Evidence library

Due to political, economic and governance factors, local authorities are reviewing current models of service provision. As a result, a number of local authorities are considering alternative methods of service delivery, including devolution of museum services. There are a number of forms or structures that this could take which would be dependent on the situation in each local authority area. Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS) received enquiries on this issue from some of their membership who are considering trust status. MGS has begun work to support local authorities with the decision-making process. A first step was the completion of a systematic review on alternative forms of public service delivery. The review presents an overview of the literature, identifies gaps and presents conclusions. This was published on the MGS website in June 2010. In addition, MGS is developing an Options Appraisal Toolkit which will support local authorities to consider their own circumstances and enable each to develop its own ?best practice? model for museums services. The aim of the toolkit is to provide a structure to complete a high-level overview of options for service delivery. This can be used in combination with existing review methodologies.