Curator – The Beacon Museum, WhitehavenSalary: £35,235 - £36,124 per annumHours: 37 hours per weekLocation: The Beacon, WhitehavenContract: Permanent
About us
Cumberland Council is an ambitious and forward-thinking authority dedicated to shaping a better future for our communities. We are passionate about creating a vibrant future by addressing inequalities, creating thriving economies that work for our residents and protecting our environment.
At the core of our vision is a commitment to our people, with health and well-being being integral to everything we do, underscoring every initiative and ensuring we provide unparalleled support for all.
We can’t do it without you! Come and embark on the journey to a vibrant future with us, where the work you do will make a real impact. Together, let's shape a community that's as dynamic and inclusive as our landscape. Be a part of the transformation!
#WeAreCumberland
About this opportunity
We are a local community museum situated on the Western Lakes District and are looking for an independent, self-motivated curator who thinks differently.
There are 4 permanent floors, two temporary exhibition galleries, plus a conference space that we also use for education and pop-up events.
The museum sits in the historic town of Whitehaven, and we are at the heart of our community.
We are owned and operated by Cumberland Council and work in partnership with providers to ensure we pioneer ideas of museum education, interaction and outreach.
We are a small team of experienced staff and volunteers and hold numerous events including storytelling, talks, lectures, exhibitions, education and fun activities for all.
We offer a great view of the harbour from our offices!
Key responsibilities
• Ensure compliance with professional standards of collection care and management.• Maintaining the loans In and Out system and processing of donations• Record keeping of collection users adhering to GDPR policies.• Acquisition of curatorial materials and supplies related to collections management.• Responsible for the care and presentation of the galleries including environmental and security development.• Research, development and installation of in-house temporary exhibitions and assist with the installation of external exhibitions.• Regular environmental monitoring of the Museum environment and recommendations for remediation.• Report to the Learning and Exhibition Engagement Manager and assist with collections-based enquiries and exhibition development.• Assist marketing staff with respect to exhibitions and events• Maintain and establish contacts and link with other museums and industry professionals.• Participate in collections related grant applications and fund-raising processes.• Duty Manager responsibility.• Driving Licence and access to own transport.• Working in confined spaces. Lifting and working at height, Respirator Training and First Aid requirements.
Who we’re looking forAre you a catalyst to fuel innovation, creativity and collaboration?Are you someone who can network, narrate and assist to reduce the gap between historical artefacts and the links to our communities?
Can you shape and shift how museums are viewed to ensure we are in the hearts and minds of our towns and communities?
We need you to be one of the team sharing weekend and evening rota to meet business needs.
If you are a creative, compassionate individual who has a can – do attitude we would love to meet you!
Fundamentally, we are seeking individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change and shape a better future for our communities. Your commitment to these principles will be instrumental in delivering services that are vital to the well-being and prosperity of our residents.
If this job sounds like you and you resonate with our values we encourage you to apply or contact heather.holmes@cumberland.gov.uk for an informal chat prior to your application.
What we offer
• Competitive rates of pay and annual pay increase*• 25-31 days holiday each year plus bank holiday allowance plus option to purchase up to 2 weeks additional leave and spread the cost over 12 months• Learning and development opportunities including development time each week (where applicable)• Flexible working arrangements including the ability to work from home supporting a culture that fits around you (subject to role)• Opportunity to join the generous Local Government Pension Scheme with defined benefit plans securing your future• Boost your pension with Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (facilitated by AVC Wise)• Money off your local gym including Better, Newfield Health, The Gym Group and Lifestyle Fitness• In house staff support networks • 20% off a Vodafone mobile phone contract for you and up to 5 family and friends• Various discount schemes including RAC roadside recovery discount and money off local supportive businesses• Employee assistance programme and access to in-house Occupational Health service including physio treatment and access to external counselling service• Tusker car leasing salary sacrifice scheme as well as an esteem car loan scheme for essential car users• Spec Savers eyecare voucher
*In accordance with the National Joint Council for Local Government Services
Application and Interview information
Closing date: Thursday 14th November 2024
Interview date: Week commencing 25th November 2024
Please upload a copy of your CV with your application
Our interview process can accommodate both in-person and virtual formats, with tailored options discussed upon invitation to the interview stage. Preferred for virtual interviews is the use of Microsoft Teams, currently available for new users at no cost. However, should you encounter any challenges accessing this technology, we are open to discussing alternative arrangements prior to the scheduled interviews.
DBS Conducting Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks is integral to our commitment to creating a safe and secure environment for our staff and the communities we serve. These checks play a crucial role in safeguarding, ensuring that individuals with appropriate qualifications and character are entrusted with roles where they may have access to children and vulnerable people. By prioritising DBS checks, we uphold the highest standards of integrity, reinforcing our dedication to the well-being and trust of those we engage with.
The role requires a basic DBS check.
Work-Life balance Cumberland Council is deeply invested in fostering a work culture that prioritises the well-being and balance of our team members. Embracing flexible and hybrid working models, we empower employees to achieve optimal work-life balance.
Recognising the importance of personal time, we offer a generous holiday allowance, providing ample opportunity for rest and rejuvenation. Additionally, our flexible working hours, including flexitime arrangements, further contribute to a supportive environment where individuals can effectively manage their professional and personal commitments.
Continuing Professional Development
We are committed to nurturing the ongoing growth and professional advancement of our valued team members to fulfil your potential and advance your career. Our comprehensive career development and training offer emphasises continuous learning as a cornerstone for achieving both individual and organisational goals. Through our robust Organisational Development initiatives, we offer a suite of support programmes tailored to meet diverse needs, including participation in our esteemed Aspiring to be a Manager programme and access to our enriching Coaching and Mentoring programmes.
Keeping the people we work with safe We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expect unwavering commitment to this cause from our employees, volunteers, and the Externally Provided Workforce (EPWs). Together, we create a secure environment where every individual is safeguarded and respected.
We welcome applications from everyone At Cumberland Council, we are dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce, striving to mirror the rich tapestry of the communities we proudly serve. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are devoted in fostering an inclusive, supportive culture that embraces and appreciates our unique differences.
As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we ensure that applicants with disabilities, meeting the essential criteria for this position, are guaranteed an interview as part of our commitment to equal opportunities. Your diverse perspectives and talents contribute to our collective success.
We're also an Age Friendly Employer, meaning we commit to providing an inclusive workplace for people in their 50s and 60s and taking the necessary action to help them flourish in a multigenerational workforce. We recognise the importance of mature workers and aim to provide an environment on which they can thrive.
Reasonable Adjustments: We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. If you require any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know on; Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. We will ensure that these adjustments are made to accommodate your needs.
Your Voice Matters; Connect, Engage, and Make Your Voice Heard!We don't just encourage engagement—we celebrate it. That's why we've cultivated a vibrant community of staff networking groups where every voice matters.
These groups are more than just forums—they're hubs of innovation and inclusion, dedicated to sparking fresh ideas, challenging the status quo, and championing equality and fairness for all. From exploring new perspectives to shaping policies that reflect our diverse workforce, our staff networks play a pivotal role in driving positive change.
Join us and become part of something bigger:• Race Equality• Rainbow Alliance• Menopause Support• Carers Network• Shine Community• Wellbeing/Health Advocates• Be a Change Champion to shape our council's future through transformative initiatives.
Please read the supporting information:
Post SpecificationRole Profile