In our November newsletter, we cover updates on the current COVID-19 Government restrictions, wellbeing resources and Recovery Grants news.

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We have reshaped this edition of the newsletter to focus on these recent changes with an emphasis on the top priority in the coming weeks – the wellbeing of each of us individually and of those we work and volunteer with. 

If you are not already subscribed then sign up to the newsletter here for our regular news to support you during COVID-19 and in the future.

We have a dedicated COVID-19 page with regular updates. We also have an archive of our COVID-19 specific resources produced throughout the closure period.


New resource: Workforce wellbeing 

screenshot of workforce wellbeing resourceIn light of the new changes this week, with many team members facing home working or furlough, looking after ourselves and each other is paramount.

Our new resource from our Sustainable Volunteering Officer, Eleanor Moore, looks at how to look after the wellbeing of yourself and those around you and where to access further support.

We include a case study from Museum in the Park in Stroud. Their Small Grant Big Improvement project was mindfulness photography to support their staff and volunteer team.

 Download the resource 

Latest Government updates 

New National COVID-19 restrictions

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced further restrictions for the whole of England, coming into force Thursday 5th November 2020 for four weeks, until Wednesday 2nd December, when we expect a return to the previous regional tiered system.

We have detailed below the main aspects of the restrictions that may be relevant for you and your museum (excluding stay at home and social distancing details as we are sure you’re up to speed with this). The below is the current information from the government as 3rd November 2020.

  • Businesses and venues – To reduce social contact, the certain businesses and venues to close, including entertainment venues such as museums and galleries and theatres. Museum restaurants and cafes can continue to open for takeaway only, as long as they are in a self-contained unit, and it is possible for a member of the public to enter from a place outside the premises. Non-essential retail can remain open for delivery to customers and click-and-collect.
  • Going to work – Everyone who can work effectively from home must do so. Where people cannot do so they should continue to travel to work/attend their workplace and follow COVID safety guidelines.
  • Protecting people more at risk from coronavirus – The Government will write to everybody who is clinically extremely vulnerable to set out detailed advice while the new restrictions are in place
  • Travel – Avoid travelling in or out of your local area, and you should look to reduce the number of journeys you make. However you can travel to work where this cannot be done from home.
  • Financial support – 
    – Job support scheme (furlough) – Workers in any part of the UK can retain their job, even if their employer cannot afford to pay them, and be paid at least 80% of their salary up to £2500 a month.
    – Employers will now be asked to pay only National Insurance and Pensions contributions for their staff during the month of November.
    – In addition, business premises forced to close in England are to receive grants worth up to £3,000 per month under the Local Restrictions Support Grant.
    – £1.1bn is being given to Local Authorities, distributed on the basis of £20 per head, for one-off payments to enable them to support businesses more broadly.

Read the New National Restrictions from 5 November for full Government guidance and further information.

Updated museum Good Practice Guidance

The Good Practice Guidance from the National Museum Directors’ Council has been updated as of November 3rd 2020 to reflect the new guidelines. These should be read alongside other COVID-19 guidance published by the Government, and is intended to be used with the existing Government regulations in a museum context.

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