Museums are periodically required to provide evidence that they continue to comply with the Accreditation Standard through the returns process. Existing participants will be invited to provide a return through a staged rollout that began on 13 December 2011 and will continue on a cyclical basis.

The rollout timetable is detailed in the documents below:

National museums

Museums in the East of England

Museums in the East Midlands

Museums in London

Museums in the North East

Museums in the North West

Museums in the South East

Museums in the South West

Museums in the West Midlands

Museums in Yorkshire

Museums in Scotland

Museums in Northern Ireland

Museums in Wales (English language)

Amgueddfeydd yng Nghymru

National Trust

Guidance documents to support you in your return can be found on the How to apply page.

Returns should be undertaken through an online application system hosted by the Arts Council. More information on this can be found in our step-by-step guide to accessing the system.

Applicants can use the Word version of the form as a support document in the planning stages of their online application. You can cut and paste text from the word document directly to the online application form.

Applicants unable to access the online application form can download a pdf form to submit a written return. Any applicants considering submitting a written application should consult with an Accreditation advisor before completing the form.

Should you wish to complete an application or return on a paper version, please contact your relevant assessing organisation.

Should you wish to provide an application or return in the Welsh language, please contact CyMAL: Museums Archives and Libraries Wales (a division of the Welsh Government).

Useful documents

2011 standard (English)
Y Safon Achredu 2011 (Cymraeg)

The guidance documents for Accreditation are a new and welcome addition to the suite of supporting material, outlining how you might approach completing your return. They will be reviewed annually to ensure they remain current and relevant. Initially, the guidance will be reviewed after six months, by July 2012, which will provide an opportunity for museums to recommend changes they might feel necessary to the format, or information contained. Should you have any feedback on the guidance notes please email accreditation@artscouncil.org.uk