Working it out

As part of a series of blog posts about the new Code of Ethics, Tamsin Russell, the MA's workforce development lead, discusses the importance of ethical practice in creating inclusive, welcoming workplaces.

Our objects can't speak for themselves, so we need staff and volunteers in museums to facilitate engagement, enjoyment and learning. It's the people who comprise the museum workforce, through their varied roles, who bring collections to life, inspire action and create connections.

Without them, we risk museums becoming merely repositories rather than rich, relevant and responsive spaces – which is why, in addition to our legal responsibilities through the Equality Act and the Health and Safety at Work Act, we need to commit to best practice ethical principles and behaviours.

Creating inclusive and positive workplaces means challenging the status quo in our organisations and the sector more widely, highlighting the barriers that exist and removing them as soon as possible. It means calling out behaviours that are excluding and othering, and holding everyone accountable for how they create and embed inclusive practice. By doing this we create the conditions in which everyone can thrive, in an environment free from discrimination, bullying and excessive demands.

The new Code of Ethics highlights how we can work together to do all of this. By reflecting on the principle of being equitable and inclusive during planning, delivery and reflection, we are more likely to attract new and diverse talent, develop our offer so it is relevant and meaningful, and retain expertise. We should want to not just comply with legislation, but embrace ethical best practice.

MA individual members and representatives for institutional members will have the opportunity to vote on the new Code of Ethics as part of the AGM agenda that will be distributed to members from 19 September. Voting will take place through an independent online voting provider.