Accreditation Scheme

Designated collection at Library and Museum of Freemasonry

Accreditation Scheme

Accreditation Scheme for museums in the UK

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 1,800 museums participating in the Scheme, demonstrating their commitment to managing collections effectively for the enjoyment of our communities.

Current participants within the scheme are listed in the Excel Spreadsheet below. This document will be updated following each panel meeting after the Statistical Release.

List of Accredited Museums in the UK (Excel 363KB)

For queries relating to an application for Accredited Status please contact your Regional Accreditation Adviser and/or Museum Development Officer (where present) in the first instance. Please see section on 'Where can I get help?' below.

For further information please contact Samuel Rowlands (Accreditation Manager):

Email: accreditation@mla.gov.uk
Tel: 0121 345 7315

MLA has produced a revised guide to 'Promoting your award', using the revised Accreditation logo. The guide has been created to help museums promote their Accredited status. It can supplement resources provided by communications colleagues, and provides easy to follow tips and templates to help:

develop your core messaging around Accreditation
encourage your press office, volunteers and local authority to make use of the material we have provided
achieve media coverage for your museum, and
provide support in promoting your museum through events, photography, branding and website content.

If you require an electronic copy of the logo, please contact accreditation@mla.gov.uk
Information regarding the Accreditation Scheme, as well as support and advice arrangements, and sources of information have been included below.

Please click on the appropriate links below for details.

About Accreditation

The Museum Registration Scheme was established in 1988. Since then it has helped over 1,800 museums across the UK to focus on

Developing Accreditation

The standard will be re-presented as a more focused set of requirements, and there will be increased flexibility for museums to...

The Accreditation Committee

The Scheme is overseen by the Accreditation Committee, senior museum professionals with knowledge and expertise relating to

How do I apply?

Information and documents that will help you apply for the MLA's Accreditation Scheme.

Where can I get help?

Details and contact information for support arrangements in each English region and for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

Retaining your award

Museums achieving Accredited Status are required to provide evidence of continued attainment through an information return...

Responsibilities transfer

From 1st October 2011, this site will not be updated, so please treat it as the static archive it is. This is because <a target="_Blank" href="http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/">Arts Council England</a> has now taken over museums and libraries responsibilities. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/">The National Archives</a> has assumed responsibility for strategic leadership of the Archives sector. Arts Council responsibilities will also now include the Renaissance programme, Museum Accreditation, and Library Development, together with cultural property services such as Export Licensing and the Acceptance in Lieu scheme. The National Archives has assumed responsibility for providing strategic leadership to the archives sector and advising government on its development. The MLA is now winding down, with a skeleton staff remaining until May 2012 to complete the management of existing Renaissance contracts, complete outstanding financial and contractual arrangements and prepare for the appointment of a liquidator. This website will remain live until 31st March so that the public still has full access to the material on it – good practice case studies, toolkits, guidance and a range of other publications. Continue reading

Related links
collections management
MLA supports or contributes to a variety of initiatives to provide comprehensive advice and information for everyone involved in developing and managing collections.
renaissance
Renaissance is the MLA’s ground-breaking programme to transform England’s regional museums. Central government funding is enabling regional museums across the country to raise their standards and deliver real results in terms of education and regeneration in local communities.
raising standards
Through highlighting best practice, supporting improvement, and running schemes such as Accreditation and Designation