Steam Tug Brent
Hild is supporting Steam Tug Brent Trust in enhancing their organisational resilience through a comprehensive evaluation of their NLHF-funded project, helping them develop sustainable governance, financial models, and community engagement strategies to secure the long-term care of this significant marine heritage asset.
Steam Tug Brent Trust: Building Steam and Resilience
The Commission
In November 2024, Steam Tug Brent Trust commissioned Hild as external evaluator for their resilience project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The charity sought to establish the optimal governance structure, develop a financially sustainable business model, and engage new audiences to support their mission of caring for the Steam Tug Brent.
They needed an evaluation partner who could assess project outcomes whilst providing ongoing evidence to support decision-making and regular reporting to both the NLHF and their board of trustees. From the outset, we established collaborative frameworks including Theory of Change development, comprehensive data collection guidelines, and embedded reflection tools to capture both immediate progress and deeper organisational learning.
The Journey (Ongoing)
Since November 2024, we've been following the project's multi-faceted approach: governance reviews, business planning, visual identity development, audience development strategies, and communications improvements including a new website. The team has also embraced pilot activities including innovative ticket sales approaches and VE Day commemorative research on women's roles in building the Brent.