Case study:Achates Develops Strategy: Shakespeare’s Globe

Shakespeare’s Globe produces bold, innovative and inspiring productions, experiences and educational programmes in which it puts Shakespeare to work for the current moment. With a turnover of £30million and no core governmental funding, the Globe experienced financial challenges through the loss of earned income during Covid-19 and the decline in funding from contributed income more generally. 

With a new CEO in post, Shakespeare’s Globe commissioned Achates to support a refocussing of the organisation, ensuring that all elements of its work – on stage, in its research, and as an international tourist attraction – are working towards a shared purpose that optimises its impact with and for its audiences and stakeholders, and inspires its staff. Alongside this, the Globe was looking to support to rebalance its Achates Triple Bottom Line, finding a sustainable operating model that maximises income, impact and artistic work. 

As part of this work, Achates delivered:

• Extensive Stakeholder Consultation, including with the board, senior management, entire staff team and volunteers. This included a full board away day, a series of Day in the Life workshops to explore priority audiences and impact with staff, and senior leadership sessions to enable strategic decision making.

• Future Modelling: With the audiences, impact, a Statement of Purpose and Narrative Summary of the Theory of Change – both current and aspirational – articulated, it was possible to identify a range of operating model options for detailed modelling and evaluation. The preferred model was then translated into a business plan and impact framework.

• Implementation And Culture Change: towards the end of the process, Achates supported the Globe to implement the agreed model and undertake a process of culture change, including through training and resources for staff and an updated approach to internal communications.

The Shakespeare’s Globe has now recruited a Chief Impact Officer to drive forwards this work, rooted in the key strategic decisions made with Achates support. This investment in measuring all elements of the Achates Triple Bottom Line marks Shakespeare’s Globe as a sector leader in ensuring its resilience with integrity to a clear shared purpose.