As Tate Liverpool prepares itself for the 2007 Turner Prize and Liverpool European Capital of Culture 2008, the gallery has received a further boost with news that it has been awarded the prestigious Charter Mark - a national standard for excellence in customer service that is open to all public sector organisations. In successfully achieving the Charter Mark, Tate Liverpool has demonstrated that the customer comes first and that staff are willing to go the extra mile to make their visit to the Gallery a pleasant one.
An independent assessment examined Tate Liverpool’s customer service performance in six key areas: setting standards, engaging customers, accessibility and choice, development and improvement, effective use of resources and improving opportunities in the community. The Gallery was highly-commended for meeting high standards in them all. The information and visitor service assistants were singled out for particular praise for the professional, friendly and imaginative ways in which they engage visitors with the art on display.
‘Really enjoyed our workshop! This has inspired me’ – Tate Liverpool visitor
Tate Liverpool has also worked hard over the past year to redevelop and improve its foyer facilities, to enable staff to manage the increased visitor numbers expected in the city shortly. These changes, including a new information and membership desk, improved lighting facilities, a redeveloped shop and new information screens, will be in place for the Turner Prize exhibition which opens on 19 October. Improvements to the visitor guide and website have all assisted visitors with understanding the Tate Liverpool programme and planning their visit.In recognition of the Gallery’s achievements Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Paul Clark, visited Tate Liverpool to congratulate staff on their achievements.
‘Loved the way the staff were so helpful with Mum and her wheelchair and finding me a catalogue despite the shop being closed. Much appreciated’ – Tate Liverpool visitor
In a letter to the Gallery, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said:
Your achievement clearly demonstrates that customers’ needs and aspirations genuinely form the basis for the design and delivery of the services you provide. This is something that is crucial for the improvements we all want to see in public services.