Cultural Protection
Recognising the increasing threats facing cultural venues on a global scale, including climate change, vandalism, organised criminals, armed conflict and others, and recognising the importance for sites to be prepared to tackle these challenges, Trident Manor has developed training programmes that focus on Proactive Prevention rather than having to establish a Reactive Response. We are proud to say that we are one of the few organisations in the world offering dedicated training programmes at operational, managerial, and strategic levels to support staff in the protection of cultural assets (museums, galleries, archives, libraries, and other sites). The quality of our learning portfolio is certified by external awarding bodies so that it contributes to the professional development of individuals working in the cultural heritage sector. Trident Manor is one of the only organisations in the United Kingdom to have created cultural protection training programmes that have been accredited by the CPD (Continued Professional Development) Certification Service.
Because every venue is unique, we also provide customised programmes to meet clients’ requests and ensure the training delivered is relevant and beneficial for staff. The list below presents some of the training programmes we have developed. To discuss any of these programmes further, feel free to contact our team.
Introduction to the Protection of Cultural Venues - CPD - 1 day:
This is a specialist programme, aimed at those working within the global cultural and heritage sectors. Throughout the different modules, the programme lays the foundations for the effective protection of assets, be these collections, buildings, staff and visitors. Focusing on the concept of prevention helps participants understand the nature of the different threats that can impact cultural heritage, how they manifest, and sensible actions that can be taken to mitigate, manage or, where possible, prevent possible risks of damage, looting, and destruction of cultural property. Elements of situational awareness and surveillance detection will also be discussed in relation to the threat posed by organised criminals to cultural venues.
Advanced Certificate in the Protection of Cultural Venues - CPD Certified – 3 days:
Building on the introductory level, this workshop deepens the discussion and analysis of case studies to demonstrate positive examples of cultural property protection and to address poor behaviours/practices. Starting with an analysis of current conventions and regulations, the programme discusses how to translate these into sensible and pragmatic actions that museums, archives, and other cultural venues and sites can adopt to better protect their assets from various threats. Plans, inventories, physical and technical security measures, and their advantage and disadvantages, will also be outlined to help delegates better familiarise themselves with these measures and understand how to apply these to their venue/site.
Introduction to Security Risk Management at Cultural Venues - CPD - 1 day:
This workshop is aimed at anyone in the cultural sector who may be tasked with conducting risk assessments and reporting on any risk-related activities at their cultural venue. This can include supervisors, site managers or anyone with regional responsibilities. It is designed to help the participants understand the threats and how they can manifest themselves. It provides an understanding of a basic risk assessment process and enables risk rating tables to be during a partial assessment exercise which reinforces what has been delivered
Understanding Protester Threats at Cultural Venue - CPD Certified - Half Day
This programme helps participants understand the threats protesters can bring to cultural venues when targeting their assets during their demonstrations. It contextualises protests that have taken place considering the historical and present context and trends. This programme also offers sensible and proactive solutions to help reduce the risks from protests.
Museum Security Team Programme - 1 Day:
This programme helps delegates develop their understanding of existing threats to cultural venues, how targeted attacks take place, situational awareness, surveillance detection, and effective operational best practices that should be adopted by museum security teams. This programme will highlight the importance of a proactive approach to museum security and the threats cultural venues face instead of a reactive response which can cause further damage to a venue’s assets, operations, and reputation. Overall, delegates will feel more confident in leading and managing the protection of museum assets once completing this programme.
Situational Awareness Workshop - CPD - Half Day:
Having the ability to proactively assess and evaluate the situational environment enables the potential for harm to be readily identified and proactive steps taken to avoid the threat through increased awareness and vigilance. The programme examines natural and adversarial threat sources and uses sensory stimuli to evaluate any given scenario. This programme has benefits for all sectors, organisations, and individuals, irrespective of where in the world they are located. It provides a system that can be used to initiate pre-determined actions if a threat threshold is reached. It is an effective protective tool whether at work, in the street, or at home and can help not only reduce the risks faced by individuals but also colleagues, family and friends
Introduction to Surveillance Detection - CPD Certified - Half Day:
This programme has been developed by TMTA to ensure that participants clearly understand the concept of hostile surveillance, and how basic surveillance activities are undertaken. Delegates will understand how both urban and rural environments can be used to identify possible surveillance activities carried out in public and private venues. This programme will inform participants how to adopt suitable practices and measures on how to respond to hostile surveillance activities when detected or suspected.
Crisis Management and Emergency Planning at Cultural Venues - 1 Day:
Having emergency plans is a positive step to managing organisational risks but has limited use if these are not practised and exercised. Trident Manor works with heritage colleagues to introduce phased learning experiences for those involved in emergency or crisis responses within the cultural heritage sector. Following a review of their plans, ‘tabletop’ exercises are undertaken before progressing to partial or full exercises. After each stage of the training, an evaluation and review take place to improve or reduce vulnerabilities and ensure clients’ exposure to risks is minimised.