Funded Collections Care and Conservation Audits Offer
January 26, 2026Call for Expressions of Interest – Collections Care and Conservation Audits 2025/26
NI Museums Council (NIMC) is pleased to announce that Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are now open for our 2025–26 Collections Care & Conservation Audits. This programme is supported by additional funding secured by NIMC to help museums strengthen their approach to collections care and meet the requirements of the UK Museum Accreditation Standard, specifically Section 6: Care for and Conserve Collections.
Collections Care Audits provide museums with a professional, evidence-based assessment of the condition of their collections, the suitability of storage and display environments, and priority risks relating to conservation, security, and environmental management. These audits directly support long-term preservation planning and help ensure the sustainability and resilience of museum collections across Northern Ireland.
What the Audit Includes
Selected museums will receive a full professional audit covering:
- Building and environmental conditions
- Collections storage and display
- Collections care policies and procedures
- Pest management, handling, packing, and security
- Condition assessment with recommended priority actions
Eligibility
Expressions of Interest are invited from:
Accredited museums, and Museums with Working Towards Accreditation status,
that are local, non-national museums in Northern Ireland and have not received a NI Museums Council funded Collections Care & Conservation Audit in the last four years.
Commitment Required
Museums selected for the programme will be asked to:
- Facilitate an on-site audit visit during February 2026
- Provide relevant documentation, including collections care policies, plans, and environmental data
- Engage with follow-up discussions and integrate findings into forward planning
- A message from NIMC Director, Heather McGuicken
“Ensuring the long-term care and sustainability of museum collections is fundamental to public trust and to the Accreditation Standard. These audits give museums practical, specialist support precisely where it’s needed—strengthening environmental management, highlighting risks, and supporting clear, achievable planning. We are delighted to offer this opportunity and encourage eligible museums to apply.”
— Heather McGuicken, Director, NI Museums Council
How to Apply
Download and complete this Expression of Interest form and return it to info@nimc.co.uk by:
4pm, Wednesday 4th February 2026
If you have any questions, the NIMC team is happy to help.