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The UK Accreditation Partnership for Museums and Galleries on behalf of Arts Council England

Museum Accreditation Committee Chair

Information pack September 2019 Closing date: midnight on Monday 14 October 2019

Contents

Page 2 Introduction Page 2-3 Be part of our decision making Page 3 What does the Accreditation Committee do? Page 4 Eligibility Page 5 About Arts Council England Page 5 About the UK Accreditation Partnership Page 6 About the Museum Accreditation Scheme Page 6-7 Background to the Museum Accreditation Scheme Page 7-9 About the role Page 9-10 Person specification Page 11-12 Making an application Appendix 1 Application form

Appendix 2 Equal opportunities form

https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/supporting-arts-museums-and-libraries/uk-museum- accreditation-scheme Contact: [email protected]

Introduction Thanks for your interest in being a member of the Accreditation Committee. The UK Accreditation Partnership on behalf of Arts Council England is recruiting a Chair for the Museums Accreditation Committee. The Chair and Committee members are formally appointed by the Chair of Arts Council of England acting on behalf of National Council.

We’re looking to recruit a Chair and eight new Accreditation Committee members through an open recruitment round. You’ll be a current or recently retired museum sector practitioner and will serve initially for a period of three years.

This information pack is designed to answer some questions about the role and the appointment process. We do hope that you will apply.

When applying please use the application form provided as appendix 1. We will not accept CVs. Additional information on the Accreditation Scheme and current members can be found on the Arts Council’s website, at: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/supporting-arts-museums-and- libraries/uk-museum-accreditation-scheme

If you would like any more information about the role, the person specification or appointment process in confidence, please contact Annette French, Museums Accreditation Manager at [email protected]. Colleagues across the UK Partnerships, existing UK Accreditation Committee members and Accreditation assessors are also available if you’d like an informal chat about the role.

Be part of our decision making You’ll take on this role at an important moment – Accreditation continues to be highly valued by the sector as the UK industry standard for museums and galleries. The refreshed 2018 Standard has been well received and endorsed by our stakeholders. In 2017, following a recommendation from the Mendoza Review, Arts Council England, as the national development agency for museums in England, led a review of the scheme. The Arts Council and UK partners have together developed a more effective scheme, that is now clearer, more streamlined and welcoming.

However, there are undoubtedly challenges, not least around the increase of sales from museum collections which is putting the Scheme under some strain. There are great opportunities too and key changes such as the online application form, which will improve the experience of applicants and participants, are in hand. The development of greater advocacy and use of data generated by the management of Accreditation are also significant opportunities which will help develop the Scheme for the benefit of the museum sector and, ultimately, the public it serves.

Being Chair of the Museum Accreditation Committee is a way to support your professional development and an opportunity to give back to the sector. You’ll network with fellow professionals and understand how museums and galleries are achieving their outcomes, demonstrating impact and meeting their challenges. We cover a wide variety of museums, galleries and heritage organisations across the UK, so you’ll find out more about the sector in a UK context. You’ll be an advocate for Accreditation and help us celebrate the achievements of museums of all sizes, from volunteer-run organisations to the biggest national museums.

Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said: “Museum Accreditation is a fundamental tool for the Arts Council and UK Partners to develop and support a diverse range of museums. The review provided a valuable opportunity to listen to colleagues in museums and ensure that the Scheme is managed in a resilient and sustainable way, offering them the best possible experience. I’m confident the refreshed Scheme will make it easier for more museums and galleries to take part, and for the UK partners to help them be the best they can for current and future visitors.”

Tríona White Hamilton, Development Officer (Collections and Museums), Northern Ireland Museums Council, said: “We are delighted to support the newly relaunched Accreditation Scheme, in tandem with our Accreditation Partners across the UK. The recent review was needed to bring the scheme up to date; it showed that museums do value the scheme, and consider it transformative, but also confirmed some key issues. Listening to the sector has helped us shape what we hope will be a scheme that is managed more effectively, is more efficient for users and communicates the benefits and achievements of the scheme more clearly.”

Jason Thomas, Welsh Government Director of Culture, Tourism and Sport, said: “The Accreditation Standard has created a UK-wide family of museums, of all types and sizes, and given them shared values. The newly revised Standard makes the benefits of Accreditation even clearer for all to see. The fact that Accreditation has been running for over 30 years is testament to the dedication of thousands of volunteers and paid staff who run and support our incredible museums. The Welsh Government is proud to support museums achieve the standard.”

Joe Traynor, Head of Museum Development, Museums Galleries Scotland, said: “MGS is delighted to support the 2018 Accreditation Standard. The improvements that have been made have been driven by feedback and comments from museums and galleries around the UK. We feel that the slimmed down scheme, simplified language, clearer guidance and extended timescales should make it easier for museums of all sizes to take part, while at the same time ensuring Accreditation remains a robust standard that supports the sector.”

What does the Accreditation Committee do? The role of the Accreditation Committee is to:

• receive and review annual quality assurance reports to ensure the consistent and effective application of the Standard • delegate decisions to award, remove and exclude Accreditation status for museums and galleries to Accreditation Panels, made up of three to six Committee members • reflect, discuss and endorse policy decisions • periodically contribute to reviews of the Scheme, providing advice to the UK Accreditation Partnership, usually through working groups focusing on a particular aspect of the Scheme

The purpose of the Committee is to oversee the effective and consistent operation of the Accreditation Scheme for museums and galleries in the UK. This includes endorsing policy decisions put forward by the UK Accreditation Partnership in support of the operation of the Scheme. The Committee acts as a representative of the museum sector in the UK in its overview of the Accreditation Scheme for museums and galleries.

Eligibility Whether you’re an experienced leader or a mid-career professional we would like to hear from you. Candidates should apply as individuals, rather than on behalf of their organisation. Applicants should either be currently employed in museums, galleries and heritage sites or recently retired. Freelancers and consultants working with museums, galleries and heritage sites are welcome to apply. If you offer sector support in a wider capacity for example within umbrella and networking organisations, strategic partnership bodies or other organisations that support the museums sector you are also eligible to apply where you can demonstrate how your experience meets the person specification.

If you are currently an Accreditation mentor, you are eligible to apply.

Following our recent skills audit, we are currently seeking museum professionals with experience of working in the following areas in particular:

• Independent museums (especially smaller volunteer-run museums) • Military and regimental museums • Large national heritage organisations for example National Trust, English Heritage, National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland • National museums • Experience of working in a UK wide context across more than one nation to ensure the Committee is representative of the UK Accreditation Partnership (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)

The Chair of the Committee is appointed as an individual, not as a representative of an organisation. Although Committee members do not act on behalf of a specific constituency, we aim to ensure good coverage of expertise and experience from across the UK museum community.

Arts Council England promotes an equal opportunities policy. Applications are welcomed regardless of gender, age, marital status, disability, religion, ethnic origin, political opinion, sexual orientation, or whether you have dependents. As part of our ongoing commitment to equal opportunities and diversity we welcome applications from individuals who reflect the communities we serve.

Museum, gallery and heritage professionals who have ceased to work in the museums and galleries sector for more than three years are not normally appointed to the Committee unless they remain involved in some way.

Individuals employed or sub-contracted by any of the regional Museum Development providers in England are not eligible to become members or Chair of the UK Accreditation Committee. The nine Museum Development programmes in England are grant-aided by Arts Council England to deliver Accreditation advice within their role as Sector Support Organisations and membership of the Accreditation Committee (a sub-Committee of Arts Council England) could be seen as a conflict of interest.

If you are currently contracted for Accreditation assessments by one of the UK Accreditation assessing organisations you may still apply but would not be able to continue in both roles. Retired Committee members are welcome to apply to the role as Chair. Current members of the Accreditation Committee are also eligible to apply for this role but cannot hold both positions.

About Arts Council England The Arts Council is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and a registered charity.

Arts Council England is the development agency for the arts in England. We work to get great art and culture to everyone by championing, developing and investing in artistic and cultural experiences that enrich people's lives. We support a range of activities across the arts, museums and libraries - from theatre to digital art, reading to dance, music to literature, and crafts to collections. https://www.artscouncil.org.uk

About the UK Accreditation Partnership The UK Accreditation Partnership agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between Arts Council England (ACE), the Welsh Government, Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS) and the Northern Ireland Museums Council (NIMC) in relation to the joint operation of the Accreditation Scheme for museums and galleries in the United Kingdom. It describes the shared vision for the Scheme and outlines the headline areas of shared activity and individual responsibilities. ACE administers and oversees the operational management of the Scheme.

Assessing organisations England, the Isle of Arts Council England Man and Channel https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/supporting-arts- Islands museums-and-libraries/museums-accreditation-scheme Email [email protected]

Northern Ireland Northern Ireland Museums Council https://www.nimc.co.uk/ Email:[email protected]

Scotland Museums Galleries Scotland https://www.museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk/ Email: [email protected]

Wales The Welsh Government https://gov.wales/museums Email: [email protected]

About the Museum Accreditation Scheme The Museum Accreditation Scheme is managed as a UK partnership by the Arts Council, the Welsh Government, Museums Galleries Scotland and the Northern Ireland Museums Council. Accreditation is highly valued by Museums, it has been transformative for the sector and has brought many benefits.

The Museum Accreditation Scheme is the UK industry standard for museums and galleries. It tells everyone involved with a museum that they’re doing the right things to help people to engage with collections and protect them for the future. The Museum Accreditation Scheme does this by making sure museums manage their collections properly, engage with visitors, and are governed appropriately.

The aims of the Accreditation scheme are to encourage all museums and galleries to meet an agreed standard in:

• How they’re run

• How they manage their collections

• How they engage with their users

Additionally, the scheme aims to build people’s confidence in how museums manage collections in trust for society, and how they manage public resources and to reinforce a shared, ethical way of doing things for everyone involved in running a museum. https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/supporting-arts-museums-and-libraries/uk-museum- accreditation-scheme

Participation in Accreditation is voluntary, and the scheme covers all types and sizes of museums and galleries: from the smallest volunteer-run museums to national museums. There is a high level of participation from the UK museum sector with more than 1700 museums participating in the scheme. The Committee plays an important role in the credibility and reputation of the UK-wide scheme by providing peer recognition through their role in decision-making at regular award panel meetings. As Chair you’ll provide leadership for Committee members in decision-making and contribute to the profile and reputation of the Scheme. You’ll be an experienced leader having worked in museums in a senior capacity and will be respected by your peers as an ambassador for the Accreditation Scheme.

Background to the Museum Accreditation Scheme The Accreditation scheme grew from the sector itself - it helps museums secure long-term public access to sustainable collections by promoting shared standards in how they are run, how they manage their collections and the experiences of users. As an agreed industry standard, Accreditation is understood within the museums, galleries and heritage sector, but it’s also recognised by relevant funders, sector support bodies and the public as the mark of a responsible museum. We're proud that it enjoys a strong international reputation for its contribution to UK museums.

“We are so proud to have achieved it. It means a lot to a small independent museum like ours. We are a small museum with a big heart.”

“It is beneficial as it makes you consider all aspects of how you run your museum. It clarifies and encourages you to improve in some areas.”

“One of the most important things to have happened within British museums.”

The scheme has had a hugely positive impact since its launch over 30 years ago. Accreditation began as the Museum Registration Scheme in 1988, initially with an emphasis on ethical governance and collections management. The Registration scheme closed in June 2010 and was replaced with Museum Accreditation when it moved across to Arts Council England and relaunched in 2011.

The current Standard was launched in October 2018. It’s now more focused, streamlined and user-friendly. We’ve introduced changes to eligibility, published new guidance and developed a new online application form.

You’ll be joining as Chair of the Museum Accreditation Committee as we make our first awards against the new Standard and continue to deliver key changes to help manage the Scheme in a more resilient and sustainable way. You’ll work closely with the Museum Accreditation Manager, (who acts as Secretariat for the Committee) to help deliver quality assurance and advocacy of the Accreditation Scheme. You’ll make a positive contribution as an advocate and ambassador for the Museum Accreditation Scheme.

About the role

The role of the Chair is to:

• chair meetings of the Accreditation Committee, at least annually • advocate on behalf of the Scheme • represent the Accreditation Committee at UK and national meetings

The Chair will be:

• Of high standing and respected by their peers. They should be able to demonstrate sound and balanced judgment and be sufficiently senior in terms of knowledge, skills and experience to give weight to the work of the Committee and its panels.

• Currently, or recently, employed in museums or galleries, or be working as a consultant within the museums and galleries sector.

• Politically neutral in the role and not representative of a specific constituency.

(From Terms of Reference)

Main Responsibilities of the Chair

• providing leadership for Committee members in their role of quality assurance and policy advice for the UK partners • chairing and facilitating the annual full committee meeting • representing the Standard at appropriate events, meetings or functions • acting as a spokesperson for Accreditation where appropriate • liaising with Accreditation Manager, and senior managers at each of the UK partners • sitting on appointment panels for members of the Committee • attending and being a member of other committees or working groups when appropriate in role as Chair • approving Committee minutes

Reporting arrangements

• the Chair will report to the UK Accreditation Partners and the National Council of the Arts Council of England

Time commitment

• the Accreditation Committee meets once a year

• the Chair can expect to observe on at least one Accreditation panel meeting in their first year, as well as attend at least one UK partners meeting.

• the Chair should expect to be in regular email and telephone communication with the Secretariat.

• the time commitment for the Chair is expected to be on average six days per year

The Full Committee meeting is held annually in early December. This is usually one day as well as a half day workshop or training session. All members of the Committee are invited to review progress of the Scheme and to advise the UK Accreditation Partnership on matters of policy and practice.

This meeting rotates around the UK. This year the meeting is on 5 December 2019 in Cardiff with a half day induction and networking event on 4 December 2019.

Term of office The post serves for an initial term of three years. There is the possibility of reappointment for a second term up to a maximum of six years, acting within a framework agreed by the UK Accreditation Partnership.

Expenses This is a voluntary role. UK travel, accommodation and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the Art Council’s expenses policy, providing claims are supported by receipts or documentary evidence.

Our expectations You’ll take part in induction and training with the Museums Accreditation Manager, so you know how to undertake your responsibilities as Chair of the Accreditation Committee. If you are successfully appointed, you’ll be invited to observe the decision-making panel on 13 November 2019 or February 2020 as part of our induction process.

You’ll meet Arts Council England’s code of conduct and act in a professional manner including maintaining necessary confidentiality and declaring any relevant interests. Candidates should state any potential for conflict of interest in their application, as this will be explored with shortlisted candidates at interview.

Chair of the Museum Accreditation Committee

Person specification

Knowledge • of and commitment to the Museum Accreditation Scheme and Standard • of the UK museum sector and an understanding of the different context, priorities and policies across the Accreditation Partnership • of more than one area of the Standard – organisational health, managing collections, users and their experiences • have a broad understanding of the role and purpose of museums

Skills • able to demonstrate good independent judgement on issues relating to organisational health, managing collections and users and their experiences • open to apply and share your specialist knowledge and keep up to date in your area of specialism • hold effective chairing skills • proven leadership ability • able to undertake critical analysis of reports and data • able to work constructively and collaboratively as part of a team • able to make effective judgements and ensure that accountable decisions are made • be a confident and clear verbal communicator • able to demonstrate tact and diplomacy

Experience • be sufficiently senior to lend weight to the Committee’s deliberations and decisions • prior experience of Committee/chair work • considerable experience and standing at an appropriate level within the museums, galleries and heritage sector • a wider involvement with the museum and cultural sector

Desirable: Have experience of working in the following areas:

Making an application

Interested applicants are invited to apply by: • Submitting the application form (appendix 1) • Completing an equal opportunities form (appendix 2)

These two documents should be sent by email to [email protected] or post a hard copy to the Arts Council’s Birmingham office for the attention of Annette French, Museums Accreditation Manager. If you are applying by email, please state “Accreditation Scheme Committee Chair recruitment” in the subject line.

We suggest that before applying you read all the information about the role of the Accreditation Scheme Committee and visit Arts Council England’s website for more information about our organisation, as well as the websites of our UK Accreditation partners.

All applications will be acknowledged by email.

Privacy and legal notice Arts Council England will use the information you provide to assess and process your application. If you become a committee member, your information will be held on our databases and systems to manage issues. Your information may be shared with our third parties who help to maintain our systems. We may have to send your information to countries outside of the European Economic Area for this purpose. If this happens, we will ensure your information is fully protected in line with the Data Protection Legislation. You have the right to ask for a copy of the information we hold about you, for which we may charge a fee, and the right to ask us to correct any inaccuracies. If you want to see a copy of your information, or you have any questions, please contact the Information Management team by email at [email protected] or send in your request to Information Management, The Hive, 49 Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1FN.

Access support We can provide access support for people with access needs. Please contact us if you experience or expect any barrier with making an application or would like more information.

Closing date for applications The deadline for receipt of applications no later than midnight on Monday 14 October 2019.

Shortlisting and interviews Applications are assessed against the person specification on page 9. Those who best meet the criteria will be asked to attend an interview. Those who are not invited to be interviewed will be notified by email.

The appointments panel will include representatives from the UK Accreditation Partnership who will shortlist candidates for interview based on assessment against the person specification.

Date for interviews Interviews for shortlisted applicants will be held via Skype or in person on Friday 25 October or Monday 28 October at the Arts Council England office in Birmingham.

Appointment process Once the interviews have taken place, the appointments panel will formally recommend their preferred candidates to the Chair of Arts Council England. Following the Chair’s approval, the Museums Accreditation Manager will inform the successful candidate in writing (email or letter) of their appointment, including information about the term of appointment, dates of meetings and an invitation to an induction.

Induction Subject to their formal appointment by the Arts Council Chair, the first Accreditation panel meetings that the Chair will be eligible to attend will take place in February and April 2020. You will chair the full Committee meeting on 5 December 2019.