National Trust Scotland has confirmed that it plans to reduce its staff headcount as part of an efficiency drive to reduce running costs by 10 per cent.
A statement on the charity’s website yesterday said it was “set for radical changes” in a bid to focus resources on its 129 properties across Scotland.
The plans follow a review by the charity’s board and chief executive Simon Skinner who joined the National Trust for Scotland in June.
Today a spokesman for the charity said there is “no figure at present” on forecast job losses. It currently employs over 500 full-time staff and around 750 seasonal staff. Staff costs for the financial year ending February 2015 were £21.7. The charity's income was £46.8m.
“The proposed restructure, together with changes in the way we work, would result in efficiencies which may result in a reduction in our headcount,” the spokesman said.
“As far as possible, staff would be placed directly within the new structure, however some are may be displaced and the individuals affected may have the option of applying for new roles if they wish to do this and it is feasible in operational terms,” he said.
The spokesman said a priority for the charity was “to ensure reductions will not be made at property level”.
A statement on NTS's website said the programme will be "self-funding" and ultimately "bring in an extra £8-10m per annum of additional investment income".
The charity is currently “designing a timetable” which will be finalised in April, the spokesman said. A formal consultation with Trade Union Prospect and affected staff will follow after April and all changes are expected to be implemented by April 2017.
Simon Skinner, chief executive at National Trust Scotland, said the changes follow a “need to rebalance activity within the Trust, giving much more control and influence directly to our properties. They are at the heart of our proposals”.
NTS properties will receive “upfront investment” to provide the “greatest returns in terms of increased visitor numbers, income, improved visitor experiences and conservation outcomes as quickly as possible,” he said.
Skinner said he hoped the new structure would “unleash our property teams’ innovative and entrepreneurial talents, which along with our partnerships with communities, volunteers and members, will ensure that our heritage inspires and excites new generations.”
Sir Moir Lockhead, chair of the charity, said the move was "an exciting new chapter in our 85-year history".
“Hard work has turned around the Trust’s fortunes in the last few years, but we are now ready to move up to the next level to ensure we fulfil our mission of conservation in ways that are more relevant to today’s Scotland," he said.
