What is Firm Foundations?

The Firm Foundations Programme is a four-day masterclass for people about to embark on a capital development project in the heritage sector. Firm Foundations offers delegates the opportunity to learn from respected professionals, to have candid and exclusive insights into the industry and how it works, from procurement and project management to risk management and contracting. Delegates will be able to share ideas and challenges in a supportive, confidential environment, and draw support from experts and peers.

Our team of professionals with extensive experience in developing and delivering heritage projects, will show you how to prepare, plan, deliver and sustain a successful capital project.

Why undertake Firm Foundations?

‘If only I’d known what I know now at the beginning of the project I’d have done things very differently’ is a frequently heard comment from people who have delivered capital projects. Firm Foundations aims to give delegates the tools, knowledge, contacts and confidence to make a major difference in the way in which their capital projects are delivered.

In a time of reducing budgets and increased expectations, FF will ensure you are able to make the most of your resources, delivering greater impact for your stakeholders.

Undertaking the FF programme demonstrates to funders your commitment to efficiently and effectively delivering a sustainable and impactful project.

The FF programme can help to reduce the risk to your organisation by providing the tools, confidence and skills required to deliver large and complex projects.

Working in an open, supportive and collaborative environment, the FF Programme will enable delegates to build effective networks of peers and experts to draw on.

You will experience

A four-day masterclass which includes:

Fundamental key topics such as Capital Projects from a Funder’s Perspective, Contract Management, and the Construction Process;

Practical workshops;

The opportunity to reflect on how this affects your project with colleagues and professionals;

Access to some of the industry’s most experienced professionals;

The opportunity to review and consider your plans with industry experts on a one to one basis;

Exclusive visits and behind the scenes access to some of the South West’s most iconic sites.

You will gain

Essential knowledge and skills to enable your organisation to design and deliver a successful project; you will learn how to create a firm foundation on which to launch a project and understand the complexities of working with funders, consultants, a design team, contractors, the planning authority and the community.

We will provide you with practical tools and resources and, through a strong supportive network of experienced colleagues and professionals, you will gain the confidence needed not just to survive the process, but to thrive…

Cost

The Firm Foundations Programme costs £980 for the four-day masterclass. The programme is divided into two two-day modules delivered approximately 3 months apart. Each module is delivered on consecutive days.

Module 1 – 1^st and 2^nd November 2018

Module 2 – 4^th and 5^th February 2019

The programme will be held at Eden Project, Tate St Ives and Porthmeor Studios in St Ives.

Bursaries

We are delighted to be able to offer bursaries for two free places on the programme. This is available to museums in Cornwall with a turnover of less than £50K. Please let us know if you would like to register your interest for this when emailing to apply.

How to apply

There are limited spaces on the programme. Register your interest here to be considered for the programme.