The term ‘trust’ tends to be referred to generically, but trusts can take a number of different legal forms, such as a charity or a company limited by guarantee. The following resources provide guidance and information on ‘what a trust is’ and how it can best function.

MGS PDFs to download

Delivering public services in the 21st Century: Museums Galleries Scotland: 2010
This review looks at the literature available on public service delivery in the UK.
(PDF document)

Additional models case studies: Museums Galleries Scotland: 2010
Provides a range of examples of alternative delivery models in the UK. (PDF document)

Links to downloads from other websites

Outside in: the benefits and issues involved in contracting out local authority arts services. Paul Kelly and Rick Bond. Nalgao, 2010
This report looks particularly at organisations moving to trust status.

An opportunity for change: exploring the trust options for museum services. Renaissance Yorkshire, 2008
This is a practical guide aimed at local authorities considering transferring museum services to a trust.

Moving to museum trusts: learning from experience. Part 1. Adrian Babbidge, Rosemary Ewles and Julian Smith, MLA 2006
This publication looks at the experiences of museum in England and Wales that have moved to trust status.

Moving to museum trusts: learning from experience. Part 2. Adrian Babbidge, Rosemary Ewles and Julian Smith, MLA 2006