MLA

How do I apply?

The revised Accreditation Standard will be published on 3rd October 2011, and the Accreditation Scheme will reopen for applications in November 2011.

Please see 'Developing Accreditation' for further information.

New applicants to the scheme should first complete the Eligibility Questionnaire, to confirm whether your organisation is eligible. Please download the form, which includes a 'Frequently Asked Questions' section.

Microsoft Word Eligibility Questionnaire (Word 392KB)

Support and advice is available to applicants for Accreditation before, during and after assessment.

Please click here for further information regarding support arrangements in your area.

Should you have any queries, please contact accreditation@mla.gov.uk or call 0121 345 7315.

Useful documents

Here you will find documents that will support your application for Accreditation. Please note the icons next to the link, indicating the type of file present (PDF or .DOC)

Adobe PDF Accreditation Standard

Microsoft Word Model Acquisition & Disposals Policy 2008 (WORD)

Adobe PDF Model Acquisition & Disposals Policy 2008 (PDF)

Adobe PDF Benchmarks in Collections Care

Adobe PDF Museum Mentor Handbook (Section 1-3) (PDF 165KB)

Microsoft Word Museum Mentor Toolkit (Section 4) (Word 274KB)

Adobe PDF Guidance Document – Constitutions & Governance (PDF 265KB)

Latest News

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

  • developing accreditation

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

  • 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 standards and to identify areas for further work and development.

  • accreditation committee

    The Scheme is overseen by the Accreditation Committee, senior museum professionals with knowledge and expertise relating to museums of all types throughout the UK.

  • 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 every two years, known as the Biennial Return.

Subscribe

Keep up to date with all the latest news from MLA by subscribing to our News RSS feed.

Subscribe

Sector Statistics

stats 007school visits to museums statisticsUser satisfaction with public librariesMuseums, libraries and archives website use statistics graphicVolunteering Numbers statisticsNo. of Public Libraries in England (2008-09)Stats widget
The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council
Grosvenor House, 14 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham  B2 5RS United Kingdom
Email:
Tel work: +44 (0)121 345 7300
Fax:+44 (0)207 273 1404