Retaining your award

Accreditation Returns (Biennial)

Museums must demonstrate that they continue to meet the requirements of the Scheme by submitting an Accreditation Return every two years.

Museums with Full Accreditation will demonstrate that they continue to meet the criteria for Full Accreditation and are addressing any outstanding Areas for Improvement.
Museums with Provisional Accreditation will demonstrate that they are actively addressing their Required Actions and working towards gaining Full Accreditation.

Current Activity

Since September 2009, MLA has been reviewing and assessing over 500 Biennial Return responses received in the current round.
Many museums have been visited as part of the review process, which has been an excellent opportunity for museums to showcase their work.
MLA anticipates that the process will be completed by September 2010.

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.
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

MLA