MLA to complete integration with creation of London team.
The MLA has announced that, following agreement with the Mayor of London's Office, it will complete its national transformation with the creation of a regional team for London to be operational from April 2010.
Trustees of MLA London have agreed to support the changes and move to wind-up the last remaining regional MLA agency.
The changes will enable MLA staff supporting the sector in London to focus on core functions of driving improvement, providing advice and brokerage, advocating on behalf of the sector and its users, and levering in additional funding, while enabling MLA to reduce further its overhead costs.
The changes have been agreed following an independent review of MLA's investment in the capital, which recognised the Mayor of London's statutory responsibility for culture and his power to appoint the chair of MLA London.
The review also recognised the successes of MLA London and its staff in developing the London Cultural Improvement Programme in partnership with the other cultural agencies, the London boroughs, Government Office for London, and Capital Ambition, as well as other innovative programmes on adult skills and economic impact, and its ability to draw in funding for the sector from key stakeholders including the London Development Agency.
The new structure also proposes a London sub-group of MLA's Board to focus on the delivery of priorities for the Capital.
Following its reorganisation last year, the MLA is already operating across the country in three other area teams covering the North, West and East, each headed by a Director of Engagement, supported by a Regional Manager in each English region and a small team of Area Engagement Advisors.
Andrew Motion, Chair of the MLA said: "The MLA's transformation was designed to deliver a single light-footed national organisation operating effectively in every English region to help local government drive the development and improvement of museums, libraries and archives.
"We are delighted that London has embraced our changes in such a constructive way and will become a full part of the new MLA. I want to pay tribute to the work of Geoffrey Bond and the trustees and staff of MLA London who are leaving such a strong legacy. We hope we can build on the many achievements of MLA London while preserving the unique features and opportunities of culture enabled by our Capital city."
Geoffrey Bond, chair of MLA London, said: "My fellow trustees and I are enormously proud of the work which MLA London staff have done over the past five years to open up the Capital's museums, libraries and archives to more people, to improve their services, particularly in learning and skills, and to be a powerful voice for the sector in London government. We recognise that the best future for museums, libraries and archives in London lies in having a team integrated within MLA, increasing efficiency, working closely with the Mayor's Office, and making the full weight of MLA's voice carry in the Capital.
London Mayor Boris Johnson said: 'London's museums, libraries and archives are an invaluable asset and I'm pleased with how MLA have worked with us. I look forward to a continued partnership that will ensure this critically important sector can be sustained for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations.'
In response to the statement, Jack Lohman, Director of the Museum of London and lead partner in the London Museums Hub, said:
"MLA London has been an essential partner in the successful delivery of the Renaissance programme in London and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the trustees and staff of MLA London for the contribution they have made in promoting the profile and sustainability of the sector as a whole. The London Museums Hub is committed to supporting sustainable museum development in the capital and we look forward to working closely with MLA to ensure that we set in place effective mechanisms for building on the progress made to date."
An operational and staffing structure is still to be worked out and further announcements will be made following consultation with staff and unions, and with partners in key programmes, including Renaissance London and Capital Ambition.
Ongoing successful projects will continue, including the London Cultural Improvement Programme, which was recently awarded a further £125,000 by Capital Ambition to implement three projects within the London Library Change Programme strand. LCIP is managed by MLA London on behalf of the London Cultural Improvement Group.
For more information contact:
John Harrison, Head of Communications, MLA Council, 020 7273 1402, john.harrison@mla.gov.uk
Andrew Holden, Interim Director, MLA London, 020 7549 1700, andrew.holden@mlalondon.org.uk
Ben McKnight, Chief Communications Officer, Mayor's Press Officer, GLA
020 7983 4071, communitydesk@london.gov.uk |
