Chase museum gets quality award
Praise has been heaped on a Cannock Chase visitor attraction which "meets the highest quality standards" after it scooped the latest in a long line of awards.
The Museum of Cannock Chase received a glowing report from the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) after two years of hard work. Its Museum Accreditation Scheme (MAS) sets nationally agreed standards for all museums in the UK. To achieve MAS status, the museum had to meet clearly-defined standards.
Additionally, the Museum of Cannock Chase received a commendation for listening to and acting on the views of users. The accreditation panel's report said: "Consultation is well embedded within the culture of the museum, not just a token add-on to satisfy funders.
"The museum has robust procedures for analysing responses and for acting upon them. This ethos has benefited the development of new galleries and the day-to-day running of the museum."
The museum can now display the MLA Accreditation symbol and use it on publicity material.
Councillor Mick Grocott, Cannock Chase Council Culture, Sport and Services for Children and Young People, said: "The MLA accreditation is the result of two years' hard work by all employees at the Museum of Cannock Chase and I would like to congratulate them all.
"This shows just how high the standards are at the museum and the attraction is definitely punching above its weight."
Andrew Motion, former Poet Laureate and the chairman of the MLA, said: "Being awarded accreditation is an impressive achievement. It recognises the high standards and service that a museum provides and acknowledges the hard work of the staff."
The MLA Accreditation follows a surprise inspection in September, after which the museum was awarded the Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Award (VAQAS) – the fifth time it has won the quality mark.
Last year the museum also received the Sandford Award for Heritage Education.
