Agenda item

Report of the Interim Deputy CEO, Barbican Centre.

Note: Appendices 1 – 5 are non-public and can be found under Agenda Item 9.

The Committee received a report of the Interim Deputy CEO, concerning the progress of the Barbican Centre’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Strategy and associated action plans. It was emphasised to members the importance of looking at EDI in a systemic and organisational way, and it was highlighted that the action plans reflected the breadth of contributions from different parts of the organisation.

Members acknowledged that the progress made and also what their role as Members needed to be. As such, there was acknowledgement to continue progress against maturity objectives there would need to be proactive commitment on Members part. This included taking time to reflect on how they could actively engage, and encouraging attending a version of the anti-racism training that the Barbican were developing for roll-out across the organisation. Alongside this, there was an action that an Away Day be planned to allow time for reflection and discussions about informing approaches moving forward.

Members were also reminded of the work around Zero Tolerance including the statement and subsequent training, which included how to report concerns or incidents.

It was noted that Equality Analysis report was now required for all papers to be received at the Barbican Centre Board or its sub-committees. This would ensure the appropriate EDI lens was cast on all aspects of its work.

The Interim Deputy CEO mentioned the importance of data and analytics and highlighted that the relevant teams were working to become more data informed. With regards to gathering audience survey data, for example, this was currently collected from ticketed audiences only in post-visit surveys. This received an approximate 5% response rate, which was comparable across the sector and the data was checked against other tourist venues. Part of the work on EDI was how to fill the gaps in audience data, and a questionnaire had been introduced when joining the wi-fi services. It was important to invest in this area to collect a good baseline.

Questions were raised by Members of the Committee with regards to Appendices 1 – 5, which were answered in the non-public session.

RESOLVED – That the report be received and its contents noted.