Following a detailed options appraisal, Joanna Bussell was appointed to advise on the establishment of a new charitable trust to manage and operate the Council’s museum and arts portfolio. This was a high profile project for the Council and at the heart of its regeneration strategy for Derby, linking its history of world leading engineering innovations to its future in technical and creative industries.
Joanna advised on all aspects of the project including:
- trustee recruitment, selection and training
- negotiation of the project documents
- liaising with trustees of special collections
- staff consultation
- liaising with the Arts Council
The project received significant financial support from the Arts Council and will share know how and best practice with other authorities in the area, including Nottingham City Council and Leicester City Council. The museum team’s first task is to develop a strategy for the redevelopment of the Silk Mill, the site of the world’s first factory.

Key facts
Client Name: Derby City Council – Derby Museums
Core Areas: Charities & Social Enterprises and Local & Central Government