New Heritage Organisation for Suffolk Public Consultation

The SLHC will be sending an official response to this request from the Record Office, but it is really important that as many members as possible do so individually.

"We are seeking views on the county council’s proposal to deliver Suffolk’s heritage services in partnership with Museum of East Anglian Life (MEAL) and would really appreciate your assistance to help us reach those interested in Suffolk’s history, archives, archaeology, culture and heritage.  We would be very grateful if you would kindly promote this consultation to your networks encouraging everyone to respond.

"The Outline Business Case and initial paper went to Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet and MEAL’s Board in early November and approval was given by both organisations to develop a Full Business Case.  The Cabinet paper and Outline Business Case (Agenda Item 8 Appendix) can be viewed here.

"Under this proposal, Suffolk County Council’s archaeology and archive services will be delivered by a single organisation created jointly between MEAL and the council.  The new organisation would bring together archaeology, archives and museum services and help safeguard them for the future.  It would also help in accessing new additional sources of funding, provide greater public access and help increase the rate of digitisation of collections.

"We value your views and would encourage you all to comment on the county council’s proposal to deliver Suffolk’s heritage services in partnership with MEAL.  You can comment by:

"The consultation period lasts until 31st January 2012.  We hope you will be able to engage in the discussion and welcome any further comments you might have.  All responses received during the consultation period, will be analysed and the results used to inform the Full Business Case, which will be presented to Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet and MEAL’s board of directors in spring 2012.

"It is hoped that the new organisation could be established in April 2012 with services and staff transferring by September 2012.

"In addition to the creation of a new organisation, the county council and MEAL will also investigate if funding would be available to create a main heritage centre for Suffolk’s archives, archaeological finds and artefacts.  The centre would have state-of-the-art display facilities, and would provide outreach activities at locations across Suffolk, making access easier for customers.

"Thank you for your help it’s greatly appreciated."

With best wishes

Kate Chantry
Suffolk Record Office Manager
Suffolk Record Office, Libraries, Archives and Information Adult and Community Services
Suffolk County Council
Ipswich Record Office, Gatacre Road,
Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2LQ
Tel: 01473 584535
E-mail: kate.chantry@suffolk.gov.uk
www.suffolk.gov.uk

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