By Adrian Murphy Main Image: Pitt Rivers Museum. Photo © University of Oxford
During 2017, the Arts Council and its UK Accreditation Partners will be undertaking a review of certain aspects of the Museums Accreditation Scheme
The Museum Accreditation Scheme will undergo a review in 2017 to ensure accreditation can continue to contribute effectively to the health and development of museums and mark its 30th birthday in 2018 with a newly refreshed scheme.
The sector-led scheme, which launched in 1988, helps museums secure long-term public access to sustainable collections by promoting shared standards in how they are run, how they manage their collections and the experiences of user.
Accreditation Partners
- Arts Council England (ACE)
- The Welsh Government (MALD)
- Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS)
- Northern Ireland Museums Council (NIMC)
And other stakeholders:
- Army Museums Ogilby Trust (AMOT)
- Association of Independent Museums (AIM)
- Collections Trust
- English Heritage
- Museums Association (MA)
- National Trust
- National Museum Directors’ Conference
- University Museums Group
Scott Furlong, Director, Collections and Cultural Property, ACE said the UK Accreditation Scheme has had a huge impact since its launch almost 30 years ago.
“While the scheme remains vital and valued, as we reach the end of the first full cycle of the 2011 Accreditation Standard, there are certain aspects of Accreditation that would benefit from review,2 he said. “In 2017, we will undertake a light-touch review of the Accreditation Scheme, working closely with our UK Partners: The Welsh Government, through Museums, Archives and Libraries Division (MALD); Museums Galleries Scotland and Northern Ireland Museums Council together with colleagues from the museums sector.
To allow ACE to focus on the review, there will be a revision of the Accreditation submission schedule in England for 2017. This includes prioritising:
- new applications
- responses to museums experiencing significant change
- provisional Accreditation reviews
- those who have already applied
Museums in England due to reapply for Accreditation in 2017, will now remain part of the scheme for an additional 12 months. These museums will then reapply in 2018.
ACE say this will not affect any applications as a National Portfolio Organisation.
For more information follow this link: Accreditation Scheme.
