Job Summary
Gloucestershire Libraries are seeking support to undertake a short, focused research project examining the landscape of provision for children and young people across Gloucestershire. Commission Fee: £2,000 Time Commitment: Approximately two weeks Application Deadline: Sunday 25 October 2026 midnigh
Job Description
Gloucestershire Libraries is seeking specialist support for a focused review of cultural provision for children and young people across the county. The work will help inform the future direction of the Libraries' cultural offer, strengthen its strategic role and identify where it can make the greatest impact.
Building on existing audience research, consultation findings, participation data and established programmes, the review will provide an independent assessment of Gloucestershire's wider cultural environment. It will consider the Libraries' current position within the county's cultural ecology and identify opportunities to increase its visibility, influence and leadership.
The review will examine cultural and creative learning provision for children and young people, including key organisations, partnerships, delivery networks and relevant local, regional and national strategies. It will identify strengths, gaps and inequalities in provision, with particular attention to underserved audiences, communities and locations.
The work will also explore where Gloucestershire Libraries can add distinctive value through its countywide presence, buildings, collections, staff, community relationships and trusted role. It will identify opportunities for collaboration, investment and programme growth, including those connected to Arts Council England priorities.
The findings will provide a clear basis for future strategic planning and partnership development over the next three to five years. They will also support consideration of a future Arts Council England National Portfolio application. The work should result in practical, focused and achievable recommendations that enable Gloucestershire Libraries to build on its existing strengths and develop a stronger, more connected and ambitious cultural offer for children and young people across the county.
Job Requirements
- Demonstrable experience in arts and cultural strategy.
- Knowledge of children and young people's cultural engagement.
- Experience of public libraries, creative learning or place-based cultural development.
- Understanding of Arts Council England priorities and funding programmes.
- Strong research, analysis and evaluation skills.
- Experience of undertaking desk research and engaging stakeholders.
- Ability to map cultural provision, partnerships, gaps and opportunities.
- Ability to translate findings into clear, practical strategic recommendations.
- Excellent written communication and report-writing skills.
- Ability to work independently and deliver focused work to an agreed timetable.
- Experience of developing cultural strategies or partnership frameworks is desirable.
- Experience of supporting National Portfolio Organisation applications is desirable.
Job Responsibilities
- Review cultural and creative learning provision for children and young people across Gloucestershire.
- Map key organisations, partnerships and delivery networks.
- Review relevant local, regional and national strategies.
- Undertake desk research, stakeholder engagement and analysis of existing information.
- Identify strengths, gaps and inequalities in current provision.
- Highlight underserved audiences, communities and locations.
- Identify partnership, investment and programme-development opportunities.
- Assess Gloucestershire Libraries' role within the county's cultural landscape.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen the Libraries' visibility, influence and leadership.
- Consider priorities relevant to Arts Council England and future NPO development.
- Recommend strategic priorities for the next three to five years.
- Produce a concise strategic report and executive summary with clear, practical recommendations.
- Job Title: OPEN CALL FOR PROPOSALS CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE AND STRATEGIC POSITIONING REVIEW
- Artform: Libraries
- Role: Research
- Contract: Temporary
- Location: South West
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Gloucestershire Libraries employer: Arts Council England
Arts Council England is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values flexibility and employee well-being. With a focus on professional growth, employees benefit from generous annual leave, a final salary pension scheme, and opportunities to lead innovative digital projects in a collaborative environment. Located in Manchester, the role allows for hybrid working, ensuring a balanced approach to work and life while contributing to meaningful organisational change.
