In the run up to the Museums Association’s AGM in October, members will have the opportunity to vote on changes to the Code of Ethics.
The new code takes an aspirational approach to ethics and encourages those who work in and with museums to maintain minimum standards of practice and work towards ethical best practice. The code is also here to support everyday ethical reflection.
Having an aspirational code means recognising that museums can deliver public benefit and be inclusive spaces where everyone is valued and treated equitably. It means understanding that museums should care
for collections and make them relevant to and representative of communities. It also means maintaining public trust and integrity and considering the climate impact and our social responsibility.
At a time of global political, economic and social upheaval and polarisation, the code is essential to help guide us all to work through the complex ethical issues we are facing. We hope the new code helps you to have thoughtful conversations about fundamental areas of museum practice and to build consensus with communities.
By striving towards ethical best practice, we can create museums that are inclusive, transparent and sustainable.
India Divers is the policy lead at the Museums Association