MLA London publishes in-depth skills survey of sector workforce

 

MLA London has published the most detailed survey to date of skills and knowledge among the museum, library and archive workforce in London.

The research was carried out to inform the future development of MLA London’s own workforce development programme, and to provide evidence for sector employers and strategic skills partners about current needs among the workforce.

 

The research builds upon a skills audit conducted in 2004 by London's Museums, Archives and Libraries (LMAL).

 

The audit was an immensely valuable exercise for MLA London and the sector, and the final report brings together the findings of the research, revealing key areas which museum, library and archive organisations and the workforce regard as operationally and strategically significant: 

·       Workforce development

·       Diversity

·       Specialist collections care and collections management skills

·       Leadership, management and entrepreneurship

Within each of the these themes particular areas have been identified which the sector would like to gain or strengthen skills and knowledge in order that they may contribute to the development of a sustainable, world-class sector which is equipped to meet the needs of diverse local, regional and international communities.

 

The report also outlines how the findings can assist MLA London, through the provision of practical and strategic guidance, to support the sector in its pursuit of excellence and ensure that it provides world class services to the public and sector for the future.

 

Graham Fisher, Chief Executive of MLA London, said:

 

“MLA London is very proud of quality and value which our training programme offers to the sector, and the way in which it has developed over the last two years. We are also very grateful to Renaissance London who continue to support the programme for museum staff.”

 

“Many of the barriers to professional development which were raised by staff and organisations through the research are well known, particularly time, cost and lack of strategic planning. The long-term sustainability of the sector depends on overcoming these barriers and equipping the workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in a challenging environment, particularly those entrepreneurial and leadership skills in which the sector has traditionally been weakest.”

 

For more information contact: Andrew Holden – 020 7549 1700

 

The final report can be downloaded from the Training and Development section at our website http://www.mlalondon.org.uk/uploads/documents/S&K_Report_web_singles.pdf