• The Sector Impact Award recognises positive change making a real difference

• Judges praised the project for being a “ground-breaking initiative that set a landmark precedent for the entire sector”

• Winners were announced at a ceremony on 13 May.  

Birmingham Museums Citizens’ Jury has been recognised in the 2026 Museums + Heritage Awards, jointly winning the Sector Impact Award.

This award spotlights the people and organisations driving positive change, making a real difference to the sector.  

The citizens’ jury brought together a representative group of residents from across the city to shape the future direction of Birmingham’s museums.  

Over several months, jurors explored key challenges facing Birmingham Museums Trust, heard from experts and deliberated on priorities. In February 2025 the jury presented a set of 11 roles and 20 recommendations at an event to invited stakeholders. These are now embedded in the trust’s strategy and long-term plan.

The winners of the awards were announced at a live ceremony at Hilton Park Lane, London on Wednesday 13 May.  

The award was accepted on behalf of Birmingham Museums Trust and the jury by one of the jury members who spoke to give thanks. They were joined by the trust’s Director of Transformation Rob Lewis, who led the project, along with Mara Livermore of Shared Future, who facilitated the jury sessions.

The judges said:

“(The project) is a genuinely ground-breaking initiative that set a landmark precedent for the entire sector, already inspiring others to follow suit. This is what it looks like when a museum becomes a truly democratic civic institution.”

Zak Mensah and Sara Wajid, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, said:  

“We are incredibly proud to see the Birmingham Museums Citizens’ Jury recognised in this way.  

“This project demonstrated what’s possible when institutions genuinely listen to their communities and give people the tools and space to shape decision-making.”

“We would like to take this opportunity to extend our thanks to all the jurors, partners and staff who made the project possible.”

The jury has been recognised and valued by other cultural organisations seeking to adopt more participatory approaches.  

It also won the prestigious Best Museums Change Lives Project Award at the Museums Association conference in October 2025.  

Birmingham Museums Trust is also a member of the Citizens in Power network, a group that works to progress citizen-led decision-making.

The Birmingham Museums Citizens’ Jury Project was made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players.