Locating the performance of these functions within one body will improve the service offered to finders of Treasure, landowners, occupiers and acquiring museums. Those involved will only have to deal with a single set of staff who will be better placed to ensure the smooth progress of any Treasure find through the system.
However, steps have been taken to ensure that any potential conflicts of interest are avoided. Therefore, for those finds that the British Museum has shown an interest in acquiring, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will continue to undertake valuation, invoicing and payment of rewards.
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Notes to editors
1. Before the transfer, the DCMS managed the valuation of Treasure cases. This involved:
- Commissioning a provisional valuation;
- Arranging the meetings of the Treasure Valuation Committee;
- Notifying interested parties of the outcomes of the meetings and handling any challenges; and
- Invoicing museums and paying rewards to finders and landowners.
2. These functions will now be performed by the British Museum, along with other miscellaneous functions, such as the publication of the Treasure Annual Report.
3. A copy of a Memorandum of Understanding, between the DCMS and the British Museum, has been published on the DCMS website.
4. The British Museum will operate via its wholly owned trading company – The British Museum Great Court Ltd, in the performance of these functions.
