Issue - meetings

Item raised by Jacob O’Callaghan

Access to historic areas of the Palace, and future use of the building.

Jacob O’Callaghan introduced his paper that had been sent to the Committees in advance of the meeting –

Access to historic areas of the Palace, and future use of the building

To ask the trustees if there has been any change in policy regarding

(a) whether tours of, and events held in, these areas are regarded (as in the past) as a not-for-profit activity,  part of the charity's main function (free access to the public for education and recreation, while covering the expenses of such access),

(b) or if they are now to be seen as a profit centre, to be organised solely by paid employees or commercial third parties

(c) the involvement of the existing voluntary organisations in planning and execution of such events

and to initiate a public discussion on the implications of any new policy changes regarding use of the building as a whole, for the people of London who own it; their access and use of it, and for the future of the charity and the future role of the voluntary organisations within it.

Jacob O’Callaghan added that it was important to remember that there was still a role for the groups in terms of the Palace, for example, tours of the Palace could be run in conjunction with the groups who support those particular areas.  It was also important to strike a balance between profit making centres and parts where something needs to be given back to the community.  In addition, he said there were large parts of the Palace, including the Great Hall where there were restrictions on their commercial use.

Duncan Wilson responded to the item raised and said there had been no changes in policy with regard to these items.  This was confirmed by Councillor Cooke as chair of the board.  Duncan Wilson made clear that any profits made by the Palace were retained for the Palace and the Park as the Trust was a ‘not for profit organisation’.  All charities worked in this way.  The intention was to run the theatre as a business unit that also allowed for access by community groups.  This was the basis of the HLF bid.

Mr O’Callaghan acknowledged the reassurances that had been given.

Nigel Willmott commented on the excellent work by Isobel Aptaker on the tours of the Palace which had so far taken place, and added that these tours did not put at risk the work of the ‘friends’ groups.