Stephen Browning and Finella Devitt worked closely with the Board and incoming Chief Executive of the Civic in Barnsley over nine months to develop a new 10-year strategic business plan – one of the most comprehensive engagements of its kind for a mid-scale arts venue.
The Civic is a mid-scale venue presenting music, comedy, children’s work, drama, and dance, alongside a contemporary visual art gallery and a strong outreach and education programme. The organisation was also navigating a major capital project to create a new High Street entrance, rehearsal space, workshop facilities, commercial offices, and a new café.
Our approach
Our engagement spanned strategic planning, business planning, and a full organisational review – recognising that the capital project, the new leadership, and the needs of the local community all needed to be addressed together.
The Strategic Plan was underpinned by an extensive audience research programme commissioned for the Trust. Key workstreams included:
- 10-year strategic and business planning, reflecting the impact of the capital project
- Audience research programme to ground the plan in community need
- Organisational review and recommendations on future staffing structure
- Governance review covering trustee recruitment and NPO plan monitoring
- Development of a fundraising strategy and new standing committees
- Creation of Advisory Groups for Digital and Community Engagement workstreams
Outcome
The Civic now has a new, focused Senior Management Team and a comprehensive plan for the future. This renewed confidence and strategic clarity has proved vital in the Civic’s funding discussions with Arts Council England and the local authority.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with you. I have really enjoyed this journey and your help, support, counselling and everything else you have done for me personally and for the organisation. You have placed us exactly where we need to be to make the next step.“
Anthony Baker
Chief Executive
The Civic, Barnsley
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