Submissions Closed | Key Document Scheme

Image: Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, Tiny Empire Collective

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Key Document Scheme (KDS) is an initiative offered in conjunction with AMaGA Victoria’s Museum Accreditation Program (MAP) and the Community Museum Accreditation Program (CMAP). MAP and CMAP are peer-review Accreditation programs for museums, galleries, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centres and collecting organisations in Victoria. MAP works with paid staff; CMAP works with volunteer-run, community museums and historical societies.  

KDS provides Victorian collecting organisations with a firm foundation by guiding participants through creating or reviewing key policy documentation and undertaking governance tasks. 

HOW TO APPLY

To apply please complete the Key Document Scheme (KDS) Application Questionnaire and submit once finalised. 

If you have any further questions, encounter difficulties with the application process or would like to check on your eligibility, please contact the Accreditation Programs Managers at map@amagavic.org.au.  

The Key Document Scheme deadline passed in March, 2026. The program will open for submission again in late 2027.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• As an organisation, what do I receive? 

  Participants work through four online modules, which are comprised of tutorials, resources and templates that can used to create their own documentation and improve practice. This includes: 

  • Develop a Statement of Purpose; 

  • Develop a Collection Policy; 

  • Improve organisational knowledge for management and 

  • Develop a Forward Plan. 

  On completion, participants are able to submit these documents for review and feedback from the Accreditation Programs Managers.  

  Completion of KDS provides participants with a preview of the processes and approach involved in working towards Accreditation and serves as a prerequisite for enrolling in either MAP or CMAP. KDS can also be completed as a standalone offering for organisations not yet ready to undertake Accreditation. 

• What are the benefits of undertaking KDS?  

  • Improvement or creation of key policy documents and guiding statements, aligned to the National Standards for Australian Museums and Galleries  

  • Improved organisational knowledge of the specific legal and ethical guidelines applicable for collecting organisations 

  • Access to online learning portal with resources directory linked to key areas of practice  

  • Ability to apply for enrolment in MAP or CMAP  

• Who is eligible? 

  To be eligible for KDS you must: 

  • Be a Not-For-Profit collecting organisation. For example, museum, historical society, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre, art gallery, or community organisation (i.e. sports club, volunteer association).* 

  • Be situated within the state of Victoria, Australia.  

  • Have base-level computer literacy skills and available wifi/internet to undertake online learning via the web and create and update word documents. 

  • Have 3+ volunteers or staff available to participate in information sessions, working through the modules and developing documentation.  

  • Have a Committee of Management or Board which will undertake policy adoption. 

  * At this phase, KDS is only open to organisations with cultural collections. We are exploring options for including organisations like interpretive centres and galleries without collections in future phases. 

• What are the assessment criteria?

  • Meeting of eligibility above  

  • Striving for continual improvement in practice, for example: 

  • Members of a relevant network, AMaGA Victoria, or PGAV, or RHSV or local network.  

  • Organisation encourages and undertakes training for staff and/or volunteers. 

  • Knowledge and use of the National Standards for Australian Museums and Galleries and other sector resources.  

  • Demonstrate a clear purpose for undertaking the Key Document Scheme, including an understanding of the expected benefits to the organisation or a commitment to future participation in MAP/CMAP 

  • Demonstrate willingness to improve First Peoples practices (e.g., Acknowledgement of Country, truth-telling, cultural authority, and collection protocols) 

• What are the fees?

  Participants in the Key Document Scheme pay a one-off fee for access to the online portal and document review undertaken by the Accreditation Program Managers. 

  Volunteer-run organisations: $200

  Organisations with up to 1 FTE paid museum staff: $200 

  Organisations with more than 1 FTE paid museum staff: $500