The MA is a long-standing advocate for everyone who works in and with museums, and we're committed to supporting museums in creating environments where all professionals can thrive.

In 2022, we conducted sector-wide research to identify the current state of individual wellbeing within the workforce, and to identify factors affecting wellbeing at individual, organisational and sector levels. The research informed the launch of a wellbeing campaign in 2023 and our continued work in this area, through profile-raising, advice, professional development and associated funding of projects and networks.

However, within the research, disabled museum professionals were underrepresented. To address this, two discovery discussion sessions were held in March 2026 to provide a platform for disabled museum professionals to deeply explore and reflect on their individual and collective experiences.

The goal was to gain a greater understanding of specific issues and contexts, to assess what these mean for the sector, and to identify how the MA can effectively support individuals impacted. 

We're sharing a research report and a recommendations report so that individuals, leaders and managers, organisations and the sector as a whole can reflect and act: amplifying their commitment, improving the experience of disabled museum professionals, and creating inclusive and diverse museums.

The recommendations report

  1. Introduction
  2. Findings
  3. Recommendations
  4. Methodology
  5. Language
  6. Support, resources and further reading

“This research is both timely and concerning. It is worrying that disabled colleagues face barriers to full participation in the workforce and that their wellbeing is being negatively impacted. I hope that as colleagues, managers and employers we can take these recommendations on board and make positive changes towards becoming a more inclusive and representative sector.”

Sharon Heal, director, Museums Association

“It is unacceptable that in 2026 our sector continues to create cultures where exclusion and prejudice exist, and the experiences of disabled colleagues are often diminished or dismissed. We should not need to produce another report to highlight these injustices, but my hope is that by doing so we create energy and commitment to act.”

Tamsin Russell, workforce development lead, Museums Association

“This report acts as a timely reminder of the importance on focusing on not just the visitor experience but that of the workforce as well. It is concerning that in 2026, the experiences shared so generously by those who took part in the discovery discussions are still taking place. I hope that this report will be the force for change that is needed for the sector workforce right now.”

Emily Elsworth, access consultant