Friday, 16th October 2026

Trident Manor has again been selected to undertake security risk assessments at cultural venues in Northern Ireland. This week saw a museum, a storage facility, and a UNESCO-designated site all being reviewed to help reduce the risks that exist.

Trident Manor staff flew to Belfast to conduct a security risk assessment at a council-run museum, a task delayed since the summer. Remember that all museums are different; no two venues are identical, and neither are the risks they face.

In this case, the collections reflect a rich social history with maritime, industrial, and farming themes. Value isn’t always financial; it can also be about the intangible cultural heritage it preserves. When assessing risks, it's sensible and pragmatic to accept some; you don’t always need to bankrupt an organisation to secure a venue, especially when it stops functioning as it should.

Following the museum review, we assessed the collections storage facility to ensure the collections stored within were adequately protected from all threats and hazards. While theft remained a risk, flooding was the biggest threat. It was excellent to see effective flood defences in place and one of the best emergency plans and response kits we've seen in over 200 museum and cultural heritage site reviews. Andy Davis commented, “The threats that exist and the risk they pose are not always worth millions of dollars, but the significance of the collections could be irreplaceable. Therefore, it is incumbent on those involved in the delivery of CPS (Cultural Protection Services) to ensure that appropriate care and dedication are provided across all sites that are reviewed."

That evening was spent driving through the ‘Glens of Antrim’ before reaching the overnight stopover.

The following morning, Trident Manor personnel conducted a security review at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gracehill Moravian Settlement, where many buildings date back to the 1700s. It was a privilege to meet with the minister and community representatives and to conduct the security assessment at the Old Schoolhouse, the Post Office, and the church that has remained unchanged for centuries. It was also an honour to review the archives and to ensure they can be preserved and protected for future generations.

Not all cultural protection reviews are ‘sexy’, with lots of gold, jewels, and paintings everyone knows, but all are important, which is why Trident Manor continues to support the cultural heritage community and help protect assets for future generations.

For information about how we can help protect your cultural assets, wherever they are in the world. Why not reach out and contact us.