MLA

Where can I get help?

We recognise that undertaking an application for Accredited Status, and successfully maintaining the national standard can be challenging for many museums, both in terms of time, and in understanding what the individual requirements mean for your organisation.

Support and advice has been developed and implemented across the UK, and is detailed below:

National Providers

Contact details for advisers can be found on the Association of Independent Museums website (AIM)

England

The structure of Accreditation support has recently changed, and the new arrangements will be announced shortly.

In the mean time, each region has a Renaissance funded Museum Development team; please refer to the individual regional Renaissance pages for details:

Wales

Support and advice is available from our partners at CyMAL: Museums Archives and Libraries Wales.

Contact: Carol Whittaker

Scotland

Support and advice is available from our partners at Museums Galleries Scotland.

Contact: Gillian Simison

Northern Ireland

Support and advice is available from our partners at the Northern Ireland Museums Council.

Contact: Heather McGuicken

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.

  • 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.

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