Reading to host museums conference

Reading is to play host to the fourth annual Mentoring and Museums Conference.

The conference is at the Museum of English Rural Life on Redland Road, Reading, Berkshire. It will take place on Tuesday, February 27 from 10am to 5pm.

With mentoring as a growing mechanism to support the museum and heritage sector and its workforce, it is important that mentors can access regular skills development to support them in their role.

This conference will bring together mentors from across the south of England for a one day event designed for previous conference attendees and those who have not attended before.

Delegates will have the opportunity to refresh existing skills, as well as learn new ones. The event will enable attendees to learn from others’ experiences and exchange good practice. Additionally attendants will hear first-hand about forthcoming changes to mentoring in the sector and the resources which support mentors.

This event is organised by museum development providers in the South West and *South East of England *and the HLF Catalyst Programme, with support from Arts Council England and the Museums Association.

Please note: This conference is not intended as a first introduction to mentoring. If you are brand new to mentoring and have not had any training at all yet, please contact the organiser of your mentoring scheme who can point you in the direction of appropriate introductory training.

Agenda

10am to 10.30am - Arrival, registration and networking with refreshments

10.30am to 10.45am - Welcome, housekeeping and introduction to the day

10.45am to 11.15am - Key Note on Mentoring Perspectives: lessons from university museums

11.15am to 12.15pm - Running a mentoring scheme, lessons learnt
Coordinators of three important mentor-supported schemes have agreed to share their learnings

12.15pm to 12.30pm - Supporting your workforce through times of change

12.30pm to 1pm - Museum visit

1pm to 1.45pm - Lunch and networking

2pm to 3pm - Afternoon brakout sessions

3pm to 3.15pm - Refreshments and movement into spaces for afternoon workshops

3.15pm to 4.15pm - Afternoon brakout sessions

4.20pm to 4.50pm Speed networking for peer-to-peer mentor support

4.50pm to 5pm - Conference summation and reflection

With places running out fast, you can register for the event here

Travel bursaries may be available for some schemes, email museum.development@bristol.gov.uk

**Please note a cancellation charge of £20 may be applicable for cancellations with less than one week's notice.