Most of MLA's core administrative activities are being moved to Birmingham. © Roslyn Tappenden

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) announced on June 3 2008 a new slimmed-down organisational shape with most core activities moved to Birmingham, leaving just a basic presence in London.

“Our new philosophy is rooted firmly in best practice,” said MLA’s CEO, Roy Clare. “It’s about innovation and integration of services for all, and our new structure is designed to serve this need over and above professional divides.”

The changes are the result of extensive consultation across governmental and cultural sectors, with the aim being to set clear goals for the future. According to MLA the moves have won broad support from the sector.

MLA’s new focus sees it becoming the one agency responsible for promoting best practice and inspiring innovative and sustainable services. Changes detailed in the announcement include:

* A unified national organisation shaped to engage with local government
*Slimmed down staff structure
*Relocation of most functions away from London
*Costs cut, resources redeployed to support front line improvements
*Prioritisation of key projects that deliver the most impact
*Redundancies achieved through consultation and agreement

It’s been a complex, and at times, difficult phase in MLA development, explained Roy Clare: “The transition phase has been difficult for staff, and I regret that some posts have become redundant, but it was essential that we switched resources to front line purposes and strengthened our capacities overall.”

Change at MLA is in part designed to back up the government's commitment to quality exposure to arts and culture. © Caroline Lewis / 24 Hour Museum

Eight of the nine regional MLA agencies will be replaced by April 2009 by a single, integrated staff team working regionally and nationally. MLA London’s position will be clarified once the implications of the recent Mayoral elections have been considered.

Regional reach is important to MLA and at board level, Regional Managers for each English region and three Directors of Engagement will boost representation.

MLA’s move to Birmingham will see a small staff remaining in London dealing with Acceptance in Lieu issues and Export Licensing policy. Staff union Prospect were consulted and approved of 12 compulsory redundancies, and 18 voluntary cases.

According to MLA, the changes will enable support of Culture Secretary Andy Burnham’s National Improvement Strategy, launched earlier in 2008.

Nationally, MLA’s three chief priorities remain Renaissance; Accreditation; and action plans for libraries and archives. The Cultural Olympiad remains at the core of the national programmes supported.

At the core of the new plan is renewed backing for the Renaissance programme. Photo World Museum Liverpool

Digital futures strategy will be at the centre of a new deal with Culture24 – the organisation that publishes 24 Hour Museum - and the Collections Trust. Both organisations now take on responsibility for the digital strategy work once done within MLA. The Collections Trust take on most work involving collections, standards and professional development.

Working with key partners in the museum, gallery, library and archive sector, Culture24 will develop a coherent online publishing strategy for the delivery of MLA customer focussed digital services.

“The result will be a leaner, fitter MLA uniquely positioned to work collaboratively to challenge and invigorate our sector, embrace the future, and work for standards right across the country that measure up to the best,” said Roy Clare, CEO of MLA.