"It has given me great satisfaction to be involved in the process of reviewing this service, which has been severely under funded since the mid 90s at least and for which a very ingenious system was introduced in order to allow the museums in public ownership in our County to survive.

"They have survived, as the report shows and are indeed flourishing in many cases.

"There have been difficulties, which have in the main been overcome, but my view certainly is that, in the Cultural Services section of the County Council's work, the Libraries having been brought back from the brink by being allowed a higher profile and a more generous cash flow, it is now the turn of the Museums Service.

"In conducting the review we have seen enormous enthusiasm and expertise amongst the staff and great appreciation of the professionalism of Martyn Brown. There is no doubt however that, in the same way as Standlake has treasures rarely visible to members of the public, so our staff have abilities which constraints do not let them demonstrate to the full.

"I would urge members of the Executive to give serious consideration to the recommendations, which we make, and to encourage, by agreeing them, even greater achievement by the Museums service we have and of which we are very proud."

"Overall the Scrutiny Review presents an accurate view of the County Museums Service and the County Museums and Heritage Officer and museum staff concur with the comments and recommendations.

"The process of the review was in itself a useful exercise. Museum staff were engaged in the process from the start (a workshop for the Review Group Members and Scrutiny officers); and continued to play a part through interviews and consultation during the Review. The hard work of the Review Group and officers, their attention to detail and determination to understand the operational activities of the service were appreciated.

"A decision on Recommendation 6 – the re-naming of the Museums Store - will be welcomed, so that a new leaflet and marketing materials can be prepared as soon as possible. Staff favour ‘Museum Conservation Centre’ or ‘Collections Centre, Standlake’."