Budget Shock
We expected RBWM to make significant savings in the 2024/25 budget but were shocked in December 2023 when the draft budget proposed a £90k cut to the Museum’s budget, reducing it to just £10k. Historically, the budget was around £100k, covering mainly staff costs, with additional support for heating and maintenance. As it stood, the Museum would have no funding after March 2025.
The proposal aimed to restructure the Economic Growth Team, including the Museum and Visitor Information Centre, to “maximize cost recovery and income generation.” This was one of 58 budget items targeted for efficiency savings. However, the proposal didn’t specify that the Museum and Visitor Information Centre would bear the brunt of these cuts.
The proposed cuts totaled £140k, with £115k to be cut from the Economic Growth Team budget in 2024/25. The Museum appeared to bear the brunt of these cuts, with £90k cut in 2024/25 alone. Friends and volunteers were told the Museum was “at risk,” leading many to question RBWM’s long-term commitment to the Museum.
The Friends’ Strategy
In January 2024 we wrote to our 60+ members, outlining the situation and encouraging them to take part in the consultation and contact their Councillors. At the same time, the proposals caused significant local anger, both on social media and in the local press. A small demonstration took place, and a petition gathered over 1700 signatures. It turned out to be the biggest single issue identified in the budget consultation.
As a committee, we decided that our best option at this stage was to engage with Councillors and others to raise awareness of the many benefits the Museum provided. I sent an email on behalf of the Friends to all 41 Councillors, urging them to reconsider the proposal. I emphasised that it provided a vast range of benefits. To highlight just a few – a safe and warm place, improved mental health, and showed children that history often repeats itself and provides lessons to us all. We received 4 positive replies from Windsor councillors.
We spoke at Council meetings, supported staff, and engaged with the community where the Museum’s value was evident. The potential loss of the Museum and Visitor Information Centre was the top concern in the budget consultation. Although we chose not to join public campaigns on social media, in the press, or through petitions at this time, we didn’t rule out doing so later.
The First Stakeholder Meeting
In mid-January, a meeting at the Guildhall was attended by about 30 stakeholders (including some Friends and Volunteers). They were updated by Cllr Joshua Reynolds (then Cabinet Member for Communities and Leisure). He explained that if RBWM couldn’t achieve a balanced budget, Government Commissioners would be appointed. Only statutory services would be funded (the Museum is not a statutory service).
He was questioned about why the Museum was at risk despite meeting income targets pre-pandemic, but his response was unconvincing. His vision centred on technology and online access, yet he couldn’t identify funding sources for an improved website or outreach. While he confirmed the Museum would stay in Windsor, he didn’t guarantee it would remain in the Guildhall.
He assured attendees that the Council would not abruptly close the Museum on April 1st, though it remains “at risk” and requires a strong, income-generating proposal. Several attendees with experience in Museum Trusts offered assistance, and RBWM supported sponsorship efforts. Our Museum Manager discussed options including:
- better integration with Council activities at the Guildhall,
- reduced opening hours, and
- exploring commercial opportunities.
Immediate Changes
The Museum team started creating a viable and ambitious plan, but with such uncertainty regarding finances, location, charging policy, staffing, deadlines, etc, it has progressed slowly.
A word about staffing – we are (and have been) fortunate in having staff who are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about their roles and the Museum itself. Until early this year, there were 4 staff – all working part-time. Their hours equated to 3 full-time equivalents (FTE). One member then left to join the Royal Archives team at Windsor Castle. She has not been replaced – we now have 3 staff, equivalent to 2 full-time roles.
Day-to-Day Work had to Continue
During this time, the team was also managing the aftermath of a major flood at the Museum store, which consumed much of their time in early 2024. Concurrently, the Museum received renewed Accreditation from the Arts Council, a rigorous process every 5 years confirming excellence in collections management, visitor engagement, and governance. However, due to funding uncertainties, the Accreditation was granted on a provisional basis.
Slow Progress Forwards
I attended the RBWM Cabinet meeting on 20th February. In effect, the cabinet agree the budget which is then approved at the next Full Council meeting. I spoke for my allotted 3 minutes. The response by Cllr Reynolds made clear that our efforts were not going to be successful. The budget was approved at the Full Council meeting on 27th February.
Progress between March and late July seemed to us to be glacially slow. Some of us felt that the Museum staff might be being ‘set up to fail’, there being little or no steer around the key issues, and the likelihood of them reaching any income targets for the 2024/25 year looking more distant week-by-week. They were in fact working hard in the background – seeking advice from museums elsewhere facing (or who had faced) similar challenges, seeking advice from the Museums Association and others, and building up useful relationships.
During the Spring, the Museum received some good news in that RBWM had obtained £50k government grant funding. This gave the Museum some reassurance that funds were sufficient to see them through this year.
More Meetings
On July 24th, a meeting at the Guildhall updated volunteers and the Friends committee, with key staff and council members present. Volunteers and Friends voiced frustration at being ignored by senior managers, despite claims of consultation by RBWM. The meeting generated several suggestions, including giving volunteers keyholder access for extended hours, reviewing admin tasks they could assist with, and having the RBWM website team support the Museum staff in website development. Chris Joyce promised to review and potentially implement these ideas.
It was emphasised that teamwork of Guildhall staff was required to boost income, and I noted that transitioning the Museum to an independent trust could take around two years. While initial financial support would still be necessary, the idea wasn’t dismissed. Overall, the meeting was seen as constructive.
On the 31st July , the Museum Manager had a productive meeting with the CEO of the Hampshire Cultural Trust (HCT) who visited the Museum. They have an excellent reputation in managing and supporting visitor attractions, museums, art galleries and arts centres across Hampshire – many of whom have been in the same situation as ourselves. The team are looking at whether funds can be found to pay for short-term work with HCT to develop the future business model.
Recent Activity is Promising
Following the 24th July meeting, an action plan was agreed. It included 14 themes including opening hours, better marketing, an improved website and grant funding. A ‘tap and donate’ scheme is well-advanced, as is an ‘Adopt an Object’ scheme (more to follow shortly!).
Independent Business Review
An independent audit by Hampshire Cultural Trust was carried out, identifying three key areas of improvement not only for the Museum, but also for the overall Guildhall operation.
- Reposition the Museum and leverage the links to the Castle and Royalty.
- Review and integrate the Operating Model for the Museum and Guildhall.
- Commission an external marketing review, including the digital strategy and street-level presentation.
The Museum staff, supported by the Friends, are currently working to implement some of the recommendations. The staff are also applying for grants to help facilitate the changes required to ensure that the Museum remains open and accessible for future generations
Sponsor an Object
In July 2025, with financial support from The Friends, the Museum launched its Sponsor an Object scheme. Forty unique objects from the collection were carefully selected so that you can choose from to sponsor. In return, you will be sent a digital certificate with an image of your chosen object. Your name will also be displayed on the online sponsors board (unless you opt out).
Grant Awarded
In early October 2025, the Museum was awarded £65,895 from the national Museum Renewal Fund 2025 run by the Arts Council. This fund supports museums owned or directly maintained by local authorities, helping safeguard the community impact and engagement that public access to museums makes possible.
These additional funds will enable the Museum to undertake important projects that will grow visitor numbers and strengthen the Museum’s long-term sustainability—initiatives that would not have been possible without this support. Work started immediately and will be completed by early 2026.
Tap to Donate
In common with most Museums, there is a new Tap to Donate machine near the exit of the Museum. Currently, the Museum has free entry. After visiting, it would be appreciated if visitors would make a small donation to the upkeep of the Collection and the Museum. Look out for the machine and the sign. You can donate £3, £5, £10 or £15. Thank you in advance.
Keep Up-to-date
Please watch out for more news on our noticeboard.
Friends of Windsor Museum 