Museums Association- Draft Code of Ethics 2025

This article was first published by the Museums Association.

“The Code of Ethics provides a framework for the practical application of ethical considerations to our everyday work in museums and reflects a contract of trust between museums and the public. The code is for you, your colleagues and your communities.

UK museums are not homogeneous. Funding and governance structures vary between organisations, as do staffing levels and volunteer support. The museum workforce is varied and includes volunteers, trustees, staff and freelancers ranging from senior leaders to those just beginning their career. The new Code of Ethics was developed with recognition of this variety, and this updated version is informed by consultation with organisations and individuals who are representative of this diverse landscape…”

This is the draft of the latest update to the Code of Ethics. Museums Association members will be able to vote electronically to ratify the new code from 15 September until the MA’s AGM, which will take place at Conference 2025 on 7 October.

Ballots will be sent out by MiVoice via email during the week commencing 15 September. If you have any queries about the voting process, please contact MiVoice via support@mi-voice.com or Alice Chalk at the MA via alice@museumsassociation.org.