Bath & North East Somerset Council strengthens Heritage Services leadership team

Bath & North East Somerset Council has appointed Charlotte Somers as its new Head of Marketing, Fundraising, and Supporter Development. The new role will help deliver the council’s plans to further develop its cultural and heritage sites, including the re-interpretation of its world-class Roman Baths, new education and community spaces at the Victoria Art Gallery, and a new home for Bath’s Fashion Museum and its internationally renowned collection.

Charlotte joins from Cornwall’s largest independent theatre, Hall for Cornwall, where she was Marketing & Business Development Director and a key member of the leadership team that delivered a multi-million-pound major new arts venue, community, and heritage education space. Prior to that she headed up marketing and communications for the St Aubyn Estates’ portfolio of heritage businesses, including St Michael’s Mount, run in partnership with the National Trust. She will take the lead on delivering Heritage Services’ supporter-focused strategy to expand audiences for its museums, collections, and venues, as well as overseeing fundraising for the new Fashion Museum.

The new role is the latest in several new hires to strengthen the service’s leadership team. Head of Heritage Services, Robert Campbell, joined the council in late 2021 following spells at the Museum of London, Imperial War Museum, English Heritage, Museums of History New South Wales and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust; Amanda Hart, previously Director at the Corinium Museum, took up the position of Roman Baths Manager last year. In March 2023, former Director of Programming at the V&A Sophie McKinlay was appointed as Project Director for the Fashion Museum.

Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic & Cultural Sustainable Development, said: “Bath and North East Somerset’s heritage offer is world class, and we are committed to ensuring its future for generations to come. Putting together a strong leadership team is a key part of this, and this latest appointment will further enhance our ability to achieve our vision and priorities over the coming years - including the development of the new Fashion Museum in the Milsom Quarter.

“The appointment of a new Head of Marketing, Fundraising, and Supporter Development further strengthens an already excellent team and ensures the council continues to invest in its people to protect, conserve and engage communities with our heritage assets.”

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Heritage Services team is responsible for stewarding the public-facing heritage assets in its care, including the Roman Baths, Victoria Art Gallery, and Bath Record Office. These significantly contribute to the local economy through heritage tourism, supporting local services that benefit residents and contributing directly to the council’s purpose of improving people’s lives.