Behind the scenes at the museum

So far 33 employees have gained the City and Guilds level two award in customer care — part of a three-year ‘Warm Welcome’ project funded by Renaissance Yorkshire to improve visitor services and prepare museums and galleries for the Olympic year.

Staff on the course ranged from museum officers and attendants to those responsible for education work, with courses tailored to their particular needs.

Public feedback was also taken into consideration and a ‘mystery shopper’ deployed at the various museums.

There was also a public programme of activities throughout 2010 at Bagshaw Museum in Batley based on theme of Precious Cargo and taking inspiration from collections from South Asia, China, Japan and Africa.

This formed part of Stories of the World, a national project celebrating the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad and showcasing innovation and excellence in museums, libraries and archives.

The City and Guilds certificates were presented by Kimiyo Rickett, Assistant Director of Kirklees Communities and Leisure.

She said: “I am delighted that front of house staff in our museum sites have achieved these City and Guilds qualifications. It confirms the high standards of customer care which have existed at our sites for many years, and which is proven by some lovely visitor feedback. Staff are very committed to these wonderful places and want visitors to enjoy themselves as much as possible while they are spending time with us.”

Staff who achieved the qualifications in North Kirklees are:

Bagshaw Museum, Batley — Rachel Bentley, Richard Lucas, Jackie Dod, Jackie Neville, Amanda Moss; Dewsbury Museum – Jennifer Brown, Dawn Bates.

Oakwell Hall and Country Park — Eric Brown, Emma Crowley, Patrick Crowley, Amanda Walker, Dale Abbott, Ian Grange, Liz Yems, Sandra Hirst, Jane Broadhurst, Mick Hall, Paul Gales, Phil Cordingley, Elaine Jones, Susan Lambert, Mia Mileusnic.

Red House Museum, Gomersal — Helga Hughes, Colin Bickerdyke, Anita Smith, James Ward, Lyn Crosswell, Carole Beal.