MLA West Midlands has allocated £5000 pounds for the bursary scheme to which staff from museums, libraries and archives can apply to enable attendance at training and development events both in and outside the region. The fundamental aim of the scheme is to support equitable access to training opportunities for all staff paid and unpaid working in the sector in the West Midlands. The scheme will be evaluated annually and reviewed on the basis of that evaluation.

Bursaries

There are two bursary streams:

1. Up to £300 for individual attendance at an development event

2. Up to £500 where an individual is attending an event on behalf of a consortium of different organisations

Availability

• Distributed on a first come first served basis

• For museums, libraries and archives staff in the West Midlands by simple application procedure

Eligibility

• Individual staff in museums, libraries and archives in the West Midlands wishing to participate in career/professional development opportunities supported by the organisation which current funding cannot meet

• Volunteers in museums, libraries and archives in the West Midlands where it fits with their role and organisational need

• Individuals attending on behalf of a number of different organisations

Application Process

1. A simple application form to be filled in by the intended participant and supported by their line manager plus details of the proposed course to be funded – forms obtainable from or https://mlawestmidlands.org.uk/priorities/workforcedevelopment/resources/

2. Applications will be assessed by the domain lead and WDO at MLA West Midlands

3. In the event of either not being available a decision where it is urgently required can be made by one of the officers alone

4. A decision on a bursary will be provided within a maximum of fifteen working days assessed on information supplied on the application form and known skills needs within the sector

5. Bursaries are provided on a first come first served basis, MLA reserve the right to ring-fence bursaries for specific purposes e.g. domain specific training or to meet specific strategic targets

6. No overall museum, library or archive service with paid staff can apply for more than one £300 bursary and no consortium can apply for more than one £500 bursary within a single financial year

7. Bursaries are paid on receipt of a paid invoice for the event

8. Staff using MLA bursaries to attend courses will be asked to provide feedback to MLA on the course & to commit to disseminating info with colleagues and the wider region through a short piece in our newsletter or website

To discuss any of your training needs contact Mark Hinsley Workforce Development Officer MLA West Midlands on 0121 631 5819 or email: