COVID Re-opening – Roundup of Latest Guidance for May 2021

With confirmation that the museum sector can re-open its doors from Monday 17th May, now is good time to review the latest guidance relevant for Industrial Heritage sites normally open to the public. The following list of advice and links is not comprehensive but is a useful starting point/reminder for those running and/or volunteering at Industrial Heritage sites.

Latest Government information – Latest information and advice

National Museums Directors Council – Good practice Guidelines for Reopening Updated (5th May)

NMDC has updated its Good Practice Guidelines for Reopening Museums in the light of recent Government announcements. The tier system has now moved to a step system with Step 3 starting from May 17th when museums can re-open their buildings.

Arts Council England – COVID-19 Updates to the Government Indemnity Scheme (GIS)

The Heritage Alliance – Rebuilding Heritage Programme

ICOM – Follow-up survey: the impact of COVID-19 on the museum sector

EMBED – Post COVID-19 Reopening Guidance

The ‘EMBED Reopening Recommendation’ guidance has been created to support organisations in their decision making prior to reopening following COVID-19 lockdown. It considers potential barriers faced by disabled visitors and customers and offers solution based guidance for organisations of all types with the ultimate aim of keeping stakeholders, staff, volunteers visitors, students or customers as safe as possible. 

Association of Independent Museums – Coronavirus Resources

Museums Association – COVID-19 Support Scheme

This scheme has been set up to offer grants of £500 to individual MA members whose finances have been significantly affected by the current pandemic. It is open to individual members who have held membership for two or more years and can demonstrate a genuine and measurable need.

National Lottery Heritage Fund – National Lottery Grants for Heritage

A reminder that the National Lottery Heritage Fund is now accepting applications again for larger projects (from £100,000 up to £5million) as well as small and medium project funding applications.