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ACE announces review of Museum Accreditation scheme
Scheme must better reflect sector’s needs amid ‘challenging’ operating environment, says Emmie Kell
Arts Council England (ACE) has announced a review of the UK-wide Museum Accreditation scheme.
The arm’s-length body has secured significant investment from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to improve the usability and accessibility of Accreditation and ensure the scheme better reflects the sector’s priorities.
In a blog announcing the review, Emmie Kell, the director of museums and cultural property at the arts council, acknowledged the difficult financial circumstances facing the sector.
“We know that your operating environment is really challenging at the moment,” said Kell. “You have told us that Accreditation should function as a useful check and challenge, and we are determined to ensure that is the case.
“That’s why, during 2025, we will work with you to understand and review where we can improve your experience of Accreditation, and how we can increase the value of participation over the coming years.”
Kell added: “We will work to better understand both the function and form of Accreditation. We want the process to be as effective and intuitive as possible for colleagues putting their time into completing it. Likewise, we want to ensure it reflects both your organisation and UK partners’ priorities – in areas ranging from equality, diversity and inclusion to environmental sustainability.”
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The review will not impact access to the Accreditation scheme, which will remain open throughout the process.
ACE runs the scheme with three other national partners: Museums Galleries Scotland, the Northern Ireland Museums Council and the Welsh Government.
It recently published improved applicant guidance in relation to the 2018 Accreditation Standard, with the aim of making it easier to follow and more accessible.
“Understanding that we need to improve the usability and accessibility of Accreditation will guide our work going into this review,” said Kell. “It has already informed the guidance refresh and website redesign to make it easier to find the most useful information.
“This approach – one of co-design, user-focus, improved communication and collaboration – will guide us as we get underway with a wider review of Accreditation in 2025.”
The scheme was previously reviewed in 2018 and 2010.