Organisational Reviews

An organisational review provides an independent assessment of how well a cultural organisation is structured, led and managed. We examine governance, senior leadership, financial management, programming, fundraising and operational effectiveness – and we identify what needs to change for the organisation to move forward sustainably. Because Stephen and his associates have all held senior management positions in cultural organisations – including the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Place and Oxford Playhouse – we understand the challenges facing arts and cultural organisations from the inside.

What we review

A governance review or organisational review for an arts organisation typically covers the following areas:

• Governance structures and board effectiveness: Are your governance arrangements fit for purpose? Do they meet Charity Commission and Arts Council requirements? Are your board members well-recruited, well-informed and well-supported?
• Senior leadership and management capacity:Do you have the right team in place to deliver your mission? Are roles clearly defined and responsibilities properly delegated?
• Financial sustainability and income diversification: Is your funding model resilient enough for the current landscape? Are you overly reliant on a single funder or income stream?
• Programming and artistic quality: Is your programme aligned with your mission and reaching the right audiences? Are you making the most of your artistic resources?
• Audience engagement and community relationships: How well are you connecting with your communities? Are you meeting the expectations of your funders and the needs of your audiences?
• Fundraising and development: Are you maximising earned income, sponsorship and grants? Is there untapped potential in your development programme?
• Operational efficiency: Are your resources being deployed effectively? Are there structural or operational changes that could free up capacity for your core mission?

Our approach

We begin with confidential conversations with board members, senior staff and key stakeholders. These conversations help us understand the issues facing the organisation – including those that may not be easy to raise internally. We then analyse financial data, audience data and operational performance, and benchmark the organisation against sector best practice.

Our findings are delivered in a clear, written report with actionable recommendations. We do not produce reports for the shelf: our recommendations are practical, prioritised and written for the people who will have to implement them.

Where needed, we support implementation – whether that means helping to recruit new trustees, restructure the senior team, or redesign governance arrangements. Stephen has direct, hands-on experience of this: he was appointed Interim Chief Executive of The Place in London in 2016, led a governance review for the Contemporary Dance Trust, and has chaired the Nominations Committee at Anvil Arts – leading the recruitment of new trustees and a Chair Designate.

Who is this for?

An organisational review may be the right next step for:

• Arts organisations facing governance challenges or board transitions
• Theatres and arts centres reviewing their operational model
• Dance companies, orchestras and ensembles assessing their sustainability
• Heritage organisations and museums adapting to reduced funding
• Local authority cultural services undergoing restructuring
• Organisations preparing for Arts Council National Portfolio applications and seeking to strengthen their governance and management foundations

What you can expect

• An honest, independent assessment of your organisation’s strengths and challenges — not a document designed to tell you what you want to hear
• Practical recommendations that your board and senior team can act on immediately
• Support with governance reform, trustee recruitment or leadership transition where needed
• A roadmap for sustainable growth that is realistic about resources and timescales
• Improved readiness for funding applications and greater confidence among stakeholders, funders and partners