Designation Scheme

Since 1997 the Designation Scheme has identified the best collections held in museums, libraries and archives across England. The founding aims were to raise the profile of these vital collections and encourage everyone to safeguard them.

The award stimulates pride, support and cohesion within an organisation. It raises the profile of the collection nationally and internationally, and can open the door to new revenue streams, including Arts Council programmes.

Aims of the scheme

• Build a strong understanding of our shared heritage
• Reveal the strengths of England's leading collections, described by geographic area, subject and quality
• Guard against the neglect or disposal of the nation's treasures
• Help to ensure that funding is directed rationally

Benefits to organisations

• Strengthened support from their governing bodies
• Enhanced ability to raise funds to support the collection
• Raising of their profile at national level
• Providing a focus for advocacy and raising awareness

Who can apply

If your collection is nationally significant, held in trust for the public and an essential research resource for its subject, you can apply for Designation.

Museums, libraries and archives in England are eligible to apply. This includes specialist libraries, as well as archives or libraries formally linked to local authorities or eligible bodies such as universities and religious organisations. However, national organisations funded directly by central government and organisations without charitable status are not eligible.

Download the guidance document below to find out more.

How to apply

In the first stage of the application process, you must demonstrate that your organisation and collection are eligible. If you’re successful, we’ll invite you to the second stage – where you’ll need to demonstrate that your collection has national significance, outstanding quality and research value.

The next deadline for applications to the Designation Scheme is 22 June 2016. Applications submitted by this deadline will be considered by the panel on 17 November 2016.

The key dates for 2017 are:

Application deadline - 18 January 2017; panel meeting - 27th April 2017

Application deadline – 21 June 2017; panel meeting – 28 September 2017

Apply now via our online portal

On 15 March 2015 we announced Dr Stella Butler as the new Chair of the Designation panel. Stella brings a wealth of experience to the role. She is currently University Librarian and Keeper of the Brotherton Collection at the University of Leeds. She has previously worked as Head of Special Collections at the University of Manchester and Chair of the Board of Directors of Research Libraries UK.

Find out more about all the panel members

Designated collections cover many different topics and time periods. They demonstrate eclectic tastes and intellectual journeys, the emergence of disciplines and theories and the careers of our famous figures.

They include political and ecclesiastical archives, collections of art history, literature, theatre and economics, and cover topics varying from the history of transportation to the medical profession.

They are located all over England, from Cornwall to Cumbria.

The Designation Development Fund exists to support projects that ensure the long-term sustainability of Designated museum collections, and which maximise their public value and the sharing of best practice across the sector. From 2016–18, the fund will invest £1.4 million in these projects.

Find out more about the fund and how to apply

We've created a toolkit to help you promote your Designated collection.

It provides tips and templates to help you develop a story, gain coverage in the media and on social media, hold events and engage key stakeholders. This will help you to raise the profile of your collection, encouraging people to use, enjoy and benefit from it. Download the toolkit below.

If your organisation is responsible for a Designated collection, you’re entitled to include the Designation logo on your materials. Click the links below to download the logo in different formats.