The BCT aims to find new uses for historic buildings and manages several prominent sites, including the Coffin Works visitor attraction. Previously dependent on the council to provide its office space, facilities and technical support it needed to become a fully independent charity with new income streams.

A facilitated trustees away day helped develop a 10-year vision and devise a robust business plan with increased income from unit rental and site admissions. Professional advice helped set up independent governance, finance, HR and IT systems. It also helped develop procedures for procurement, contracts, volunteer management and data protection. Training for staff and volunteers on these systems was vital to ensure the trust survived its transition.

The trust is now a fully independent and award winning charity which continues to deliver projects in partnership with the council.

Jane Arthur, Trust Chair during the project, said “It hasn't always been an easy process and it took longer than we anticipated at the start, however I think we are a much stronger and focused organisation as a result.”