Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director of Environment, Highways and Community Services

The Cabinet Member with the Local Services portfolio introduced the report (previously circulated) of the Executive Director of Environment, Highways and Community Services to seek approval of a series of museum policies that will enable a submission to Arts Council England for ongoing museum accreditation.

The report explained that the Museum accreditation assist with ensuring good practice and identifies agreed standards, thereby encouraging development. The scheme also encourages all museums and galleries to achieve agreed standards on how they are ran, how they manage their collections and the experiences of their users.

The report stated that an accreditation return is due by 2 March 2026 and the submission must include a current Museum Governance Plan, Collections Management Framework and Access Policy and Plan approved by the museum’s governing body. Remaining an accredited museum will ensure the museum remains eligible for external funding and loans from other museums.

RESOLVED- It is recommended that Cabinet approve: -

(a)    Hopetown Darlington Museum Governance Plan 2025-2030,

(b)   Hopetown Darlington Collections Management Framework 2025-2030

(c)    Hopetown Darlington Access Policy and Plan 2025-2030

REASON - The recommendations are supported by the following reasons:-

(a)    To provide evidence of effective and professional management of Darlington’s Museum Service, so that the museum remains an accredited museum and entitled to future support from the Arts Council England (Central Government Body).

(b)   To be eligible for future funding from external bodies, e.g. Arts Council England, Museums Association and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

(c)    To be eligible for future loans from other museums, e.g. Science Museums Group.

(d)   To ensure that the museum remains registered and complies with the standards and ethics as set out by the Museums Association.