This report focuses on museums that have been ‘devolved’ by local authorities. They are distinguished by the following characteristics:

a) they are charitable bodies (‘museum trusts’) specially created to deliver a local authority’s museums services, with the intention of a long-term relationship between the council and the museum trust;

b) all the council’s museum responsibilities (including strategic planning) are transferred, not only day-to-day management responsibilities; and

c) there is a sharing of risk between the council and the museum trust.

Part 1: Strategic Overview
Part 2: The Process of Devolution