The new way forward for Museums, Libraries and Archives Council's (MLA) flagship Accreditation scheme is entering its final stages with a revised standard to be announced in autumn 2010.
The MLA is committed to developing Accreditation in order to strengthen it as a UK agreed standard.
The recent revisions aim to:
- make it more useful to museums wishing to develop and improve;
- encourage museums to actively involve their audiences, users and communities in the development and delivery of better services;
- remove unnecessary bureaucracy and simplify the processes involved.
Museum professionals now have an opportunity to give their views to help shape the final standard. Individuals or organisations can comment on whether the requirements are achievable and useful; and to suggest training and support needed to roll out the revised scheme.
Roy Clare, MLA Chief Executive, said: "The Accreditation Scheme is of great significance as an international benchmark in setting and raising the professional standards in museums, large and small, across the country. The involvement of the sector in developing the scheme has been highly valued as a means of ensuring it remains relevant and becomes more streamlined and focused. The revised scheme will serve as a key tool in the improvement of museum services and will help to sharpen the impact they make for the public and communities."
An online consultation is launched today at http://www.mla.gov.uk/what/raising_standards/accreditation/Developing_accreditation .
Closing date for the consultation is 25 June 2010.
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Notes to editors
MLA’s Accreditation Scheme sets nationally agreed standards for museums in the UK. The Standard supports museums in identifying opportunities for further improvement and development. There are currently over 1800 museums participating in the Scheme, demonstrating their commitment to managing collections effectively for the enjoyment of all communities. For further information see http://www.mla.gov.uk/what/raising_standards/accreditationb