FEARS Bournemouth’s prestigious Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum could suffer because of proposed management changes are “totally unfounded,” the council has insisted.

Bournemouth council is seeking to set up a new management committee because of fears the current arrangements are “ambiguous” and could threaten the charity's ability to fundraise.

But the move was criticised at a recent conference looking at the future of regional museums. An article in the Apollo magazine said: “It emerged that Bournemouth Borough Council is currently consulting about restructuring the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, which is one of the country’s great single-collector museums.

“A member of the audience alleged that managerial responsibility for the museum may soon pass to a ‘seafront services manager’ with no more museum sector experience than ‘metaphorically rearranging deckchairs.’

“And it was claimed that museum staff are gagged from speaking out about this parlous situation.”

On Wednesday, cabinet members approved the museum’s plans, policies and procedures in order to re-apply for Museums Accreditation. Cllr Lawrence Williams, who is the portfolio holder for economy and tourism, told the Echo the comments reported in the Apollo magazine were “totally unfounded.” He said: “The Russell-Cotes is in good shape. What we’re trying to do is fulfil the requirements of the Charities Commission and we’re trying to put together good governance arrangements.

“That will involve a management board which will consist of people from the council and people from outside.

“The future is good, especially with the weddings and events that the Russell-Cotes now hosts.”

In December, Bournemouth council’s task and finish group on museum governance said there was a need to be able to demonstrate the charity’s independence and to enhance the structure of the management committee to ensure there is a mechanism to manage any conflicts of interest.

It highlighted the need for transparent financial arrangements and management that are fit-for-purpose for fundraising activity.

“Current arrangements are ambiguous and leave both the Council and individuals at risk of challenge,” the report said.

“Without a proper governance structure the Museum’s accreditation status is at risk and income streams such as Gift Aid, grants and fundraising are threatened.”

When asked about the concerns aired at the recent conference, Bournemouth council said it could not comment. It provided a statement from Chris Saunders, head of operations, which said: “We are in the middle of a staff consultation and we are unable to comment any further.”