Access
Access for All Cohort 2025
This development programme is delivered by Museum Development Adviser Liz Denton and nationally recognised Access consultants, with contributions from a range of expert guest speakers and case studies from across the region. Join 10 museums from across the North to develop both your knowledge and confidence, through training and peer support.
By the end of the cohort museums will better understand how to make their services more accessible. Support will have also been provided to help participants review their Access Policy and update their Access Plan.
What the programme offers
The cohort will be delivered via a mixed programme – including 2 full day in-person workshops and 6 online sessions (September 2025 – March 2026) with an expectation of commitment to attending all the sessions. In response to museum feedback the programme has been designed to be very practical with lots of opportunity to turn learning into action, increase confidence via practice and develop resources.
We will foster a friendly, confidential and inclusive learning environment with support from the programme manager, lead consultant and your peers!
Why should you apply?
You know your museum offer could be more accessible but would like some advice on what to prioritise.
You have been approached by a potential partner in the community but are unsure how to develop services.
Your museum has already achieved a lot for some visitors, but you realise that improvements need to be made for others.
Would you really value expert advice and support for FREE?
What are the benefits?
Learn alongside peers in a supportive environment – we’re all in it together!
A fantastic opportunity to access high quality training
Mentoring (some museums will be eligible to apply for a mentor from a range of expert consultants)
Cohort applicants also have exclusive access to an additional opportunity – Access Auditing Training to be held in Newcastle in September and November 2025.
Who should apply?
Non-specialists who want to make their museum more accessible for disabled visitors
Museums without a dedicated Access officer
Museums with restricted budgets/ limited opportunity for investment for improvements
Multi-site providers can apply, but the participants must represent one site
Museums can send up to 2 people, who must be able to commit to attending all the training
How will you be involved?
Mixture of online and face to face meetings – at a steady pace
Everyone will audit their site to highlight good practice and areas for development – there is also an opportunity to attend an in-person auditing course
Non-NPOs can apply for a mentor, who will work with the museum to identify an area for development
Online peer to peer support
All participants will be expected to start change – e.g., front of house training, new gallery resource, better facilities for disabled visitors, improved information on site or online
What will we focus on?
Through group discussion, training, mentoring and individual reflection and we will focus on:
- Understanding the diversity of need
- How to consult with disabled people
- Motivations for visiting
- Facilities for visitors – onsite, website and social media
- How to audit/benchmark
- Developing your offer
- How to promote your offer
- Ensuring that your Access Policy and Plan is Accreditation compliant!
Development Programme Dates
Access for All Workshop, Wakefield Museum
Friday 5 September, 10am-4pm
Welcoming Families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Tuesday 30 September
Online – 10am – 12.30pm
Autism Awareness Training
Monday 20 October
Online – 10am – 12.30
Developing and Enhancing your Museum Offer
Experience Barnsley
Tuesday November 4th, 10am – 4pm
Visual Awareness Training
Monday 15 December
Online – 10am – 1pm
Employing a multi-sensory approach
Monday 12 January
Online – 10am – 12.30pm
Consultation and Best Practice
Tuesday 10th February
Online – 10am – 12.30pm
Access Policy and Plans
March date tbc, Online
Full details of each session can be found here
Additional Opportunity – Access Audit Training in Newcastle. Find out more here
How to apply
Please complete the online Expression of Interest form by noon on Friday 18 July 2025. Places are limited and priority is given to applicants who can show a commitment to applying the learning for the benefit of their museum. Please note that if we are over-subscribed priority will be given to non NPOs and NPOs that are new to this area of work.
Successful applicants will be contacted by Thursday 24 July
If you have any questions about the programme or your eligibility, please contact: Liz Denton Museum Development Adviser - liz.denton@museumdevelopmentnorth.org.uk