HAMPSHIRE Cultural Trust bosses have confirmed that members of staff have already begun leaving the charity voluntarily following the announcement of planned job losses – including three trustees.

In a wide-ranging response to claims of a lack of transparency (see page 6 for the full Q&A), a spokeswoman for the trust confirmed that an annual 2% grant reduction started in the year to April 2016 – with a 10% reduction for the forthcoming financial year – was agreed when the trust was set up.

A final 2% reduction is due to take place in 2019/20.

The spokeswoman also confirmed that no volunteer roles would be lost as a result of the reduction in local authority grants, planned since the trust was set up in 2014, and defended an "opaque" statement by trust chief executive Dr Janet Owen.

The spokeswoman said: "We have no intention of being unclear. This restructure is about ensuring all our resources are focused most efficiently on delivering great and engaging cultural experiences for a wide range of people. This is what we mean by ‘outcome-driven’.

"HCT is an independent charity that relies on a planned declining level of grant funding from local authorities. We therefore need to become more financially sustainable through both earned income and philanthropic support.

"We have embarked on a detailed and intensive consultation process with staff, and have listened and acted on feedback. We are confident that our final structure will provide a strong base to grow, develop and safeguard the future of our cultural offer."

As well as "a number of staff members have decided to leave the trust on voluntary terms", three trustees have resigned from the trust's board since November, when it is thought the planned job losses were first revealed to staff.

Clare Scheckter, wife of Formula One champion Jody Scheckter, resigned from her role as a director at the trust on November 13, along with fellow director Michael Wright and Helen Jackson, who resigned on January 3, this year.

The Chronicle has been unable to reach the former trustee for comment.

As previously reported, concerns had been raised about what the cuts at the trust, which was set up as an independent charity in 2014 to take over the running of Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council assets, meant for its historically important assets.

Professor of medieval archaeology and director of the Winchester Research Unit, Martin Biddle said: “What I want to know is will HCT guarantee the knowledge and experience will not be lost. I hope it is possible, but they are using language I cannot understand. What the devil does it mean?

“I have not been able to get the assurances, I’m concerned with the opacity.”

l See page 6 for the full response from the trust.