to working from home has to take into consideration that we remain open to visitors and the support that is required for our frontline colleagues, visitor programmes, and site maintenance.

    As a result, we recommend the following:

    • Individual teams are required to assess the onsite operational  support required versus work that can be effectively carried out from home,  with the aim of reduced staff in offices on any given day
    • Office staff that cannot work from home, can continue to work on site

    Meetings

    • Default position for all meeting should be via Teams
    • If face to face meetings are essential , then these should be undertaken following the COVID protocols in place, ensuring that surfaces are sanitised, masks are worn and ventilation is present
    • Capacity limits in meeting rooms will return
    • External meetings should be restricted to business critical only, where a meeting is required (e.g. contractor) please ensure that the COVID paperwork is completed. This can be found below:
    BCLM-Contractors-Covid-19-Information-10-December-2021Download

    Lateral Flow Tests

    We are no longer able to access free Lateral Flow Tests as an employer. However, these are given for free by NHS-affiliated organisations (e.g. pharmacies, test centres etc). We would encourage all colleagues to access a Lateral Flow Test kit from one of these. Visit the .gov.uk website to do find more information.

    Isolation Rules

    At the time of this communication the rules are as follows:

    If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, self-isolate immediately and get a PCR test.

    For those who are close contacts the official guidance has now been updated, as per the notice at the top of this post: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/daily-rapid-testing-for-covid-19-contacts-launches-this-week

    If you are contacted by NHS T&T please inform your line manager for further advice.

    https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do

    If you have any questions or concerns please speak to your line manager.

  • Christmas Pay Date

    Christmas Pay Date

    Please note that the December pay date will be on THURSDAY 23 DECEMBER 2021 and not the last Friday of the month as is usually the case, to ensure that all colleagues are paid before Christmas. January 2022 pay will be paid on Friday 28 January 2022. It is important to note that the gap between December and January pay will be just over 5 weeks.

    A reminder that the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) scheme, which provides advice and tools on a number of matters including tools to manage finances, is available to all colleagues. You can access the EAP service by calling 0800 015 7287 and quoting “Black Country Living Museum”. Alternatively you can access the online portal by visiting www.colleaguesupport.co.uk, using ‘72160’ as your username and password.

  • Filming at the Museum and staff parking arrangements w/c 6 Dec

    Filming is taking place at the Museum on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 December across key areas of the site.

    Activity will mainly be focused on the boat dock/Station Road and Bottle & Glass. However the WI, school and OBR will also be in use at various points. Therefore, BCLM Filming staff may ask you to wait or use alternative access in and around the Museum site on these days.

    Additionally, staff who need to park at the Museum w/c 6 December may be directed to park in different areas of the car park on any given day. Please carefully follow any signage and requests from the contractors working in this area. This is due to tarmacking work will be taking place throughout the week in our main car park.

    The Museum will be operating on different opening hours w/c 6 December. We will welcome visitors for general admission on Tuesday 7 December and for the An Enchanted Christmas event on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 December. We will be closed to the public on the remaining days of the week due to the filming and set-up for the event.