Extension of consultation period for the Code of Ethics review

The Museums Association has announced an extension of the consultation period for the review the Code of Ethics for Museums. 

Since the beginning of 2024, we have been analysing hundreds of consultation responses and considering how to update the Code of Ethics.

We have heard that you think that the code should be more people-centred, include more active and participatory language, and emphasise equitable and collaborative relationships.

We have continued the consultation process by speaking to key sector bodies and Accreditation partners to gather their views. In April, we ran a consultation event with community partners who work with museums as we wanted to make sure the Code of Ethics works for the communities our museums serve.

Over the summer we met with representatives of groups such as the English Civic Museums Network, the National Museum Directors’ Council, Museum Detox and others.

As part of the drafting process we have had more feedback and responses and, in order to make sure the new code is fit for purpose and meets sector needs, we have decided to extend the consultation period into next year. 

This will provide the opportunity to further engage sector bodies and members, to conduct thorough testing of the final draft and to gather strong contemporary case studies that are ready to publish with the new Code. 

The Ethics Committee will meet later this month to consider the feedback so far and agree the timeline and process going forward. 

Chair of the Ethics Committee, Michael Terwey, said: “We are delighted that so many members have taken the time to engage with the review, offering thoughtful and insightful feedback and suggestions.  We want to make sure that we capture and understand all views in the sector on the substance and wording of the code, so have decided to extend the consultation period to give everyone the chance to contribute.”