Access

Access for All Cohort 2026 

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 4 full day in-person workshops and 5 online sessions 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

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!

How to apply

Details of the 2026 Cohort will be available soon

If you have any questions about the programme, please contact: Liz Denton Museum Development Adviser - liz.denton@museumdevelopmentnorth.org.uk