Audience Development Consultant - East London

Audience Development Consultant - East London

Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives Closing date: Mon, 24 Aug 2026

Artform: Museums
Role: Research
Contract: Contract
London
  • Part time
  • £40k-£50k

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

To carry out detailed audience development research in the local area to support the capital redevelopment of Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives (THLHLA) as a heritage centre for London's East End.

Job Description

You will carry out detailed and intensive stakeholder engagement and public consultation with a wide variety of Tower Hamlets residents, capturing what they would want to see in a multi-functional heritage centre based on the THLHLA collections and service. You will ensure that a broad demographic range and all geographic localities (eg wards) within the borough are included.

You will recruit and survey current and potential stakeholders including current and as yet unreached audiences. This will include in-person interviews and focus groups around the borough as well as remotely.

The information you generate will be critical in supporting a large fundraising target, and informing the business planning and the next stages of RIBA design development to be carried out during 2027-28.

Job Requirements

The timescale for the brief is August - December 2026. Given this tight timescale, intensity of programme and range of audiences to be engaged we expect to appoint a project lead supported by team members. This is a summary - please request and read the full brief before applying.

The lead consultant will have at least 5 years experience of audience development research and engagement in London's culture, heritage or arts sector.

You will have an understanding of archives and local history libraries as distinct from museums and galleries, including differences in the collections held and service offer.

You, and/or members of your team, will be familiar with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and its rich history, and be able to demonstrate how you will engage a representative cross section of its diverse communities living across the borough.

You will be able to advocate and explain the wider social value inherent in this project to local residents.

Job Responsibilities

This is a consultancy opportunity which will suit freelancers or local organisations with strong experience of stakeholder engagement in Tower Hamlets - a unique and diverse borough. Please note that there is a separate brief being advertised for the heritage tourism perspective.

The lead consultant and any appointed team members will be expected to work an average of 2-3 days per week during the contract term, commencing asap following appointment until December. This is likely to include some evenings and weekends for consultation sessions.

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Audience Development Consultant - East London
  • Salary: £40k-£50k
  • Hours: Part time
  • Artform: Museums
  • Role: Research
  • Contract: Contract
  • Closing date: Mon, 24 Aug 2026
  • Location:
    London
    | view on Google Maps

Job: Audience Development Consultant - East London

Job: Audience Development Consultant - East London

Organisation: Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives

Postcode: E14DQ

How to Apply

Please email Tamsin Bookey, Heritage Manager, to receive the brief.

You will be asked to submit a written proposal setting out your proposed approach, details of your relevant experience and that of each team member who will be assigned to work on this; the day rate and number of days for each team member, and confirmation of availability for the period in question. The maximum available budget is specified in the brief. The closing date is 9am on Monday 24 August.