Grassroots Support Groups
Grassroots Support Groups (GSGs) include regional, Scottish national, and UK-wide, groups. GSGs tend to be structured around peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, and support around areas of shared interest or identity. They may also include groups campaigning for action on ongoing issues within the wider heritage sector. These groups include support in areas such as wellbeing, social justice, fair employment practices, inclusive practice, and professional development.
On this page you can find some GSGs, a description of their group mission and contact details. This is not an exhaustive list. We would welcome the opportunity to signpost to other GSGs supporting those working and volunteering in the heritage sector. If you can help us expand this list, please contact us with your suggestions.
Ar Dualchas
‘Se lìonra a th’ann Ar Dualchas airson daoine a tha an sàs ann an roinn dualchais. Tha sinn ann gus àite a bhith againn airson ar n-obair a’ dheasbad, a’ bhrosnachadh agus gus ar cànan is dualchas a chur gu feum anns an roinn dualchais air feadh na dùthcha.
Ar Dualchas is a network for Gaelic-speaking heritage professionals. We provide a space for discussion, learning and to support and encourage the use of Gaelic language and culture in the heritage sector.
DLNet
The Digital Learning Network shares ideas and good practice in using digital technology to support learning in the Cultural Heritage sector.
Emerging Museum Professionals Network
The Scottish branch of the Emerging Museum Professionals network (EMP) is a new group to support anyone looking to join the museum sector. They aim to provide a focused approach to offering information and forming connections with other EMPs who work or want to work in museums, galleries, and heritage. Although the network is established with EMPs in mind, everyone involved in the sector in any capacity is welcome to join.
The Scottish branch are in the early stages of establishing a group and are looking for help. If you are interested in taking part in some way, no matter what stage of your career, please email the network below.
Fair Museum Jobs
Fair Museum Jobs are a grassroots movement working together to establish a better standard for museum job recruitment.
Front of House Museums
Front of House Museums is a network which advocates, celebrates, and campaigns for front of house staff and volunteers in the museum sector.
Heritage Volunteering Group
The Heritage Volunteering Group aims to unlock the power of volunteering through collaboration and sharing best practice. There are several regional groups as well as the main collaborating organisation.
www.heritagevolunteeringgroup.org.uk
Museum Computer Group
Museum Computer Group is a non-profit association who aim to improve and encourage best practice in the use of technology and digital platforms in the museum and heritage sector.
Museums DCN
The Disability Cooperative Network works to promote and embed inclusive practice in the heritage and cultural sector.
Museum Detox
Museum Detox are volunteer led network for people of colour who work in museums, galleries, libraries, archives, and the heritage sector.
Museum as Muck
Museum as Muck is a network for people in the museums and galleries sector who identify as working class.
The Neurodiverse Museum
The Neurodiverse Museum is an Art Fund project set up to change the way museums and the cultural sector as a whole, approaches neurodiversity. Their website contains research, case studies, and resources to help museums have inclusive provision for neurodivergent people.
The Queer Heritage and Collections Network
The Queer Heritage and Collections Network are a UK-wide network that supports people working with LGBTQ+ collections and histories.
Show the Salary
Show the Salary is a campaign group taking action to address pay gaps and inequality in the charity sector.
Space Invaders
Space Invaders are an intersectional feminists campaign group for change in museums and heritage in response to equality in the sector. There are several regional groups as well as the main campaign group.
Scotland specific @MSpaceInvadersSc
Non Graduates Welcome
Non Graduates Welcome is a campaign group taking action against the charity sector to remove the requirement for unspecified degree level qualifications in fundraising job descriptions.