Information, Advice and Guidance

The Theatres Trust Act 1976 identifies (Clause 2c) that The Theatres Trust has a duty ‘To maintain or assist in the maintenance of any theatre’. This includes the provision of information, advice and guidance. The following policy guides the Trust’s work in this area.

Where information, advice and guidance is provided the Trust will act to ensure that it does not compromise the Trust’s independence, its role as a statutory consultee, or its ability to act and advise in the best interests of theatres in the UK.

As a Public Body, The Theatres Trust is subject to the Freedom of Information Act.

The Theatres Trust seeks to ensure that in the provision of information and in the delivery of its advisory work, the principles of non-discrimination, equal treatment, transparency, mutual recognition and proportionality apply.

In the course of its work information is provided to the Trust by local planning authorities, theatres, professional firms providing services to theatre operators, public bodies, corporate supporters and friends of The Theatres Trust, members of the public and others. Subject to the FOI Act and commercial interests, this information is available in the Trust’s printed and online publications and can be supplied by the Trust on request.

When providing information, advice or guidance as a result of a direct request for a referral, the Trust, without compromising commercial confidentiality, aims to familiarise the enquirer with comparable theatres/projects from its Theatres Database.

The Trust provides contact information for the theatre/projects, identifies the professional firms that worked on the project, and in the context of providing information responsibly, advises on the best contact at the theatre who could provide further information, whilst also signposting the enquirer to advice on the appointment of consultants and professional firms.

The Theatres Trust holds information on theatres, design teams, contractors, legal and management consultants, and suppliers that engage in capital projects and theatres developments in the UK. It also holds published information on the development, implementation and outcome of theatre building, refurbishment and restoration projects.

The Theatres Trust does not accept any responsibility or liability for information provided and advises that in the course of sourcing any professional services as a result of acting on information provided, the enquirer must satisfy themselves that the firm is capable of delivering services, that they are satisfied with the legal and financial circumstances of the individual or company, any liabilities are covered, and that procurement processes are being appropriately followed.

In the course of providing information, The Theatres Trust seeks to ensure that it declares its existing relationships with or any interests in, the theatres or professional firms concerned, for example as Trustees, Advisers, its own contractors, existing and former employees, corporate supporters, friends, or relatives.

The Trust welcomes feedback in order that it can improve the quality of information it provides.

© The Theatres Trust 2009