Lincolnshire Heritage Forum What the Forum has been up to in the past year

Information sharing Member e-bulletins – Updates on funding, learning, events, services and support from a wider range of partners Improved links with regional Museum Development, Heritage Network, Lincolnshire Heritage Trust etc – Mutual re-distribution of information to members News updates, events and stories on the blog

Collective marketing ‘Only in Lincolnshire’ leaflet Social media – reaches beyond membership Lincolnshire Heritage Awards – Free promotional opportunity – Big splash in press and digital media – New, more inclusive categories (voted by members) Annual Conference – Marketed beyond membership, raises profile

Voice / influence Focused at the moment on economic development – key element of public policy AIM toolkit to assess economic impact of visitor attractions – more info needed Involvement in partnerships to position members to be able to benefit from changes to European funding. Tourism / visitor economy is priority for Lincs

Networking / local provision Created more opportunities for networking at Forum events, eg AGM, Conference Made Conference an annual event Re-introduce a summer meeting/event in 2015, to alternate with Awards every 2 years South Lincs heritage cluster developed – could this be replicated in other areas?

Training / peer learning Sharing experiences between members – directly influenced Conference programme Key training themes included marketing on a budget – also on Conference programme Other topics (funding, accreditation, volunteer management, collections care etc) – better info to members via e-bulletin Awards – opportunity to share what you’re proud of, for others to learn from

Membership – clarity, growth Expanding membership to include wider range of heritage organisations Clarity on fees and benefits – Member benefits reviewed and defined – Start of financial year, new membership year – New promotional leaflets – Fees reviewed based on feedback from last year’s Conference (‘too cheap’)

Several ‘umbrella’ heritage bodies in Lincs Confusion over who does what, for whom Initiated closer links with Lincs Heritage Network – mutual distribution of info Working more closely with Heritage Trust of Lincolnshire / Heritage Open Days AGM – members voted to explore opportunities for more collaborative working

Six core activities Joint promotional activity Opportunities for development and learning Information sharing Advocacy/representation of membership Collaborative work with other heritage and cultural organisations Forum development – membership, measuring impact

What next? Website / online presence Cluster groups in different parts of the county Continue to increase membership Work with key partners to create opportunities for heritage sector, unlock funding etc Promotional activity – Awards, stories, digital Could you help?