A local team makes an initial assessment and submits recommendatons to the accreditation manager of the relevant national body (Arts Council England (ACE), Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS), Northern Ireland Museums Council, or the Welsh Government).
If the body decide to grant approval, the museum is classed as "Working Towards Accreditation" and must submit a full application demonstrating compliance with the three required areas within three years.
[14] Museums are accredited fully for five years and then must demonstrate that they continue to meet standards on a returns schedule.
[7][4] The Accreditation Scheme is managed by ACE, MGS, Northern Ireland Museums Council, and the Welsh Government.
When Bury Art Museum lost accreditation in 2005 due to the sale of a Lowry painting, it was excluded from British networks.
[27] Museum accreditation can limit what can be done with collections in terms of engagement, in order to meet professional standards.
[3] In 2025, director of museums and cultural property for ACE, Emmie Kell, announced that there would be a review of accreditation.