Museum Association GB - Code of Ethics for Museums

Code of Ethics for Museums Ethical principles for all who work for or govern museums in the UK

MUSEUMS ASSOCIATION

Museums Association 42 Clerkenwell CloseLondon EC1R 0AZ T: 020 7566 785 F: 020 7251 6935 E: [email protected] www. museumsassociation.org

Foreword 3

Howtousethiscode 4

Membersofgoverningbodiesandpolicy 4

Ethicalandlegalobligations 4

TheCodeofEthicsforMuseumsandothervoluntarystandards 5

ThiscodeandmembershipoftheMuseumsAssociation 5

Thestructureofthecodeandrelatedmaterial 6

Adviceonethicalmattersandethicstraining 6

Historicalnote 6

Glossary 7

Code of Ethics for Museums 8

Holdcollectionsintrustonbehalfofsociety 8

Focusonpublicservice 9

Encouragepeopletoexplorecollectionsforinspiration,learningandenjoyment

Consultandinvolvecommunities,usersandsupporters

Acquireitemshonestlyandresponsibly 3

Safeguardthelong-termpublicinterestinthecollections 5

Recognisetheinterestsofpeoplewhomade,used,owned,collectedorgaveitemsinthecollections 7

Supporttheprotectionofnaturalandhumanenvironments 9

Research,shareandinterpretinformationrelatedtocollections,reflectingdiverseviews 9

Reviewperformancetoinnovateandimprove

Index 3

Thesevenprinciplesofpubliclife 4

Summary 5

Published008bytheMuseumsAssociation,4CalvinStreet,LondonE6NWTel:007466955Fax:00746696Email:[email protected]

Allrightsreserved.MaterialinthisbookletmaybecopiedforusewithinmuseumsintheUK.

Copiesofthisbookletareavailablefreeofchargefromtheaboveaddress.CopiescanbesuppliedonrequestinWelsh,largeprintandinotherformats.AlargerprintversioncanbedownloadedfromtheMuseumsAssociationswebsite:www.museumsassociation.org

3Foreword

Whatisacodeofethicsactuallyfor?Ibelieveitistoidentifypotentialpitfalls;toofferguidanceindifficultsituations;toprovideconsistencyindealingwithissuessowedontallmakeitupaswegoalong;andtomaintaintheconfidenceofbenefactors,originatorsandsocietyasawhole.Butaboveall,Ibelieveitistohelpmuseumprofessionalsresolvetheoperationalandmanagementproblemsthattheyfacedayin,dayout.

Acodeofmuseumethicsshouldrepresentandarticulateasetofconsensualvaluesandstandardsofbehaviourthatareagreedataparticulartimetodefinearelationshipoftrustbetweenthemuseumandthecommunitiesitserves.ThisCodeofEthicsforMuseumsistheresultofover5yearsofethicaldevelopmentintheUKandoverseasmuseumsectors.

Inordertobehelpfulacodeofethicsmustbebothaspirationalandpragmatic.Itmustsethighstandardsforprofessionalbehaviour,butensurethatitsguidanceisrealisticandcapableofbeingimplementedbyawiderangeofmuseums.Thereisnopointinoccupyingtheethicalhighgroundifthatresultsinmuseumsbecomingunsustainable.

Itisalwaystemptingtobelievethatthingsweresimplerinthepast,butIdotrulybelievethatmuseumsarecurrentlyfacingunparalleledchallenges.AndthisiswhereIthinkacodeofethicsreallycomesintoitsown.Iftheproblemswefaceeverydaywereeasilyresolved,wewouldnotneedacodeofethicstoguideus.Thecodeisanavigationalaidtohelpustonegotiatesometimesunchartedwaters.Ifthecodesaidthisistoodangerous,donteventhinkaboutsettingoff,whathelpwouldthatbetous?

Itmust,therefore,beaconstantlyevolvingdocument,subjecttoscrutinybyandconsultationwithboththemuseumsectorandsociety.Thecodewillnottelluswhattodobut,ifusedcorrectly,willinformpolicydevelopmentandensurethatethicaldilemmasareconsideredinabalancedway.Thisiswhatsocietyexpectsofus.

Thislatestrevisionofthecodeistheresultofthoughtfulinputfromnumerouscolleaguesfromeverykindofmuseum.IwouldparticularlyliketoacknowledgethecontributionsofTristramBesterman,thepreviousconveneroftheethicscommittee,MauriceDaviesand,aboveall,CaitlinGriffiths,wholeadtheconsultation.Theethicscommitteealsoplayedanindispensableroleasacriticalsounding-boardinthecodesdevelopment.

Vanessa TrevelyanConvenerMuseumsAssociationEthicsCommittee,00-present

4How to use this code

YouwillneedtoexercisejudgementinapplyingtheprinciplessetoutintheCodeofEthicsforMuseums.Anumberofsometimescompetingconsiderationsmayneedtobebalanced.Anethicaldecisiondoesnotusuallydependonachoicebetweenrightandwrongbutbetweencompetingrights.Thereisnothingwrong,forexample,withadecisiontoacceptfinancialsupportfromcommercialorganisations(0.6).However,itwouldbeunethicaltoacceptsuchsupportifitisofferedonlyonconditionthatthemuseumadvertiseacompanysproductsonexhibitlabels.GuidanceoninterpretationandapplicationofthecodecanbesoughtfromtheMuseumsAssociation(MA),whichmayrefermatterstoitsethicscommitteeforadefinitivejudgement.

Exercisingjudgementisrequirednotonlyinassessingalternativecoursesofactionbutalsoindeterminingtheextentofyourresponsibilityasanindividual.Allthosewhoworkfororgovernmuseumsshouldendeavour,intheirparticularrole,asfarasitiswithintheirpowertodoso,toensurethattheprinciplesoftheCodeofEthicsforMuseumsareupheldintheirinstitutionorpractice.Sometimesresponsibilitieslieverydirectlywithindividuals.Itis,forexample,theparticularresponsibilityofeventorganiserstoreferto6.5andtoensurethattheyPaydueregardtosafeguardingcollectionsandthepublicsrightofaccesswhenevermuseumpremisesareusedforfunctions.

However,allwhoworkformuseumsdosoonbehalfofthemuseumsgoverningbody,whichhasultimateresponsibilityforpolicyanddecisionsaffectingthegovernanceofthemuseum.Responsibilitymaynotthereforeliesolelywithanindividual,butthatindividualshouldtakeresponsibilityforencouragingandassistingcolleaguesandthegoverningbodytoactethically.Forexample,membersofstaffwhosedutiesdonotincludeorganisingfunctionsshoulddiscusswithseniorstaffanyconcernstheymayhaveoverrestrictionsonpublicaccesswhenfunctionsareheld.Seniorstaffshouldgivedueconsiderationtolegitimateconcerns

andassistthegoverningbodytoaddresstheminsettingethicallysoundpolicyinthisandallotherkeyareas.

Members of governing bodies and policy

Membersofgoverningbodiesshouldbefamiliarwiththecodeinitsentirety.Theirattentionisdrawninparticulartothefollowingsectionsandpointsinthecode:section;section.0to.;section5.0and5.;section6.0to6.,6.9to6.4;andsection0.

Thecodeshouldbereferredtowhendefiningthemissionofamuseumandinanypolicydevelopment.

Ethical and legal obligations

TheCodeofEthicsforMuseumsdefinesstandardsthatareoftenhigherthanthoserequiredbylaw.Itis,however,self-evidentthatthecodecannotoverridethelegalobligationsandrightsofthosewhoworkinorformuseums,includingthosearisingfromanycontractualrelationshiptheremaybewithanemployerorclient.ThecoderepresentstheconsensusviewofmembersoftheMA,whichincludesboththosewhoworkinmuseumsandtheinstitutionsthatemploythem.

TheMAthereforeencouragesemployerstoassureadherencetotheCodeofEthicsforMuseumsasacontractualrequirement.AneffectivewayofachievingthisistoincludereferencetoupholdingandpromotingtheMAsCodeofEthicsforMuseumsinjobdescriptionsthatformpartofanemployeescontractofemployment.

TheMAalsorecommendsthatadherencetothecodeshouldbeusedasastandardrequirementincontractsbetweenconsultantsandtheirclients.

TheCodeofEthicsforMuseumsmustbesubordinatetothelegalpowersandobligationsofgoverningbodiesresponsibleformuseumsandthelegalpowersandobligationsofindividualmembersofsuch

5bodies.However,theMAbelievesthiscodesprovisionstobeinthebestinterestsofthepublicandthereforeurgesallmuseumgoverningbodies(andwhereappropriate,subsidiary,subcontractedordelegatedbodiessuchasexecutivecommittees,contractorsormanagingbodies),formallytoadoptit.

The Code of Ethics for Museums and other voluntary standards

EthicalstandardsdevelopedbytheMAhaveinformedthenationalAccreditationschemeformuseumsintheUKataninstitutionallevel.AccreditationisadministeredbytheMuseums,LibrariesandArchivesCouncil.

TheMAsupportstheworkofspecialistorganisationsintheUKwhosemembersareinvolvedinmuseumworkandwhomayproducetheirowncodesofethicsandethicalguidelines.TheMAcanhelpincross-referencingtothesecodesandguidelinesandinreferringenquirerstoappropriatesourcesofspecialistadvice.

TheCodeofEthicsforMuseumsisconsistentwiththeCodeofEthicsforMuseumsworldwideproducedbytheInternationalCouncilofMuseums(ICOM).TheMAsupportsICOMswork.

TheMAencouragesitsmemberstosupportinternationalconventionsrelatingtomuseumswhetherornottheseconventionshavebeenratifiedintheUK,whereconsistentwiththiscodeandthelaw.

This code and membership of the Museums Association

TheMAisregisteredasacharity.Itisanon-governmental,independentlyfinancedmembershiporganisationprovidingservicestoandreflectingtheinterestsofmuseumsandthosewhoworkfor,andgovernthem.TheCodeofEthicsforMuseumsoutlinesethicalprinciplesforallmuseumsintheUK.Thecodeappliestomembersofstaff,paidorunpaid,toconsultantsandthosewhoworkfreelance,tomembersofmuseumgoverningbodies,andtothosewhoworkfororgovernorganisationsthatsupport,adviseorprovideservicestomuseums,includingtheMA.

TheMAexpectsallmemberstoupholdandtopromotetheCodeofEthicsforMuseumsasaprofessionalobligation.ToachieveAssociateshipoftheMuseumsAssociation(AMA)membersmustdemonstrateawarenessofthecodeandthewaysinwhichitisused.ToachieveFellowshipoftheMuseumsAssociation(FMA)membersmustshowthattheypromotethewiderapplicationofthecodewithinmuseums.

TheCodeofEthicsforMuseumsappliestoindividualsandinstitutions.Thecodeisintendedtounderpinmuseumpoliciesandtoguidemembersofmuseumgoverningbodies.TheMAexpectsitsinstitutionalmemberstoupholdtheCodeofEthicsforMuseumsandencouragesthemformallytoadoptit.

6The structure of the code and related material

Thespiritofthecodeisasimportantastheletter.Thecodeisinformedbyabeliefthatethicalbehaviourisasmuchaboutdevelopinggoodpracticeasavoidingmalpractice.Therefore,thenumberedpointsineachsection,whichdefineanddetailethicalactivity,areexpressedinpositiveratherthannegativeterms.TheMAsdefinitionofamuseumcanbefoundonp9.Thevaluesinthedefinitionareelaboratedinastatementoftencoremuseumvaluesthatprefacethecode.Thevaluesserveasasummaryofthekeypointsofthecodeandasheadingsforsectionswithinit.Thecolouredsectionsundereachheadinginthecodedescribedifferentaspectsofmuseumactivityandtheethosthatinformstheminmuseumsattheirbest.Thesesectionsshouldbereadwiththatconsiderationinmind.

Thecurrentcodeandguidelines,togetherwithotherupdatedrelatedmaterialandfurtherinformationonpracticalitiesassociatedwithethicalgoodpracticecanbefoundontheMAswebsite:www.museumsassociation.org

Thisdocumentisalsosupportedbyadditionalethicalguidelines:

Disposaltoolkit,008Acquisition,004

Thedefinition,thecorevalues,thecodeandtheethicalguidelinesmovefromprinciplestopracticeofferingincreasinglydetailedguidanceappropriatetodifferentlevelsofinvolvementinparticularaspectsofmuseumactivity.

Advice on ethical matters and ethics training

TheMAoffersfree,confidentialadviceonethicalmatterstopeoplewhoworkfororgovernmuseums.Inaddition,trainingsessionsonmuseumethicsareheldthroughouttheUK.Sessionscanbearrangedspecificallyforpeoplewhoworkformuseumsorforthosewhogovernthem,orformixedgroupsofboth.In-housesessionscanbearrangedinindividualmuseumsongeneralorspecificthemes.Thesesessionscanusuallybeprovidedfreeofchargeoratminimalcost.ForfurtherinformationpleasecontacttheMAattheaddressshownonp.

Historical note

TheCodeofEthicsforMuseumswasadoptedattheOctober00AnnualGeneralMeeting(AGM)oftheMAandcameintoforceinApril00.Section6ofthecodewasrevisedin007andthewordingwasadoptedattheOctober007AGM.TheCodeofEthicsforMuseumsreplacestheCodeofConductforPeoplewhoWorkinMuseums,adoptedatthe996AGM,andtheCodeofPracticeforMuseumGoverningBodies,adoptedatthe994AGM.Thosecodesthemselvesreplacedearliercodes,listedbelow.

TheCodeofConductforMuseumProfessionals,99

TheCodeofConductforMuseumCurators,983,revised987

GuidelinesforProfessionalConduct,977CodeofPracticeforMuseumAuthorities,977,revised987.

ThefoundationsforthepublicationoftheassociationsfirstethicalstandardsandtheirsubsequentdevelopmentintheUKwerelaidbytheMuseumAssistantsGroup(laterrenamedtheMuseumProfessionalsGroup)between970and983.

7Glossary

MuseumUsersoftheCodeofEthicsforMuseumsshouldbefamiliarwiththeMAsdefinitionofamuseum:

Museumsenablepeopletoexplorecollectionsforinspiration,learningandenjoyment.Theyareinstitutionsthatcollect,safeguardandmakeaccessibleartefactsandspecimens,whichtheyholdintrustforsociety.

Inthisdefinitionandhencethroughoutthecode,museumsshouldbetakentoincludegalleriesandsubsidiarycompaniesofmuseums.

Acollectionisanorganisedassemblageofselectedmaterialevidenceofhumanactivityorthenaturalenvironment,accompaniedbyassociatedinformation.Aswellasobjects,scientificspecimensorworksofartheldwithinamuseumbuilding,acollectionmayincludebuildingsorsites.

Safeguardingincludesundertakingconservation,securityandcollectionsmanagement.

Makingaccessibleincludesundertakinginterpretation,education,exhibition,outreach,documentation,researchandpublication,withinoroutsidethemuseumsownbuildings.

DealingDealingismakingaspeculativeacquisitionwiththeintentionofresellingforprofit.

Governing body Thegoverningbodyofamuseumistheprincipalbodyofindividualsinwhichrestsultimateresponsibilityforpolicyanddecisionsaffectingthegovernanceofthemuseum.Legaltitletotheassetsofthemuseummaybevestedinthisbody.

Inthecaseofamuseumlimitedbyguaranteethegoverningbodyistheboardofdirectorsorcouncilofmanagement.

Inthecaseofalocalauthoritymuseum,itisthefullcounciloftheauthority.Insomelocalauthorities,however,understandingorders,policydecisionsvestedinfullcouncilare

delegatedtoindividualelectedmembersorsmallgroupsofelectedmembers.Suchdelegatedpowers,whereformallyagreed,mayextendtoincludedecisionsonethically-sensitiveissuessuchasdisposal.

Inthecaseofanationalmuseumoramuseumrunbyatrust,itisthefullboardoftrustees.

Inthecaseofamuseumrunbyanunincorporatedassociationitisthecommittee.

Inthecaseofauniversitymuseumitisthecouncil(orother-namedsupremegoverningbody)oftheuniversity.

Public and societyThewordpublicisusedinthiscodeintwosenses,thatinter-connect.

Theideaofsocietyhavingalegitimateinterestinmuseumsandtheiractivitiesisanunderpinningvalueofthecode.Itisreflectedintheuseofthewordpublicintermssuchaspublicdomain,publicservice,publictrustandpublicinterest.

Thewordpublicisalsousedtocharacterisethosewhoareusersofthemuseum(seebelow).

(AnAccreditedmuseumseebelowmustcomplywithpublicaccesscriteriaprescribedbytheMuseumAccreditationScheme).

Accredited museumAnAccreditedmuseumisamuseumprovisionallyorfullyAccreditedunderthenationalAccreditationschemeformuseumsintheUKadministeredbytheMuseums,LibrariesandArchivesCouncil.

UsersUsersareallthoseindividualsandgroupswithwhomtheindividualmuseumisactivelyengaged,tomutualbenefit.Thatsenseofthepublicservedbyamuseumwillbereflectedintheindividualmuseumscorporatemissionandaims,whichshoulddefineitstargetaudiences.Theymayincludepast,currentandpotentialusersoftheservicesprovidedbythemuseum.

8Code of Ethics for Museums

Societycanexpectmuseumsto:

holdcollectionsintrustonbehalfofsociety

focusonpublicservice

encouragepeopletoexplorecollectionsforinspiration,learningandenjoyment

consultandinvolvecommunities,usersandsupporters

acquireitemshonestlyandresponsibly

safeguardthelong-termpublicinterestinthecollections

recognisetheinterestsofpeoplewhomade,used,owned,collectedorgaveitemsinthecollections

supporttheprotectionofnaturalandhumanenvironments

research,shareandinterpretinformationrelatedtocollections,reflectingdiverseviews

reviewperformancetoinnovateandimprove.

1 Society can expect museums to: Hold collections in trust on behalf of society

1.0 Museums behave as ethical guardians as well as owners of collections. They never relinquish the trust invested in them, without public consent.

Allthosewhoworkfororgovernmuseumsshouldensurethatthey:

1.1Upholdpublictrustresponsibilities.Viewthemuseumastheguardianofitscollections.

1.2Retainitemsinthepublicdomainatwhicheverlocationprovidesthebestbalanceofcare,contextandaccess.

1.3Avoidbehaviourthatcouldbeconstruedasassertingpersonalownershiporcontrolofcollectionsoranypartofthem.

1.4Treatcollectionsasnon-negotiableassetsinfinancialaffairs.Refusetomortgagecollectionsorofferthemassecurityforaloan.Sustainthefinancialviabilityofthemuseumirrespectiveofanyvaluationplacedonitemsinitscollections.

1.5Fulfilallthemuseumsguardianshipresponsibilitiesinrespectnotonlyofthecollectionsbutalsoofallotherresources(forexample,premises,landandinformation),which,inexplicitormoralterms,itholdsintrustforthebenefitofthepublic.

92Society can expect museums to: Focus on public service

2.0Museums belong to everybody. They exist to serve the public. They should enhance the quality of life of everyone, both today and in the future. They are funded because of their positive social, cultural, educational and economic impact.


2.1Recognisethepublicpurposeofmuseums.Putthepublicinterestbeforeotherinterests.

2.2Upholdthehigheststandardsofpersonalconductandcorporateintegrityexpectedinpublicservice.

2.3Accountforactionsanddecisions,bewillingtojustifythemandtakeresponsibilityfortheconsequencesthatflowfromthem.

2.4Uphold,promoteandabidebytheMuseumsAssociationsethicalstandardsbothintheletterandthespiritofthisCodeofEthicsforMuseums.Neverrequireorsuggestthatanyoneshouldactinconflictwiththeprinciplesofthecode.

2.5Keepuptodatewithandworktowardsachievingotherwidelyacceptedstandards,suchastheMuseumsAssociationsethicalguidelines,theAccreditationschemeformuseumsintheUKandsuccessorschemes.Respecttheethicalcodesofotherswhereconsistentwiththisone.

2.6Avoidanyprivateactivityorpursuitofapersonalinterestthatmayconflictorbeperceivedtoconflictwiththepublicinterest.

2.7Declaretothegoverningbodyandhaverecordedbyitanyactivityorpursuitofanyinterestthatmayconflictorbeperceivedtoconflictwiththepublicinterest.

2.8Understandlegalresponsibilitiesasmembersofstafforgoverningbodiesandmakeallpolicyandpracticeatthemuseumcomplywiththelaw.Understandthatpersonalliabilitiesmayfollowfrominsolvencyorwrongfulorfraudulenttradingandfrombreachesofcompany,charityortrustlaw.

2.9Adheretothemuseumsconstitution,whichshouldestablishitspurposeandlegalstatusandtheroleandcompositionofthegoverningbody.Regardtheconstitutionasapublicdocument.Requireeachindividualmemberofthemuseumsgoverningbodytoassumeequalresponsibilityforadherencetothemuseumsconstitution,approvedproceduresandcodesofpractice.Notethatabsencefromameetingofthegoverningbodydoesnotnecessarilyabsolveanindividualmemberfromanyliabilityforadecisiontakenatthatmeeting,shouldtherebeanyquestionofbreachoftrustorstatutorydefault.

2.10Donotallowthechairoranyindividualmemberofagoverningbodytotakeonautonomouspowersfordecisionsandactionsunlessformallydelegatedtodoso,andthenonlyonthebasisthattheactionsoftheindividualarefullyandpromptlyreportedbacktothegoverningbody,asrequiredbytherulesofthegoverningbody.

2.11Considertheeffectofactivitiesconductedinprivatelifeonthereputationofthemuseumandofmuseumsgenerally.

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2.12Observerecognisedpublicservicestandardsregardinggiftsorfavours.Refusetosolicitfromanypersonorbody,andturndownifoffered,anypersonalgiftorfavourthatmightsubsequentlybeinterpretedasaninducementtopromoteortradewiththatpersonorbody.Declareanyofferofapersonalgiftorfavourandconsultatanappropriatelevelofauthorityinadvanceofacting.Recordthedecisionwhetherornotagiftorfavourisaccepted.Recordgiftsorfavoursacceptedbyindividualsinaccordancewithwell-defined,publicly-transparentprocedures.

2.13Refusetodrawonstatusorpositionatthemuseum,orthemuseumsresources,forpersonalgainoradvancementwithoutpriorpermission.Haveinplacepolicyandproceduressothatprivateworkundertakenbyemployeesisapprovedinadvanceanddoesnotconflictwiththemuseumsinterestorwiderpublicinterest.Considerthecurrentneedsofthemuseumindecidingtheproportionofanyfeesthatmayberetainedbyemployeesengagedinprivatework.

2.14Refusetoidentify,authenticateorvalueitemsinprivateownershipforpersonalpayment,giftsorfavours.

2.15Avoidallactivitiesthatcouldbeconstruedastradingordealinginculturalpropertyunlessauthorisedinadvancebythegoverningbody.Refusetodealinanymaterialcoveredbythemuseumsacquisitionpolicy,toengageinprivatecollectingincompetitionwiththemuseumortouseaconnectionwiththemuseumtopromoteprivatecollecting.Refusetoacquireanyitemsfromcollectionsthatthemuseumhasdisposedof.

2.16Declaretothemuseum,andhaveapprovedbyitsgoverningbody,anysignificantprivatecollectingthatmaybecoveredbythemuseumsacquisitionpolicy.Apply,inanyprivatecollecting,thesameethicalstandardsasmuseumsadoptgenerally,refusing,forexample,toacquireillicitmaterial.Collectforprivatepurposesoncollectingorfieldtripsonlywithexplicitprioragreementfromthemuseumandifthecollectingisincidentalandthetimeinvolvedisreasonable.Makecleartoallpartieswhetheranitemisbeingcollectedforamuseumoraprivatecollection.

2.17Avoidbeingseenasrepresentingthemuseumifspeakingpersonallyoronbehalfofoutsideorganisationswhosepracticesandpurposesconflictwiththatofthemuseum.

2.18Recognisethatitislegitimateforpeoplewhoworkinmuseumstopresentevidencebasedontheirknowledgeandexperienceofsubjectsthatareamatterofpublicconcernorcontroversy.Obtainauthorisationbeforemakingstatementsonsensitiveissuesthataffectthemuseum.Baseanypubliccommentsasfaraspossibleonsoundscholarshipandreliableinformation.

3 Society can expect museums to: Encourage people to explore collections for inspiration, learning and enjoyment

3.0Museums have the generosity of spirit to be approachable at every point of contact, to reach out to audiences and to increase access to their collections. As educational institutions, museums encourage a participative approach to learning. However specialised their subjects or remote their locations, they develop new audiences and deepen relationships with existing users. Museums recognise that individuals have varied backgrounds and varying physical, intellectual and cultural needs and expectations.


3.1Improvethequalityofexperienceforallusers.

3.2Recognisethediversityandcomplexityofsocietyandupholdtheprincipleofequalopportunitiesforall.

3.3Developandpromotethemuseumtoappealtoaneverbroaderandmorevariedaudience.Aimtoprovidesomethingofinteresttoeverypotentialuser.

3.4Promotepublicawareness,understandingandappreciationofthemuseum.Promotetheeducationalroleofthemuseuminitswidestsenseandcaterforabroadrangeofinterestlevelsandabilities.

3.5Takeaccountofindividualsdifferingeducationalexperiences,learningstyles,abilitiesandwaysofunderstanding.Provideachoiceoftypesandlevelsofaccess.

3.6Respondtothediverserequirementsofdifferentculturalgroups.

3.7Respondtotheneedsandwishesofpeoplewithdisabilities.Haveinplaceeffectivesystemstoensurethatbuildings,displaysandotherservicesareincreasinglyaccessibletopeoplewithphysical,sensoryorlearningdisabilities.

3.8Takeaccountofpresentandpotentialusersabilityandwillingnesstovisitifadmissionorotherchargesarelevied.

3.9Makeprovisionforthosewhoarenotcurrentlypreparedorabletovisit.Useavarietyofmeanstoimproveaccess,suchasoutreach,publishingorwebsites.

3.10Makethemuseumsservicesavailableonaregularbasisandattimeswhichreflecttheneedsofusersandpotentialusers.Makeopeningtimes,eventsandotherserviceswidelyknown.Makeexplicitthelevelsofaccessavailabletocollections,includingitemsnotondisplay.

3.11Respondpositivelytopeoplesexpectationsofaccesstomuseumcollections,whetherdisplayedornot.Regularlyreviewthemeansavailabletothemuseumtomakecollectionsmoreaccessible,eitherdirectlyorinelectronicorpublishedform.

3.12Reconcilethemuseumsroleinsafeguardingitemsforthebenefitoffutureuserswithitsobligationtooptimiseaccessforpresentusers.Makeexplicitthecriteriausedifaccessneedstoberestricted.

3.13Makeprovisionnotjustforsafeguardingthecollectionsbutalsoforkeepingthemaccessiblewheneverabuildingthathousescollectionsneedstobeclosedorisolated.

3.14Assisteveryonewhomakesareasonablerequestforinformation.Givepublicaccesstoalldocumentationandotherinformationheldbyamuseum,unlesstheinformationwasimpartedinconfidence,oritcanbeshownthatthewiderpublicinterestdemandsthataccessberestricted(forexampletoprotectcollectionsorpreventabuseofsitesofhistoricorscientificimportance).

3.15Considerrestrictingaccesstocertainspecifieditemswhereunrestrictedaccessmaycauseoffenceordistresstoactualorculturaldescendants.Provideseparatestoragefacilitieswhereappropriate.(Seealsosection7,Recognisetheinterestsofpeoplewhomade,used,owned,collectedorgaveitemsinthecollections.)

3.16Facilitatepublicaccesstotheexpertiseofmembersofstaff.Allowpublicaccesstounpublishedresearchcarriedoutonbehalfofthemuseumunlessthereisagenuineneedtoprotecttheresearch.

3.17Undertakeidentificationstothehighestscholarlystandardsandprovideasmanysignificantfactsaboutanitemaspossible.Donotconcealanylackofspecialisedknowledgeandrecommendotherappropriatesourcesofadvicetoenquirerswheneverpossible.

3.18Encouragepublicappreciationoftheculturalratherthanfinancialvalueofitems.Refusetoputafinancialvalueonitemsforthepublic.(Valuationforamuseumsowninternalmanagementprocesses,suchasinsuranceandacquisitionisethical.)(Seealsosection5,Acquireitemshonestlyandresponsibly.)

3.19Balanceprovisionforparticulargroupsorindividuals,suchasspecialistenquirers,withlong-termprovisionforawideraudience.

4Society can expect museums to: Consult and involve communities, users and supporters

4.0 Museums seek the views of communities, users and supporters and value the contributions they make. Museums actively involve them in developing policy, and balance this with the role of museums in leading and promoting debate. Museums engage with changing needs and values.


4.1Consultandinvolvegroupsfromcommunitiestheyserveandtheirrepresentativestopromoteasenseofsharedownershipintheworkofthemuseum.

4.2Useadvisoryandsupportgroupsbutdonotexploitthem.Makethestatusandinfluenceofadvisoryandsupportgroupscleartotheirmembers,treattheirviewswithrespectandprotecttheirconfidences.

4.3Workinpartnershipwithothers.Involvepartnersindecision-making.Treatpartnerswithrespect.Exercisetheauthorityvestedinthemuseumresponsiblyandguardagainsttheunwittingordeliberatemisuseofpower.Remainsensitivetothepossibilitythatthemuseum,howeverunintentionally,mayactinawaythatlacksempathy.Clarifytheaspirationsofthemuseumandpartnerorganisationsandestablishcommonground.Drawupclearstatementsofobjectivesandworkingmethodsforjointprojects.

4.4Keepuptodatewithsocialandeconomicchangeaffectinganyspecificcommunitiesservedbythemuseum.Workcollaborativelywithotherorganisationstoaddresssocialdisadvantageandexclusion.

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5 Society can expect museums to: Acquire items honestly and responsibly

5.0Museums develop collections using long-term plans that are socially responsive. They reject items with dubious provenance. Museums regularly review, publish and adhere to acquisition policies agreed by the governing body that are realistic in terms of the resources required to sustain them. These policies address issues of the context and legitimacy of acquisitions, due diligence, long-term care, documentation and relevance to overriding, institutional aims. Items are acquired on the basis that they will be retained in the public domain.


5.1Collectaccordingtodetailed,publishedpoliciesthatstateclearlywhat,howandwhythemuseumcollects.Frametheacquisitionpolicyinthelightofthemuseumsstatedmission.Specifycriteriaforfutureacquisitionsthatincludetopics,timeperiodsandgeographicalareas.Collectonlywithinacquisitionpolicies,exceptinexceptionalcircumstances.

5.2Acquireanitemonlyafterthoroughconsiderationofitslong-termvalueandhowitwillbeused.

5.3Acceptanitemonlyifthemuseumcanprovideadequate,continuinglong-termcarefortheitemandpublicaccesstoit,withoutcompromisingstandardsofcareandaccessrelatingtotheexistingcollections.

5.4Examinecarefullytheimplicationsof,andrecordthereasonsfor,acceptingitemsthatwillnotbeimmediatelyaccessionedintothepermanentcollection.(Acceptablereasonsmayincludeloan,demonstration,handling,testingorretentionpendingafinaldecisiontoaccessionintothepermanentcollection.)

5.5Co-operateratherthancompetewithotherUKmuseumswhencollecting.Recognisethatotherinstitutionscollectinginthesameorrelatedfieldsmayhaveastrongerclaimtoacquisitionofaparticularitem.Resolvedisputeswithothermuseumsconstructivelyandinthebestinterestofthepublic.Takeaccountoftheinterestsnotonlyofotherregisteredmuseumsbutalsoofrelatedpublicorganisations,suchasarchives.

5.6Recognisethatindividualsorcommunitiesmayhaveastrongerclaimtocertainitemsthanthemuseum.Takeaccountalsoofscientificargumentsforandagainstleavingitemsintheiroriginalcontext.(Seealsosection7,Recognisetheinterestsofpeoplewhomade,used,owned,collectedorgaveitemsinthecollectionsandsection9,Research,shareandinterpretinformationrelatedtocollections,reflectingdiverseviews.)

5.7Exerciseduediligencewhenconsideringanacquisitionorinwardloan.Verifytheownershipofanyitembeingconsideredforacquisitionorinwardloanandthatthecurrentholderislegitimatelyabletotransfertitleortolend.Applythesamestrictcriteriatogifts,bequestsandloansastopurchases.

5.8Rejectanyitemifthereisanysuspicionthatitwaswrongfullytakenduringatimeofconflict,unlessallowedbytreatiesorotheragreements.

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5.9Rejectanyitemifthereisanysuspicionthatithasbeenstolenunless,inexceptionalcircumstances,thisistobringitintothepublicdomain,inconsultationwiththerightfulowner.

5.10Rejectitemsthathavebeenillicitlytraded.NotethattheUNESCOConvention(ontheMeansofProhibitingandPreventingtheIllicitImport,ExportandTransferofOwnershipofCulturalProperty)wasfinalisedin970.Reject,therefore,anyitemifthereisanysuspicionthat,since970,itmayhavebeenstolen,illegallyexcavatedorremovedfromamonument,siteorwreckcontrarytolocallaworotherwiseacquiredinorexportedfromitscountryoforigin(includingtheUK),oranyintermediatecountry,inviolationofthatcountryslawsoranynationalandinternationaltreaties,unlessthemuseumisabletoobtainpermissionfromauthoritieswiththerequisitejurisdictioninthecountryoforigin.(SeetheDepartmentforCulture,MediaandSport[DCMS]guidelinesoncombatingillicittradeformoredetailedguidance.)

5.11Rejectanyitemthatlackssecureownershiphistory,unlessthereisreliabledocumentationtoshowthatitwasexportedfromitscountryoforiginbefore970,orthemuseumisactingasanexternallyapprovedrepositoryoflastresort,orinthebestjudgementofexpertsinthefieldconcernedtheitemisofminorimportanceandhasnotbeenillicitlytraded.

5.12ContactcolleaguesandappropriateauthoritiesbothintheUKandoverseasforanyinformationoradvicethatmaybenecessarytoinformjudgementregardingthelegitimacyofitemsconsideredforacquisitionorinwardloan.

5.13ComplynotonlywithtreatiesthathavebeenratifiedbytheUKgovernment,butalsoupholdtheprinciplesofotherinternationaltreatiesintendedtocurtailtheillicittrade,iflegallyfreetodoso.

5.14Reportanysuspicionofcriminalactivitytothepolice.Reportanyothersuspicionsofillicittradetoothermuseumscollectinginthesameareaandtoorganisationsthataimtocurtailtheillicittrade.

5.15Avoidappearingtopromoteortoleratethesaleofanymaterialwithoutadequateownershiphistorythroughinappropriateorcompromisingassociationswithvendors,dealersorauctionhouses.Refusetolenditemstoanyexhibitionthatislikelytoincludeillicitlytradeditems.

5.16Declinetoofferexpertiseon,orotherwiseassistthecurrentpossessorofanyitemthatmayhavebeenillicitlyobtained,unlessitistoassistlawenforcementortosupportotherorganisationsincounteringillicitactivities.

5.17Exercisecautionwhenacceptingconditionsattachedtoacquisitions,particularlythoseinvolvinggiftsandbequests.Discussexpectationsandclarifyinwritingtheprecisetermsonwhichallpartiesareacceptingtransferoftitle.Specifyunambiguouslytodonorsthemuseumsintentionsregardingsuchmattersas:thelong-termretentionofitems;display;storageandpublicacknowledgement.(Seealsosection7,Recognisetheinterestsofpeoplewhomade,used,owned,collectedorgaveitemsinthecollections.)

5.18Refusetactfullybutfirmlytoacceptanofferofagiftorbequestifitemsoffereddonotmeetcriteriasetoutinthemuseumscollectingpolicy.Explainwhythemuseumisunabletoacceptanofferofagiftorabequest.

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5.19Refuse,inwriting,anyunwanted,unsolicitedgiftsevenifthemuseumhasbeenadvisedthattheyneednotbereturned.Considerinformingintendingbenefactors,ortheirrepresentatives,aboutotherregisteredmuseums,archivesorotherpublicinstitutionsthatmaybeinterestedintheunwanteditems.

5.20Complywithconditionsattachedtoanacquisitiononcetheacquisitionhasbeenmade.(Seealsosection7,Recognisetheinterestsofpeoplewhomade,used,owned,collectedorgaveitemsinthecollections.)

5.21Useagreedproceduresfortakingthefinaldecisiontoacquireanitem.Openproceduresfortransferoftitletoexternalaudit.

5.22Encouragepotentialsellerstogetanindependentvaluationwhenofferingitemsforsaletothemuseum.Seekthebestdiscountfromvendorsoncetheyareawareofthelikelyvalueontheopenmarketofitemstheyoffertoselltothemuseum.

5.23Haveinplaceproceduresapprovedbythegoverningbodyforloansfromandtothemuseum,includinghistoricloans.

ForfurtherguidanceseealsotheMAsethicalguidelinesonacquisitionorvisittheCulturalPropertywebsiteatwww.culturalpropertyadvice.gov.uk

6Society can expect museums to: Safeguard the long-term public interest in the collections

6.0 Collections are a tangible link between the past, present and future. Museums balance the interests of different generations by safeguarding collections, which may include buildings and sites.

Museums develop and implement a collections policy in order to ensure appropriate standards of care and security for all items entrusted to them, either permanently or on loan.

Museums meet their responsibility to future generations by ensuring that collections are well managed and sustainable. There is a strong presumption in favour of the retention of items within the public domain. Sometimes transfer within the public domain, or another form of disposal, can improve access to, or the use, care or context of, items or collections. Responsible, curatorially-motivated disposal takes place as part of a museums long-term collections policy, in order to increase public benefit derived from museum collections.


6.1Actasguardiansofthelong-termpublicinterestinthecollections.

6.2Publish,implementandregularlyreviewaforward-lookingcollectionspolicy,approvedbythegoverningbody,whichspecifiesstandardsofcare.Define,inthecollectionspolicy,levelsofcareappropriatefordifferentpartsofthecollection,acceptablelevelsofriskandhowitemswillbemadeaccessible.

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6.3Protectallitemsfromloss,damageandphysicaldeterioration,wherevertheyare.Maintainappropriatestandardsofprotectionagainsthazardssuchastheft,fire,flood,vandalismanddeteriorationofthecollectionsresultingfromadverseenvironmentalconditions.Specifytheactiontobetakenintheeventofdisastersthreateningthemuseumsbuildings,staff,visitors,recordsorcollections.Makeeveryefforttoprotectthecollectionsintheeventofadisasterbutneverputpeopleslivesatrisk.

6.4Balancethedutyofmaintainingandenhancingcollectionsforfuturegenerationswiththatofprovidingappropriateservicestotodayspublic.Reconcilesecurityandconservationrequirementswithusersrightsofaccessandthedesirabilityoflendingoutsidethemuseum.

6.5Paydueregardtosafeguardingcollectionsandthepublicsrightofaccesswhenevermuseumpremisesareusedforfunctions.

6.6Makeprovisionforsafeguardingcollectionswheneverbuildingshousingthemareclosedorisolated,whetherthisisplannedorunexpected.

6.7Makearrangementstocareproperlyforthehealthandwellbeingofanyliveanimalsforwhichthemuseumisresponsible.

6.8Recognisethatformaltitletoandguardianshipofthecollectionsisvestedinthegoverningbody,whichmustsatisfyitselfthatdecisionstodisposeareinformedbythehigheststandardsofexpertiseandtakeintoaccountalllegalandotherattendantcircumstances.

6.9Demonstrateclearlyhowthelong-termlocalandgeneralpublicinterestisservedincircumstancesinwhichdisposalmaybeappropriateandensurethatpublictrustinmuseumsisupheld.

6.10Giveprioritytotransferringitems,preferablybygifttoregisteredoraccreditedmuseums.Considerdonatingitemstootherpublicinstitutionsifitisnotpossibleforanothermuseumtoacceptthem.Tomaintainpublicconfidenceinmuseumswhereverpossibledonottransferitemsoutofthepublicdomain.(Thisparagraphexcludesmaterialthatisbeingdisposedofbecauseitisdamagedbeyonduse,ordangerous,orisbeingreturnedtoitsplaceoforiginorrightfulowner.)

6.11Basedecisionstodisposeonclear,publishedcriteriaaspartoftheinstitutionslong-termcollectionspolicy,approvedbythegoverningbody.Ensuretransparencyandcarryoutanydisposalopenly,accordingtounambiguous,generallyacceptedprocedures.Managetheprocesswithcareandsensitivitytopublicperceptions.

6.12Seektheviewsofstakeholders(suchasdonors,researchers,localandsourcecommunitiesandothersservedbythemuseum)whohaveavestedinterestinaproposeddisposal.Insomecasesconsentfromthedonormaybealegalrequirement.Whereappropriateseektheviewsofcolleaguesandsectorbodies.

6.13Refusetoundertakedisposalprincipallyforfinancialreasons,exceptinexceptionalcircumstancesasdefinedin6.4.Financially-motivateddisposalrisksdamagingpublicconfidenceinmuseumsandtheprinciplethatcollectionsshouldnotnormallyberegardedasfinancially-negotiableassets.

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6.14Considerfinancially-motivateddisposalonlyinexceptionalcircumstancesandwhenitcanbedemonstratedthat:

itwillsignificantlyimprovethelong-termpublicbenefitderivedfromtheremainingcollection

itisnottogenerateshort-termrevenue(forexampletomeetabudgetdeficit)

itisasalastresortafterothersourcesoffundinghavebeenthoroughlyexplored

extensivepriorconsultationwithsectorbodieshasbeenundertaken

theitemunderconsiderationliesoutsidethemuseumsestablishedcorecollectionasdefinedinthecollectionspolicy.

6.15Ring-fenceanymoneyraisedasaresultofdisposalthroughsale,ifthisexceptionalcircumstancearises,solelyanddirectlyforthebenefitofthemuseumscollection.Moneyraisedmustberestrictedtothelong-termsustainability,useanddevelopmentofthecollection.Ifindoubtabouttheproposeduseofsuchrestrictedfundsconsultsectorbodies.

6.16Openlycommunicateanddocumentalldisposalsandthebasisonwhichdecisionstodisposeweremade.

6.17 Applyanymoneyreceivedincompensationfortheloss,damageordestructionofobjectsinthecollectionsolelyanddirectlyforthebenefitofthemuseumscollection.

6.18Respondtorequestsforreturnofhumanremains,andotherculturallysensitivematerialwithunderstandingandrespectforcommunitiesoforigin.(SeeDCMSguidanceonhumanremains.)

Foradditional,moredetailedguidanceonallaspectsofdisposalseetheMADisposaltoolkit.

7Society can expect museums to: Recognise the interests of people who made, used, owned, collected or gave items in the collections

7.0Museums try to develop constructive relationships with people who contributed to collections, with representatives of these people, their heirs and cultural descendants, balancing responsibilities to a range of stakeholders. Gifts and bequests of items are usually made in the expectation that items will be preserved. Museums reconcile the wider public interest with that expectation.


7.1Acknowledgethatthemuseumbenefitsfromallthosewhohavecontributedtothemaking,meaningandpresenceinthemuseumofitscollections.Establishworkingrelationshipsbasedonmutualunderstanding,whereverpractical.

7.2Establishprinciplesthatassistpeoplewhocontributedtocollectionstodevelopmutuallyagreedarrangementswiththemuseum,whereverpractical.Specifyandrecordthesearrangementsclearlyandunambiguously.

7.3Articulateclearlyintentionsandexpectationsaboutprojectssuchascommissions,collaborationsandworkshops.Specifyagreementsovermatterssuchasfunding,copyright,sitepreparationandmaintenance.Makewrittenexhibitionpoliciesavailabletoexhibitors.(Seealsosection4,Consultandinvolvecommunities,usersandsupporters.)

7.4Informoriginatingcommunitiesofthepresenceofitemsrelevanttotheminthemuseumscollections,whereverpractical.

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7.5Respecttheinterestsoforiginatingcommunitieswithregardtoelementsoftheirculturalheritagepresentorrepresentedinthemuseum.Involveoriginatingcommunities,whereverpractical,indecisionsabouthowthemuseumstores,researches,presentsorotherwiseusescollectionsandinformationaboutthem.

7.6Considerrestrictingaccesstocertainspecifieditems,particularlythoseofceremonialorreligiousimportance,whereunrestrictedaccessmaycauseoffenceordistresstoactualorculturaldescendants.(Seealsosection3,Encouragepeopletoexplorecollectionsforinspiration,learningandenjoyment.)

7.7DealsensitivelyandpromptlywithrequestsforrepatriationbothwithintheUKandfromabroadofitemsinthemuseumscollection,takingintoaccount:thelaw;currentthinkingonthesubject;theinterestsofactualandculturaldescendants;thestrengthofclaimantsrelationshiptotheitems;theirscientific,educational,culturalandhistoricalimportance;theirfuturetreatment.RefertoDCMSGuidelinesonHumanRemainsonRestitutionandRepatriationissuedbyResource,theCouncilforMuseums,ArchivesandLibrariesandguidelinesonhumanremainsissuedbytheMuseumEthnographersGroup.Refertoanysubsequentguidanceissuedbythebodiesandtheirsuccessorslistedabove.(Seealsosection6,Safeguardthelong-termpublicinterestinthecollections.)

7.8Exercisesensitivityandseekprofessionaladvicewheneveracquiringitemsfromfieldwork.Consideralwaysthedesirabilityofrecordingandpreservingitemswheretheyare.Upholdguidelinesissuedbyrelevantbodies.

7.9Exercisesensitivityandseekprofessionaladvicewheneverreminiscenceandoralhistoryworkisundertaken.Upholdguidelinesissuedbyrelevantbodies.

7.10Followupacceptedgiftsorbequestswithawrittenacknowledgementandconfirmationofthetermsonwhichthegiftorbequestisbeingaccepted.(Seealsosection5,AcquireitemshonestlyandresponsiblyandtheMAsethicalguidelinesonacquisition.)

7.11Upholdandcomplywithconditionssetbybenefactorsandacceptedbythemuseum,unlesschangedcircumstancesmeanthatconditionsneedtobereconsideredinthelightofwhatisgenerallyheldtobethepublicinterest.

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8Society can expect museums to: Support the protection of natural and human environments

8.0Collections in museums represent the rich diversity of the worlds natural and human environments. Museums promote learning without jeopardising this diversity. They contribute to sustainable economic activity and benefit local and wider communities.


8.1Valueandprotectnaturalandhumanenvironments.Preventabuseofplacesofscientific,historicorculturalimportance.Exerciseduediligenceprocedureswhenacquiringorborrowingitems.Upholdappropriatenationalandinternationalconventionsandtreatiesonprotectionofnaturalandhumanenvironments,whetherornottheyhavebeenratified.(Seesection5,Acquireitemshonestlyandresponsibly.)

8.2Besensitivetotheimpactofthemuseumanditsvisitorsonnaturalandhumanenvironments.Makebestuseofresources,useenergyandmaterialsresponsiblyandminimisewaste.

8.3Contributetothesustainablesocialandmaterialvitalityofthemuseumssurroundingareaby,forexample,attractingusers,sustainingeconomicactivity,offeringsatisfyingandrewardingemploymentandpursuinglocalpurchasingpolicies.

8.4Developpurchasingandresalepoliciesthataddressenvironmentalandhumanrightsissues.

8.5Makeallgrowthsustainable.Evaluatethelong-termimpactofintroducing,operatingandmaintainingnewdevelopments.

9Society can expect museums to: Research, share and interpret information related to collections, reflecting diverse views

9.0 Museums facilitate and carry out research. They share and interpret information consistent with their purpose and ensure that it is accurate, up to date and based on the highest standards of scholarship and research. They organise and manage information to make it accessible. Museums interpret information to engage a wide variety of interests and to reflect diverse views. They invite users to question assumptions and distinguish evidence from speculation.


9.1Researchandcollateinformationaboutcollectionsandthesubjectareasgenerallywithinwhichthemuseumhasexpertise.Enablethemuseumsresearchersandotherstokeepuptodatewithdevelopmentsintheirfield.

9.2Applythehighestpossiblestandardsofobjectivitytotheresearchundertakenbythemuseum,anddistinguishclearlybetweenevidenceanddeduction.Maintain,asfaraspossible,recordsandmaterialsothattheevidenceonwhichresearchisbasedcanbere-examinedandverifiedindependently.

9.3Makeinformationpubliclyaccessible.Conductresearchwiththeintentionofmakingitpublic.Publishresearchpromptlyandmakeitwidelyavailable.(Seealsosection3,Encouragepeopletoexplorecollectionsforinspiration,learningandenjoyment.)

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9.4Developmechanismsthatencouragepeopletoresearchcollections,developtheirownideasaboutthemandparticipateinavarietyofwaysinshapingtheinterpretationsofferedbythemuseum.Makethemuseumaforuminwhichideascanbediscussedandtested.(Seealsosection3,Encouragepeopletoexplorecollectionsforinspiration,learningandenjoyment.)

9.5Cultivateavarietyofperspectivesonthecollectionstoreflectthediversityofthecommunitiesservedbythemuseum.

9.6Representideas,personalities,eventsandcommunitieswithsensitivityandrespect.Recognisethehumanityofallpeople.Developproceduresthatallowpeopletodefine,andseekrecognitionof,theirownculturalidentity.(Seealsosection7,Recognisetheinterestsofpeoplewhomade,used,owned,collectedorgaveitemsinthecollections.)

9.7Respecttheviewsofothersandtheirrighttoexpressthoseviews,unlessillegaltodosoorinconsistentwiththepurposeofmuseumsassocially-inclusiveinstitutions.Strivetodispelprejudiceandindicateclearlythepartplayedbyopinionorconjectureininterpretation.

9.8Reflectdifferingviewsstrikingabalanceovertime.

9.9Recognisetheassumptionsonwhichinterpretationisbasedandthatpresentationalstylesmayshapeperceptioninunintendedways.Considercarefullytheimpactofinterpretationsthatexcludeanyreferencetopeopleassociatedwiththeitems.

9.10Striveforeditorialintegrityandremainalerttothepressurethatcanbeexertedbyparticularinterestgroups,includinglendersandfunders(seealso0.).

9.11 Keeprecordsandpresentationsasaccurateanduptodateaspossible.Recorddifferencesofexpertopinion.Correcterrorsindocumentationorpresentationswithoutdelay,whentheyarebroughttolight.

10Society can expect museums to: Review performance to innovate and improve

10.0Museums develop by initiating and responding to change. They establish, formally adopt, publish and regularly review their aims and objectives. Museums specify targets, monitor, evaluate and report on performance and make changes in operational practices to become more effective and efficient.


10.1Adheretothemuseumsconstitution.Review,periodically,themuseumsoverarchingpurpose.

10.2Keepuptodatewithdevelopmentsinthelaw,museumpractice,socialpolicyandpublicexpectations.

10.3Directlyinvolveusers,staff,membersofthegoverningbodyandotherstakeholdersinplanning.Regularlyupdateandmakepublicthemuseumsaims,objectives,plans,policiesandstandards.(Seealsosection4,Consultandinvolvecommunities,usersandsupporters.)

10.4Makeprudentuseofresourcesandmaximisethebenefitthatthepublicderivesfromallactivities.Accountfullyandopenlytothepublicabouthowmoneyisraisedandspent.

10.5Maintainthefinancialviabilityofthemuseum.Meetlegal,constitutionalandcontractualrequirementsforfinancialcontrolofthemuseum(andanysubisidiarycommercialcompanies).Avoidunjustifiablefinancialrisk.(Seealsosection,Holdcollectionsintrustonbehalfofsociety.)

10.6Acceptfinancialsupportfromcommercialorganisationsandotheroutsidesourcesprovidedthatitdoesnotcompromisetheintegrityofthemuseum.Clearlydefineandagreetherelationshipbetweenthemuseumanditspartnerstoavoidundueinfluenceonmuseumactivities.

10.7Establishprinciplestoinformtradingandcommercialactivitiessothattheyareconsistentwiththeaimsofthemuseumand,wherepossible,enhancethequalityoftheservice.Donotallowtradingandcommercialactivitiestobringthemuseumintodisrepute,reducepublicaccess,subjectthecollectionstounacceptableriskorjeopardisefinances.

10.8Makethemuseumspremisesassuitableaspossibleforpublicservices,collectionsmanagementandaccessforall,inadditiontofulfillinglegalresponsibilitiesforthehealthandsafetyofstaffandvisitors.

10.9Recruit,trainanddevelopindividualssothattheskillsandknowledgeofmembersofmuseumstaff,thegoverningbodyandsupportgroupsareappropriatetotheneedsoftheindividualandthemuseum.Facilitatethecareer-longprofessionalandpersonaldevelopmentofallstaffandmembersofthegoverningbody.

10.10Recognisethatallwhoworkforthemuseuminanycapacityhaveacontributiontomaketoitssuccessfuloperation.Recruitandtreatallstafffairly.Acknowledgethecontributionsofcolleaguesatalllevels.

10.11Undertakeanddelegateonlysuchdutiesasarecommensuratewithindividualknowledgeandskills.Co-operatefullywithanyappropriatescrutiny,appraisalorevaluation.Seekandactonadvice,whenevernecessary,fromcolleaguesinothermuseums,museumsupportbodiesandconsultants.Obtain,whennecessary,specialistexpertisethroughcontractsorconsultancies.(Seealsosection4,Consultandinvolvecommunities,usersandsupporters.)

10.12Assistthegoverningbodyinmakinginformeddecisionsandobtainingdirectaccesstotheadviceitneedstofulfilitsrole.

10.13Strivetoincreasethediversityofstaffandmembersofthegoverningbodysothattheyadequatelyrepresentthemuseumspresentandpotentialaudience.

10.14Conductdisputeswithotherswithcourtesyandtolerance,evenwhendifferencesofopinionarerobustlyexpressed.Avoidgivingneedlesspersonaloffence.Seekindependentarbitration,mediationorothermeansofresolutionwhendisputescannototherwiseberesolved.

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Index

How to use this index Thefirstnumberinareferenceistoasection,thesecondtoapointwithinit..refers,therefore,tosection,point:Retainitemsinthepublicdomainatwhicheverlocationprovidesthebestbalanceofcare,contextandaccess.

If,forexample,youaredevelopinganaccesspolicy,ordealingwithanethicaldilemmaaroundanaccessissue,thensection3,Encouragepeopletoexplorecollectionsforinspiration,learningandenjoyment,isclearlythemostimportantsection.Accessissuesarealsoreferredtoinothersections,referencetowhichcanbefoundbylookingupthewordaccessintheindex.

access.,3.0-3.9,5.3,6.0,6.,6.4,6.5,7.6,9.0,9.3,0.7,0.8

Accreditedmuseums.5,5.5,5.9,6.0

acquisition.5,.6,3.8,5.0-5.3

admissioncharges3.8

animals6.7

buildings.5,3.7,3.3,6.3,6.5,6.6,7.3,8.,0.8

collectionscare.,5.0,5.3,6.0-6.8

collectionsmanagement6.0,6.,6.,0.8

competitionbetweenmuseums.,5.5

conflictofinterest.6,.7

constitution.9,0.,0.5

culturaldiversity3.,3.6,9.5,9.6,0.3

dealing.5,5.5

disabilityissues3.5,3.7

display3.7,3.0,3.,5.7

disposal6.0,6.8-6.8

documentation3.4,5.0,5.,6.6,9.

donorsandbenefactors5.7,5.9,5.0,7.,7.0,7.

duediligence5.0,5.7,8.

education.0,3.0-3.5,7.7

equalopportunity3.

exhibitionpolicies5.5,7.3

fieldwork.6,7.8

financialmanagement.4,.8,6.3,6.4,6.5,0.4,0.5,0.6,0.7

functionsandevents6.5

giftsandbequests5.7,5.7,5.8,5.9,7.0,7.0

giftsandfavourstoindividuals.,.3

governingbodies.7,.8,.9,.0,.5,.6,5.0,5.3,6.,6.8,6.,0.3,0.9,0.,0.3

humanremains6.8,7.7

identifications3.7

illicittrade.6,5.0-5.6

information.5,.8,3.4,5.,7.5,9.0-9.

interpretation9.4-9.9

legalresponsibilities.8,.9,5.0,5.3,6.8,

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0.5,0.8

loans5.4,5.7,5.,5.3,6.0

oralhistory7.9

originatingcommunities3.5,5.6,5.0,6.0,6.8,7.0-7.

outreach3.9

openingtimes3.0

personalconduct.3,.,.6,.,.,.3,.7,.8,0.4

privatecollecting.5,.6

privatework.3

publishing3.9,3.,3.6,9.3

repatriation7.7

research3.6,5.6,7.5,9.0-9.4

saleofitemsfromcollections.4,6.9,6.3,6.4,6.5

sponsorship9.0,0.6

storage5.7

tradingandcommercialactivities.8.5,8.4,0.5,0.6,0.7

transferofitemsoutofmuseumcollections5.0,6.9,6.0

transferoftitle5.7,5.7,5.

valuations.4,.4,3.8,5.

websites3.9

The seven principles of public life

TheMAendorsesthesevenprinciplesofpubliclife,assetoutinStandardsinPublicLife:theFirstReportoftheCommitteeonStandardsinPublicLife(995),chairedbyLordNolan.Theprinciplesapplytoallwhoworkinorformuseumsandtoallwhoserveonmuseumgoverningbodies.

SelflessnessHoldersofpublicofficeshouldtakedecisionssolelyintermsofthepublicinterest.Theyshouldnotdosoinordertogainfinancialorothermaterialbenefitsforthemselves,theirfamiliesortheirfriends.

IntegrityHoldersofpublicofficeshouldnotplacethemselvesunderanyfinancialorotherobligationtooutsideindividualsororganisationsthatmightinfluencethemintheperformanceoftheirofficialduties.

ObjectivityIncarryingoutpublicbusiness,includingmakingpublicappointments,awardingcontracts,orrecommendingindividualsforrewardsorbenefits,holdersofpublicofficeshouldmakechoicesonmerit.

AccountabilityHoldersofpublicofficeareaccountablefortheirdecisionsandactionstothepublicandmustsubmitthemselvestowhateverscrutinyisappropriatetotheiroffice.

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OpennessHoldersofpublicofficeshouldbeasopenaspossibleaboutallthedecisionsandactionsthattheytake.Theyshouldgivereasonsfortheirdecisionsandrestrictinformationonlywhenthewiderpublicinterestclearlydemands.

HonestyHoldersofpublicofficehaveadutytodeclareanyprivateinterestsrelatingtotheirpublicdutiesandtotakestepstoresolveanyconflictsarisinginawaythatprotectsthepublicinterest.

LeadershipHoldersofpublicofficeshouldpromoteandsupporttheseprinciplesbyleadershipandexample.

InformationonhowtousetheprinciplesoutlinedabovetoinformtheworkofgoverningbodiesisavailablefromtheTrusteeandGovernanceTeamattheNationalCouncilForVoluntaryOrganisations(NCVO),RegentsWharf,8AllSaintsStreet,LondonN9RLwww.ncvo-vol.org.ukHelpdesktel:0800798798

Society can expect museums to:

1 Hold collections in trust on behalf of societyMuseumsbehaveasethicalguardiansaswellasownersofcollections.Theyneverrelinquishthetrustinvestedinthem,withoutpublicconsent.

2 Focus on public serviceMuseumsbelongtoeverybody.Theyexisttoservethepublic.Theyshouldenhancethequalityoflifeofeveryone,bothtodayandinthefuture.Theyarefundedbecauseoftheirpositivesocial,cultural,educationalandeconomicimpact.

3 Encourage people to explore collections for inspiration, learning and enjoymentMuseumshavethegenerosityofspirittobeapproachableateverypointofcontact,toreachouttoaudiencesandtoincreaseaccesstotheircollections.Aseducationalinstitutions,museumsencourageaparticipativeapproachtolearning.Howeverspecialisedtheirsubjectsorremotetheirlocations,theydevelopnewaudiencesanddeepenrelationshipswithexistingusers.Museumsrecognisethatindividualshavevariedbackgroundsandvaryingphysical,intellectualandculturalneedsandexpectations.

4 Consult and involve communities, users and supporters Museumsseektheviewsofcommunities,usersandsupportersandvaluethecontributionstheymake.Museumsactivelyinvolvethemindevelopingpolicy,andbalancethiswiththeroleofmuseumsinleadingandpromotingdebate.Museumsengagewithchangingneedsandvalues.

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5 Acquire items honestly and responsibly Museumsdevelopcollectionsusinglong-termplansthataresociallyresponsive.Theyrejectitemswithdubiousprovenance.Museumsregularlyreview,publishandadheretoacquisitionpoliciesagreedbythegoverningbodythatarerealisticintermsoftheresourcesrequiredtosustainthem.Thesepoliciesaddressissuesofthecontextandlegitimacyofacquisitions,duediligence,long-termcare,documentationandrelevancetooverriding,institutionalaims.Itemsareacquiredonthebasisthattheywillberetainedinthepublicdomain.

6 Safeguard the long-term public interest in the collections Collectionsareatangiblelinkbetweenthepast,presentandfuture.Museumsbalancetheinterestsofdifferentgenerationsbysafeguardingcollections,whichmayincludebuildingsandsites.

Museumsdevelopandimplementacollectionspolicyinordertoensureappropriatestandardsofcareandsecurityforallitemsentrustedtothem,eitherpermanentlyoronloan.

Museumsmeettheirresponsibilitytofuturegenerationsbyensuringthatcollectionsarewellmanagedandsustainable.Thereisastrongpresumptioninfavouroftheretentionofitemswithinthepublicdomain.Sometimestransferwithinthepublicdomain,oranotherformofdisposal,canimproveaccessto,ortheuse,careorcontextof,itemsorcollections.Responsible,curatorially-motivateddisposaltakesplaceaspartofamuseumslong-termcollectionspolicy,inordertoincreasepublicbenefitderivedfrommuseumcollections.

7 Recognise the interests of people who made, used, owned, collected or gave items in the collectionsMuseumstrytodevelopconstructiverelationshipswithpeoplewhocontributedtocollections,withrepresentativesofthesepeople,theirheirsandculturaldescendants,balancingresponsibilitiestoarangeofstakeholders.Giftsandbequestsofitemsareusuallymadeintheexpectationthatitemswillbepreserved.Museumsreconcilethewiderpublicinterestwiththatexpectation.

8 Support the protection of natural and human environmentsCollectionsinmuseumsrepresenttherichdiversityoftheworldsnaturalandhumanenvironments.Museumspromotelearningwithoutjeopardisingthisdiversity.Theycontributetosustainableeconomicactivityandbenefitlocalandwidercommunities.

9 Research, share and interpret information related to collections, reflecting diverse views Museumsfacilitateandcarryoutresearch.Theyshareandinterpretinformationconsistentwiththeirpurposeandensurethatitisaccurate,uptodateandbasedonthehigheststandardsofscholarshipandresearch.Theyorganiseandmanageinformationtomakeitaccessible.Museumsinterpretinformationtoengageawidevarietyofinterestsandtoreflectdiverseviews.Theyinviteuserstoquestionassumptionsanddistinguishevidencefromspeculation.

10 Review performance to innovate and improve Museumsdevelopbyinitiatingandrespondingtochange.Theyestablish,formallyadopt,publishandregularlyreviewtheiraimsandobjectives.Museumsspecifytargets,monitor,evaluateandreportonperformanceandmakechangesinoperationalpracticestobecomemoreeffectiveandefficient.

Museum Association GB - Code of Ethics for Museums

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Transcript of Museum Association GB - Code of Ethics for Museums