How do I apply?

Applications for Accredited Status are made through an online application system. Museums registered under Phase II of the Museum Registration Scheme will be invited to re-apply for Accredited status by MLA before the end of 2009, according to a schedule agreed in 2005. Museums Development Officers and Regional Advisers are aware of the invitation timetables for their areas and can be contacted for further information.

Museums who are new to the Accreditation scheme and who wish to make an application should contact the Accreditation Manager for further information and to confirm eligibility (accreditation@mla.gov.uk).

Whether you are a returning applicant, or new to the scheme, you can expect to receive an application pack, including the published Standard, relevant forms and documentation, as well as guidance on how to use the electronic application system. Applicants from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will receive application packs directly from their assessing organisation.

Internet access is available from all public libraries, and can be used to make an application. Please use the People’s Network website (www.peoplesnetwork.gov.uk) if you need help finding your local library.

For those museums unable to complete an electronic form, a hard copy application form is available for use. Please contact the Accreditation team for further details.

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.

Assessment

Each application is assessed by an expert assessor managed by the relevant assessing organisation:

For England - MLA Council
For Wales – CyMAL: Museums Archives Libraries Wales
For Scotland - Museums Galleries Scotland
For Northern Ireland - the Northern Ireland Museum Council
Assessment of applications from UK government funded National Museums are undertaken by MLA Council.

Museums under assessment can expect to be contacted by the appropriate assessor for clarification where necessary, and/or requests for further documentation. All new applicants should expect to receive a site visit. A minimum of 10% of returning applicants will receive a site visit. The assessor will inform applicants of the progress of their application(s), and the expected Accreditation Panel to which their case will be taken.

Following assessment, recommendations are submitted to an Accreditation Panel made up from members of the Accreditation Committee, who make the final decisions on applications. Panels meet regularly throughout the year.

Please click here for further information regarding the Accreditation Committee.

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)

Accreditation Standard