The Accreditation Scheme sets out nationally-agreed standards for museums, which inspire the confidence of the public and funding and governing bodies. It helps everyone involved with a museum to do the right things, helping people to access and engage with collections, and protect them for future generations. The Accreditation Scheme does this by making sure museums manage their collections properly, engage with visitors, and are governed appropriately by encouraging all museums and galleries to meet agreed standards in:
how they’re run
how they manage their collections
how they engage with their users
The scheme is managed as a UK Partnership between Arts Council England (ACE), the Welsh Government, Museums Galleries Scotland and Northern Ireland Museums Council. It is run for museums and galleries of all sizes and types across the UK.
New to Accreditation?
Find out more here.
Already Accredited?
Returns Schedule
ACE is announcing Accreditation returns in phases. When your museum is included in a returns announcement, you’ll be notified by ACE and contacted by MDM who can offer support and signpost you to resources. You can download the most recent returns schedules here. All museums on the list should have been contacted by both ACE and MDM but do check the list and if your museum is on it and you’ve not heard from us please email accreditation@mdmidlands.org.uk.
Here are our five Accreditation top tips:
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1. Appoint an Accreditation Mentor (if you need one)
Accreditation Mentors are experienced professionals in the sector, who help smaller museums achieve and retain Accreditation. Go to the Accreditation Mentor page to learn how an Accreditation Mentor could help your museum or how you could become an Accreditation Mentor.
2. Treat Accreditation as a process not an event
By actively using and reviewing your policies, plans and procedures your paperwork will always be up to date.
3. Get advice and support
For regular Accreditation news, keep in touch with us, the Museum Development Midlands team. Contact us by email. Encourage your colleagues to sign up to our mailing list via our website to find out about any Accreditation updates.
Watch Accreditation webinars here. There are five webinars – one for each of the three sections of the Accreditation Standard, one that covers the processes (including Grantium for Accreditation) and one for museums completely new to the scheme.
Olivia Basterfield, MDM’s Accreditation lead, offers bookable one hour Accreditation surgeries. These are a great opportunity to seek tailored advice and support. Soon you will be able to book your surgery here.
4. Address action points
Your recommendations (called Areas for Development) can be found in your most recent outcome letter. If you don’t have a copy of your outcome letter, email accreditation@artscouncil.org.uk to obtain a copy.
5. Create an account
You will apply online using Grantium. User support is available from the Arts Council England Customer Service Team by email or phone 0161 934 4317.
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