Manx National Heritage is delighted to announce that ten of its heritage sites have successfully achieved Accredited status under the UK Museum Accreditation Scheme, the internationally recognised standard for museums and galleries. Manx National Heritage, a registered Charity, manages the only accredited museum service on the Isle of Man.
Managed by Arts Council England on behalf of the UK museum sector, the Museum Accreditation Scheme sets nationally agreed standards for best practice, recognising museums that demonstrate consistent excellence in governance, collections care, visitor experience, learning and organisational management.
Following an 18 month intensive process, including a detailed assessment and inspection visit by Arts Council England, Accredited status has been confirmed for Manx National Heritage sites: the Manx Museum, Castle Rushen, Cregneash, Old Grammar School, Rushen Abbey, Laxey Wheel, The Grove Museum, House of Manannan, Nautical Museum and the Old House of Keys.
Isabel Wilson, Director (Museums), Arts Council England said:
“Accreditation is the UK museum sector’s benchmark for good practice and recognises organisations that meet nationally agreed standards across all aspects of museum practice, from caring for collections to engaging with visitors and ensuring good governance. This achievement reflects the dedication and professionalism of the Manx National Heritage team and demonstrates their commitment to protecting and sharing the Isle of Man’s rich heritage for the benefit of current and future generations”.
Museum Accredited status is recognised throughout the heritage sector as the mark of a professionally managed museum service and is a significant achievement. The successful outcome confirms Manx National Heritage’s ongoing commitment to the highest standards of collections care and conservation, and recognises excellence in leadership, governance, financial management, public engagement and visitor services.
Retaining Accredited status requires organisations to meet rigorous and exacting standards, supported by extensive evidence and continuous review. While visitors experience the public facing aspects of Manx National Heritage’s work, a significant amount of activity takes place behind the scenes every day to ensure these standards are consistently achieved and maintained.
Accreditation also connects Manx National Heritage to a respected UK-wide network of Accredited museums, creating opportunities for collaboration, professional development and knowledge sharing. It reinforces the organisation’s commitment to continuous improvement to ensure the Island’s heritage is cared for and shared in line with recognised best practice.
Connie Lovel, Executive Director of Manx National Heritage, said:
“Retaining Accredited status for our museums and heritage sites is a significant achievement and a testament to the professionalism, expertise, and dedication of our staff and volunteers. Behind this recognition lies the collective effort of teams across the organisation, working every day to meet the rigorous standards required for Accreditation. From collections care and conservation, to finance, facilities management, visitor engagement, learning, library and archive services, and corporate governance, each area plays a vital role in maintaining the highest professional standards of excellence”.
“For visitors, partners, funders, and stakeholders, Museum Accreditation provides confidence that Manx National Heritage operates to the highest professional and internationally recognised standards. As a respected benchmark of excellence across the museum sector, maintaining Accredited status over many years reflects our enduring commitment to best practice and our shared commitment and dedication to preserving, protecting, and sharing the Isle of Man’s heritage for present and future generations”.
Jonathan Hall, Chairman of Manx National Heritage, said:
“The successful renewal of Accredited status for Manx National Heritage sites is an outstanding achievement and one in which everyone associated with the organisation can take great pride.
On behalf of the Board, I would like to congratulate our staff and volunteers whose expertise, dedication and professionalism have made this possible. Their efforts, many of which take place behind the scenes and often go unseen by the public, are essential in ensuring that the Island’s heritage is protected, accessible and inspiring for current and future generations.
This achievement reinforces Manx National Heritage’s standing within the wider museum community across the British Isles and reflects our ongoing ambition to deliver excellence for the people of the Isle of Man and all who visit”.
ENDS
