What do the Museum Development Midlands Oversight Board do?

Full disclosure: for the sake of transparency, I should mention that I sit on the Museum Development Midlands (MDM) Oversight Board and was previously a Strategic Advisory Board Member for Museum Development East Midlands. However, this is my personal blog, and I am not speaking on behalf of the rest of the Board. While I may not be entirely objective, I thought it would be useful to offer a peek behind the curtain and share some insights into the Board’s role and ambitions.

First, let’s clarify who Museum Development Midlands are. Many of you will be familiar with Museum Development East Midlands or West Midlands, both of which have long supported museums in their respective regions. The recent merger of these two entities into MDM was designed to create a more unified and impactful support network for museums across the Midlands. Importantly, while the structure has changed, the teams remain familiar, ensuring continuity and expertise while embracing a cross-regional approach that extends to the new Oversight Board.

Bringing these teams together has resulted in an impressive fusion of talent, and I have no doubt that their ambition and expertise will become increasingly evident over time as regional museums benefit from their support. From the perspective of the Oversight Board, this wealth of knowledge is incredibly reassuring. Our role, as the name suggests, is to oversee the programme, scrutinise finances, and assess risks—all within the framework of the objectives set at the start of each year.

We are a new team of five, and until recently, we had only met online. Our first in-person meeting took place at Ironbridge as part of a team-building exercise, which proved to be a fantastic opportunity to connect and align our visions. I expect we will continue to take advantage of in-person gatherings in the coming months, particularly as we seek to engage directly with museums and understand how these structural changes are being felt on the ground.

My fellow Board members bring an extraordinary depth of experience, representing a diverse range of museum types—from small, volunteer-run organisations to local authority sites and larger institutions. This breadth of expertise ensures a well-rounded approach to governance and decision-making, something that will undoubtedly strengthen the impact of MDM’s work.

Formally, we meet quarterly, usually online, and prepare for these sessions by reviewing reports provided by the Museum Development Manager. These meetings follow a structured format—examining financial reports, evaluating programme effectiveness, and discussing ways to ensure funds are being used to maximum effect. Our goal is to maintain accountability while ensuring that museums are truly benefiting from the development programmes in place.

If you ever have the opportunity to apply for a role on the Oversight Board, I highly recommend considering it. Not only does it provide a chance to work alongside passionate professionals who are committed to strengthening the museum sector, but it also offers a unique insight into the incredible work being done across the region. The merging of the two regions presents fantastic opportunities for collaboration, networking, and knowledge-sharing.

One of the greatest strengths of Museum Development East Midlands (MDEM) was its sense of community—whether through expert-led training, networking events, or sector awards. My hope is that the formation of MDM will broaden these opportunities, allowing professionals from different areas to connect and collaborate in ways they might not have previously considered. With a combined budget and a wider regional reach, MDM has the potential to deliver an even more robust support system for museums.

Of course, it’s still early days. The Board is continuing to develop its working relationships, and MDM itself is still finding its rhythm. But the early signs are promising, and the commitment to fostering a thriving museum sector is evident. As things progress, I may share further updates, but for now, I encourage you to subscribe to the MDM newsletter and take full advantage of the developmental opportunities available.

Links:

Museum Development Newsletter Sign Up

Museum Development Midlands Website

Paul Baker