How to use the Competency Framework
The Competency Framework has been developed to support individual reflection professional development and career progression.
Within the framework there are six competencies focusing on specific areas of practice. We feel that to successfully work together within, across and beyond the sector everyone should understand, appreciate and respect all areas of practice and expertise.
We invite you to explore the framework and reflect on your own professional practice. You can do this in a variety of ways:
Competencies
- Look at the six competencies and identify the ones that most align to your current role
- Look at the six competencies and identify the ones that align to your interests and values
- Look at the six competencies and identify the ones that align to your future career vision
Competency statements
- Starting at level 1, we recommend you reflect on the individual competency statements, noting the statements that you feel most confident about and the statements you need to develop
- Continue to read across the levels, reflecting on your current practice and confidence, which will provide you with a sense of your strengths and development needs
Competency levels
- If you are interested in one of our core professional development programmes you should reflect on your experience
- We expect all those successfully completing their Associateship of the Museums Association (AMA) to demonstrate evidence of deep understanding and/or experience at level 2, including level 1
- We expect all those successfully completing their Fellowship of the Museums Association (FMA) to demonstrate evidence of deep understanding and/or experience at level 4, including all levels below
Strengths analysis
This reflection can form the basis of a professional development plan.
It highlights areas where you may feel you need additional development to expand or hone your professional practice.
This clarity helps you identify specific development opportunities to meet your development needs through our Museums Association events, resources and programmes.
Examples
1. If you identify a need to increase your understanding of ethical practice, this can be delivered through participating in the Working Ethically module in our Museum Essentials online learning programme.
2. If you identify a need to increase your understanding of the climate crisis, this can be delivered through reading and reflecting on materials in our Museums for Climate Justice campaign area.
3. If you identify a need to increase your understanding of community engagement, this can be delivered through participating in a one-day conference focusing on community partnerships.
For more information, please email cpd@museumsassociation.org.