Code of Ethics

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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.

This update was approved on 7 October 2025 at the Museums Association's AGM.

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.

The code sets out key ethical principles and ethical practice and is supported by case studies and further guidance.

Ethical reflection is an essential part of everyday museum practice. This code should be used to guide ethical decision making in all areas of museum work and to support you to navigate more complex ethical situations when they arise.

This code is a guide to best practice and does not contain all the answers. The ethical decisions you make will depend on your specific circumstances and context and may look different in different museums. Therefore, it is important to conduct open and reasoned processes when considering ethical issues.

To help our members understand the key changes to the code, and the extensive review and consultation process, we have produced the following short film.