“Steps to Sustainability” will start in January 2021 supporting 60 organisations from across Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England to strengthen their strategic leadership and income-generating skills.

Made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the programme will be delivered by the Social Enterprise Academy (Scotland and Wales), which provides transformational learning and development programmes for people and organisations working for social change.

The exciting new heritage programme will also be supported by Museums Galleries Scotland, the Association of Independent Museums, Northern Ireland Museums Council and the Federation of Museums and Art Galleries of Wales.

The programme is aimed at those who are in a position to help increase the sustainability of their organisation and lead in a way that helps to increase their heritage organisation’s income. Applications will open in late October 2020 to members of staff with a high level of influence within heritage organisations.

All successful organisations will be eligible to apply for a seed and match funding grant of up to £10,000 to develop a new income generating idea.

Neil McLean, Chief Executive at the Social Enterprise Academy said:

“It is more important than ever to support our museum and heritage sector and the creation of resilient organisations that support local communities.  We’re delighted to be collaborating with our sector partners to bring this transformational learning to 120 leaders across the UK.”

Eilish McGuinness, Executive Director, Business Delivery, at The National Lottery Heritage Fund added:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it many uncertainties and challenges, but we are committed to helping the heritage community weather the impact and recover in the future. With our investment in the Social Enterprise Academy’s Steps to Sustainability programme, we aim to ensure that organisations across the UK who work with our all-important heritage are able to unlock their entrepreneurial potential. Through supporting leadership and developing income generation skills, these organisations will become well equipped to face any future challenges that might come their way.”

To register interest and to receive further updates on Steps to Sustainability programme including how to apply for a place, please visit the Steps to Sustainability – event page.