South West Fed launches a new website and free membership
South West Fed, one of the University of Exeter’s heritage partners, has just launched a new website and free membership programme that makes their digital sessions, news stories and opportunities for networking even more accessible.
Formed in 1931 along with the eight other regional federations in the UK, the charity promotes a culture of shared learning across the region. As a point of contact, they connect members with each other, partners and wider sector organisations, building a flourishing and connected heritage community in the South West.
Their new free membership scheme enables access to an online programme of events, regular e-newsletters with relevant updates and blogs, as well as the latest information regarding job opportunities via their social media platforms. Through their website, members can access a dynamic and exciting programme of creative digital sessions that showcase work, encourage discussion and enable networking. The charity also offers opportunities for volunteer work, through their Board of Trustees. For students whose studies relate to the heritage sector, or for those looking to pursue careers in the sector, membership can be extremely useful in making connections with a broad range of heritage bodies. Alongside the University of Exeter, the South West Fed holds partnerships with organisations such as the National Trust, Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Their knowledge and connections to museums, art galleries and heritage sites across the South West can also be useful for member’s research or personal interest.
Alison Horgan at South West Fed said that the charity is keen to build and nurture relationships between their museums and heritage sector and regional universities. “We have been working with students this year from Exeter and Bath Spa Universities as well as the University of the West of England. Several students participated in our conference in October and have written blogs for our website. We are also hoping to recruit a student member to our board in the near future.”
Online sessions cost just £2.75 per person and are available for members only but membership is free. The monthly sessions feature one or two speakers that present a specific topic, project, or experience to enable peer to peer learning and the showcasing of the best practice in the South West. They are designed to promote discussion and help support the heritage sector in a way that is open, welcoming and accessible for all. The Spring series is called 'New Directions in a Changing World' and is a great opportunity for participants to find out about how the sector is evolving and adapting to the current circumstances. The sessions include a Q&A to further delve into topics or issues. The charity encourages members to share any personal projects or ideas that could be added to the programme by emailing info@swfed.org.uk.
Free student membership to South West Fed can be purchased via their website. South West Fed are currently recruiting a student representative which you can apply for by contacting info@swf.org.uk.