Speaking to Museums Journal, Tim Cooke, the chief executive of the Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland (MAGNI), said that the restructure would resolve some of the issues left over from when the national museums and galleries merged in 1998.
'This completes the work begun in 1998 when the organisation came into being - it will give us a coherence for the 21st century and allow us to focus on the capital projects that are ahead.'
Three senior posts will be created as part of the reorganisation - a director of collections and interpretation; a director of learning and partnership; and a director of marketing and communications. Job adverts have been placed in Museums Journal and other publications and Cooke said he hoped the positions would be filled as soon as possible.
The rebranding means that MAGNI will now be known as National Museums Northern Ireland. Cooke said the public didn't recognise the acronym MAGNI, and the organisation needed a simpler name.
According to Cooke, the restructure is going to plan so far. The first phase of the voluntary early retirement scheme has been implemented and Cooke said he anticipated there would be a take-up of between 30 to 40 staff and the intention was that all the job losses would be voluntary.
'There has been recognition from the trade unions of the need for change. We have listened to their concerns and there has been a full process of consultation and dialogue.'
The restructuring has also created other posts - a director of human resources and organisational development and a director of finance and planning.
MAGNI includes the Ulster Museum, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, the Ulster American Folk Park and Armagh County Museum. The W5 science centre is a subsidiary of MAGNI.
Last year, plans were announced for a £20m capital programme for the national museums that includes a £12m redevelopment of the Ulster Museum.
Sharon Heal
'This completes the work begun in 1998 when the organisation came into being - it will give us a coherence for the 21st century and allow us to focus on the capital projects that are ahead.'
Three senior posts will be created as part of the reorganisation - a director of collections and interpretation; a director of learning and partnership; and a director of marketing and communications. Job adverts have been placed in Museums Journal and other publications and Cooke said he hoped the positions would be filled as soon as possible.
The rebranding means that MAGNI will now be known as National Museums Northern Ireland. Cooke said the public didn't recognise the acronym MAGNI, and the organisation needed a simpler name.
According to Cooke, the restructure is going to plan so far. The first phase of the voluntary early retirement scheme has been implemented and Cooke said he anticipated there would be a take-up of between 30 to 40 staff and the intention was that all the job losses would be voluntary.
'There has been recognition from the trade unions of the need for change. We have listened to their concerns and there has been a full process of consultation and dialogue.'
The restructuring has also created other posts - a director of human resources and organisational development and a director of finance and planning.
MAGNI includes the Ulster Museum, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, the Ulster American Folk Park and Armagh County Museum. The W5 science centre is a subsidiary of MAGNI.
Last year, plans were announced for a £20m capital programme for the national museums that includes a £12m redevelopment of the Ulster Museum.
Sharon Heal