Specialised Services for the
Stewardship of Heritage
STEMAs Philosophy
Heritage endures through resilience
We understand how cultural institutions think and operate because this is also our own background. We recognise that accessibility and engagement are central to the mission of museums, cultural institutions and heritage organisations, and that protection and resilience are measures that support these objectives. Effective protection does not stand apart from the institution’s purpose.
It enables it to succeed.
Advisory
Fire Protection and MEP Risk
Assessment of building systems, fire protection infrastructure, HVAC, and environmental control to ensure facilities support safe stewardship of collections.
Security Review and Protection planning
Review of physical and operational security, protective measures, access control, and staff practice to strengthen the protection of collections, visitors, and staff.
Digital Systems and Cyber Protection
Support in securing collection-management systems, operational technology, and digital infrastructure, with a focus on vulnerabilities that affect collections and institutional operations.
Emergency Preparedness and Continuity
Development or enhancement of emergency procedures, escalation pathways, continuity frameworks, and institutional readiness for disruptive events.
Collection and Facility Risk Assessments
Comprehensive assessment of risks affecting collections, galleries, storage, and building systems, aligned with recognised museum standards and sector expectations.
Loan-Readiness and Facility Audits
Facility and logistics assessments for institutions preparing to receive loans or host high-value exhibitions. Covering security, safety, environmental control and incident readiness.
High-Profile Event Security and Risk Planning
Planning and coordination for high-profile visits, exhibition openings and public events, ensuring safe operations and alignment with institutional requirements.
Capacity Building
Operational Integration
Support in integrating protective measures into daily workflows, visitor management, facilities management, collections care, and staff routines.
Policy and Procedure
Creation or revision of institution-wide policies, procedures, and protocols that support collections protection, emergency response, access control, and operational consistency.
Infrastructure and Systems Capability
Strengthening institutional competence in building systems, fire protection, environmental control, and digital systems that impact collections protection.
Resilience and Continuity Capability
Support in building internal capability for continuity of operations, incident recovery, and prioritization of essential functions in the event of disruption.
Governance and Institutional Readiness
Support in strengthening governance structures, decision-making pathways, roles and responsibilities, and internal coordination linked to safety, security, and collections care.
Engagement
Staff Training and Competency Development
Training for staff, security teams, and leadership in security awareness, insider risk, emergency procedures, and first-response behaviour.
Scenario-Based and Tabletop Exercises
Practical exercises that prepare teams for realistic threat scenarios, emergency activation, and institutional coordination.
Workshops and Professional Development
Workshops for staff, boards, and sector partners on protection, resilience, and operational readiness tailored to institutional context.
Outreach and Professional Contribution
Participation in cultural networks, conferences, and professional events through speaking engagements and presentations, helping to advance awareness and understanding of protection and resilience within the sector.
Want to learn more about our services?
Resources
Strengthening Preparedness Through Knowledge
Explore insights, tools, and guidance designed to help custodians protect cultural property. Each resource turns understanding into action, supporting resilience and stewardship across your institution.
