Future Preparedness Programme: Strengthening museums for a changing climate
Across the UK and wider world, museums are facing increasing pressures from climate change, ageing buildings and rising environmental risks.
From fluctuating temperatures and damp to flooding and extreme weather events, the challenges are real – and growing.
In the North of England, a new initiative is helping museums take practical, confident steps towards a more resilient future.
Delivered by Museum Development North in collaboration with Purcell and TGA Consulting Engineers, the Future Preparedness Programme offers free, tailored support to Accredited Museums across the North of England.
Made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the players of National Lottery, the programme is designed to safeguard museum buildings, collections and the communities they serve.
Why ‘Future Preparedness’ matters
Museums care for irreplaceable collections and provide spaces where communities connect with their heritage. Yet many museums, particularly those housed in historic buildings, are increasingly vulnerable to environmental change.
Future preparedness means:
- Ensuring buildings remain safe, sustainable and fit for purpose
- Protecting collections from risks such as temperature fluctuation, damp and disaster
- Keeping museum spaces welcoming, adaptable and resilient for future generations
This programme empowers museums to move from reactive responses to proactive planning.
What support is available?
Every participating museum receives bespoke advice tailored to its specific building, collections and operational needs. Support can include:
- Climate Change Literacy
- Identifying risks to museum buildings and estates
- Planning maintenance strategies that balance collections care with sustainability
- Protecting buildings and collections
- Conservation-led guidance for collections care
- Assessing vulnerabilities within historic and modern estates
- Developing realistic, long-term maintenance plans
- Disaster preparedness
- Creating or strengthening emergency plans
- Building resilience against flood, fire and other risks
- Engaging staff, volunteers and local communities in preparedness
- Funding and advocacy
- Identifying funding opportunities
- Building a compelling case for investment in sustainability and resilience
A practical step towards long-term sustainability
The Future Preparedness Programme is not about overwhelming change. It is about achievable, informed action. With expert advice and sector-specific insight, museums in the North of England can take meaningful steps towards safeguarding their heritage assets while planning responsibly for the future.
For many organisations, this is an opportunity to improve energy efficiency; reduce risk exposure; strengthen funding applications; and increase confidence in long-term planning.
