Governance

Learn about the governance of North East Museums, including the Leadership team, governance arrangements and corporate publications.

How we are governed

Archive photo showing a view through a tunnel during construction of the Tyne & Wear Metro.

Strategic leadership

North East Museums (formerly Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums) is a joint service of the four local authorities on Tyneside:

  • Newcastle City Council (which acts as lead authority and legal body)
  • South Tyneside Council
  • North Tyneside Council
  • Gateshead Council.

We have separate agreements with Sunderland City Council to manage its archives, and with Newcastle University to manage the Great North Museum: Hancock and Hatton Gallery.

As a National Portfolio Organisation, we receive additional support and contributions from Arts Council England.

From 1 April 2025 Northumberland County Council will join our partnership, and we will manage Woodhorn Museum, Hexham Old Gaol and Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum on its behalf.

The relationship between, and commitment of, the partners is enshrined in the Joint Agreement. Policy and decision making is undertaken by the Strategic Board. Key decisions are outlined in the Business Plan. The Leadership team is responsible for delivering our Mission and Business Plan on a day-to-day basis.


Challenge, monitoring and scrutiny

The Finance, Audit and Risk Committee is separate from the Strategic Board and provides an essential challenge, monitoring and scrutiny role in relation to governance and internal control issues.


Our charitable trust and companies

The Development Trust raises funds from individual donors, trusts and foundations to support a wide variety of archives and museum activities. 

Our trading company TWAM Enterprises Ltd manages retail operations, venue hire and catering. TWAM Enterprises donates its profits to the Development Trust to further our charitable objectives.

Exhibitions by TWAM Ltd manages exhibition production activities, delivering approximately 35-40 exhibitions per year. Exhibitions by TWAM also donates its profits to the Development Trust.

Further information

For more detailed information about our governance arrangements, Leadership team and corporate publications, please visit the pages linked below.