Scottish Government funding of V&A Dundee: FOI release

Information requested

i. In return for Scottish Government funding, does the V&A Dundee have to provide transparent details of operational costs?

ii. If yes, is the information publicly available? Please provide, if so. (2018-2024).

iii. Are there obligations associated with V&A Dundee Scottish Government funding? What outcomes must be met?

Response

I have provided an answer to your questions below:

i. In return for Scottish Government funding, does the V&A Dundee have to provide transparent details of operational costs?

Yes, as part of the due diligence process financial information, including operational costs are provided by V&A Dundee.

ii. If yes, is the information publicly available? Please provide, if so. (2018-2024).

V&A Dundee’s annual accounts can be found on Companies House (Find and update company information - GOV.UK) under Design Dundee Limited SC370598, this is signposted via OSCR (OSCR |Home) as V&A Dundee are also a registered charity SC0412192.

iii. Are there obligations associated with V&A Dundee Scottish Government funding? What outcomes must be met?

The Scottish Public Finance Manual (SPFM) is issued by Scottish Ministers to provide guidance on the proper handling and reporting of public funds. This includes agreed outcomes and conditions on Scottish Government funding. Outcomes are reviewed annually as part of grant due diligence process in dialogue with the grantee. The following outcomes were agreed for 2024/25 funding:

1) Deliver a high-quality exhibitions programme with regular provision of a range of free to access activity and displays, widening public access and participation levels.
2) Deliver inclusive learning and outreach programmes, inspiring learners’ creativity and developing future skills for design and business innovation.
3) Develop dynamic and interactive digital learning opportunities, evidencing increasing levels of public digital interaction.
4) Develop a national remit as Scotland’s centre for design, championing the value of design, positioning design as one of Scotland’s greatest resources, and developing Scotland’s design capacity as a nation; Including by developing the Design for Business programme into Design for Scotland to shape policy, advocate for design, and design thinking, as a powerful tool for change across society and the economy.
6) Provide support for Scotland’s creative industries, enabling them to innovate, grow, showcase their work and fulfil their economic potential.
7) Strengthen Scotland’s economy and international profile by building on our external relationships, attracting increased numbers of visitors from both home and abroad and opening opportunities in new markets.
8) Maintain the BREEAM excellent rating.
9) Give regard to the Fair Work Framework. Organisations are asked to commit to the following Fair
Work First criteria in a way that is relevant and proportionate for the organisation:
- appropriate channels for effective voice, such as trade union recognition
- payment of the real Living Wage
- investment in workforce development
- no inappropriate use of zero hours contracts
- action to tackle the gender pay gap and create a more diverse and inclusive workplace
- offer flexible and family friendly working practices for all workers from day one of their employment
- oppose the use of fire and rehire practice.
10) Ensure that in delivering and operating the Museum, consider steps that might further promote and protect the rights of children and young people, consistent with the requirements of the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) as this relates to the Grantee’s areas of responsibility.
11) Work to deliver the Key Performance Indicators as set out in the Business Plan to monitor the financial sustainability of the museum.
12) Continue to develop and embed increased financial sustainability.

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