It’s already here so we’ll keep it – Improving object entry procedures
New MD North and Collections Trust programme now open for applications
May – July 2026
4 online workshops
Deadline for applications – 10.00 Tuesday 7 April 2026
- Do your written object entry procedures, and how they’re carried out, match up to the day-to-day reality of how objects come into your museum?
- Museums can have clear Spectrum-compliant procedures for donations that are agreed in advance but those procedures might not cover the unplanned and unexpected – objects that arrive in the post, taken in at the front desk to not cause offence turning down the offer, passed on through a trustee and put on the curator’s desk.
- They’re difficult to dispose of, especially if the ownership is unknown. It’s easier to keep them even though they take up storage space, or keep them by default by not making a decision at all.
- Those donations may be unexpected but knowing how best to deal with them responsibly can be planned.
This programme, run jointly between Museum Development North and Collections Trust, will use the Spectrum procedures to consider how you deal with the unexpected objects, discouraging unsolicited donations in the first place, and knowing how to deal with them if they do arrive.
The programme comprises four online workshops for eight Accredited museums, with up to two people per museum participating. Applications are open to any Accredited or Working Towards Accreditation museum (including those currently provisional). The programme supports Section 2 of the Accreditation Standard.
Full details of the programme are here.
For your museum to take part, please complete this expression of interest form for both applicants (if applicable) by 10.00 Tuesday 7 April 2026. Applicants will be informed by Monday 13 April.
Find out more about our other collections programmes.
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