Kirklees Museums & Galleries – Community Co-Production Mentor
Position: Freelance Community Co‑Production Mentor (Temporary, Nov 2025 – Oct 2026)
Location: Hybrid – Huddersfield based with remote working options
Fee: £9,000 (excluding VAT) with up to £3,000 additional workshop budget. 50% at start‑up meeting (Nov 2025), final balance on completion (Oct 2026).
Overview
This role will help develop a Co‑Production Framework for Kirklees Museums & Galleries, supporting curatorial and engagement teams across the service, and linking to the new Huddersfield museum opening in 2029.
Scope of the Mentor Commission
The mentoring programme runs Nov 2025 – Oct 2026. The Mentor will work with the Curatorial Team, Learning and Engagement Team, Operational Manager, and Business & Audiences Manager.
Skills & Experience
* Mentor who supports teams sustainably, developing skills within the service.
* Experience of successfully delivering similar projects as a freelancer or employee.
* Experience of working with heritage organisations to develop co‑production approaches.
* Demonstrable skills in supporting teams to explore innovative and creative ways of working.
* Knowledge of community contributions to the heritage sector, particularly museums and galleries.
* Understanding of the wide range of approaches to community co‑production and how best to apply them.
* Experience of developing co‑production frameworks.
* Experience of working with a wide variety of community groups in an inclusive and equitable way.
Key Objectives
* Support staff to develop an initial Co‑Production Framework and Community Collecting Plan.
* Deliver mentoring meetings to explore approaches and address barriers.
* Lead workshops with key communities and staff to improve dialogue and identify actions.
* Provide advice on successful community co‑production across the sector.
* Attend meetings with KM& G, the Culture and Tourism Service, and when required, the Arts Council England NPO Board.
Key Outputs
* A KM& G Community Co‑Production Framework developed with staff and communities.
* A prioritised Action Plan for community exhibition development and collecting, linked to the Collections Development Policy.
* A Summary Report at the conclusion of the project outlining:
o Support provided during mentorship.
o Actions that occurred as a result of the mentorship.
o Best‑practice analysis of existing frameworks.
o List of groups worked with and their willingness for future engagement.
o Recommendations to ensure the framework is sustainable and embedded.
All outputs must meet accessibility standards and be suitable for presentation to the Arts Council England NPO Board and other stakeholders.
Who are we looking for?
A well‑informed and experienced curatorial/community engagement specialist with expertise in mentoring.
Essential Requirements
* Experience of successfully delivering similar projects.
* Experience of working with heritage organisations on co‑production approaches.
* Demonstrable skills in supporting teams to explore innovative ways of working.
* Knowledge of the value of community contributions to the heritage sector.
* Understanding of diverse co‑production approaches.
* Experience of developing co‑production frameworks.
* Experience of working with diverse community groups inclusively.
Desirable
* Professional based in the North of England.
* Experience or understanding of local authority museums and galleries.
* Experience managing diverse engagement programmes linked to major museum developments.
* Knowledge of the Kirklees district, its heritage, and its communities.
Kirklees Museums & Galleries will
* Attend a project set‑up meeting and supply context and aims.
* Be available for regular milestone reviews.
* Provide details of co‑production work undertaken to date.
* Liaise directly with other Kirklees Council staff.
* Provide final sign‑off for any works undertaken.
Budget
Fee: £9,000 (excluding VAT, includes travel and other expenses). Up to £3,000 available to support delivery of pilot community consultation workshops and engagement activity.
Timescales
* Start‑up meeting: 21 Oct 2025, 3‑4 pm.
* Provisional consultant info session: 2 Nov 2025, 11:55 pm.
* Application deadline: week commencing 10 Nov 2025.
* Interview period: November 2025.
* Initial start‑up meeting: 1st week December 2025.
* Milestone sign‑off: December‑January 2025.
* Mentor meetings with stakeholders: February 2026.
* Framework and timetable for workshops: March‑May 2026.
* Program delivery incl. workshops: March‑May 2026.
* Draft Framework and Action Plan: June 2026.
* Incorporate feedback: June‑July 2026.
* Final Framework and Action Plan: September 2026.
* Summary Report: October 2026.
* Project conclusion: October 2026.
Informational Session & Application
Online informational session: 21 Oct 2025, 4‑5 pm (online). Please attend to ask questions and clarify points.
Application Requirements
* CV with link to professional website/portfolio.
* Expression of interest (≤ 2 A4 pages) highlighting relevant experience and suitability.
* 500‑word summary report on a previous project.
* Outline of proposed activity and breakdown of costs (day fee, travel, expenditure).
* Your availability within the project period dates.
* Contact details for two referees willing to speak about your work.
Application Closing Date
Please send applications before 11:55 pm on Sunday 2 Nov 2025.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop a sustainable Co‑Production Framework and community collecting plan.
* Support staff to develop action plans aligned with the Collections Development Policy.
* Deliver engaging workshops and foster inclusive dialogue.
* Contribute to long‑term planning for major site developments and funding bids.
Deliverables
* Co‑created Community Co‑Production Framework.
* Action Plan for community exhibition development and collecting.
* Summary Report detailing mentorship outcomes, best‑practice analysis, and recommendations.
Application via Tender
Respond to the brief through an online Microsoft Teams informational session on 21 Oct 2025, 4‑00pm‑5‑00pm.
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