Main Image: A family silhouetted in front of the Model Boat showcase at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall. Photograph by Toby Weller
A survey has been launched today by ACE to gain wider views from the sector to inform the ‘light touch’ Review of the Museum Accreditation Scheme that was announced in January
The ‘light-touch’ review of the Accreditation Scheme looks at where the standard is focussed and the processes and support around the Scheme to ensure it is as effective as possible.
The Accreditation Scheme sets nationally agreed standards for museums in the UK and ACE says it defines good practice and identifies agreed standards, thereby encouraging development. It adds that the scheme is a baseline quality standard that helps guide museums to be the best they can be, for current and future users, ‘Although it is a national standard, it’s not a ‘one size fits all’ model’. There are currently more than 1,700 museums participating in the scheme across the UK of which 1,300 are in England.
The review has so far been shaped by the UK Accreditation Partners (Arts Council England, Museums Galleries Scotland, the Welsh Government, and Northern Ireland Museums Council) and has benefitted from discussions with wider stakeholders including the Museum Development Network, the Accreditation Committee, and the Association of Independent Museums which along with other sector bodies are represented on our External Advisory Panel.
“We started the Accreditation Review earlier this year and, through valuable conversations with external colleagues, we have identified opportunities to refocus, simplify and improve elements of the Scheme,” said Scott Furlong, Director of Collections and Cultural Property at Arts Council England. “We are keen to hear from a wide range of people about their experiences of Accreditation. We really value all feedback and ideas, and will use the insights we gain from the survey to inform our future plans for the UK Scheme.”
People are invited to participate through the following survey links:
English version – https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/MusAccE
Welsh version – https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/MusAccW
The survey will be open for a month and will close on 7 December 2017.
ACE envisages the Accreditation Scheme Review will be completed by spring 2018.
