Appendix 1: Victoria & Albert Museum Conservation Department Ethics Checklist

Victoria & Albert Museum Conservation Department Ethics Checklist

2nd Edition December 2004

A. Why is action needed?

B. Have I consulted records?

C. Have I consulted stakeholders, peers, other specialists?

D. Have I considered and weighted the factors contributing to the identity and significance of the object(s)?

E. What are my options for action which will produce an appropriate result with minimum intervention?

F. What effect will my action(s) have on the evidence of the factors contributing to the identity and significance of the object(s)?

G. Do I have sufficient information and skill to assess and implement action(s)?

H. What are the benefits/risks of each course of action and how will I continue to assess these throughout the course of action?

I. Can the use or environment be adapted instead of intervening on the object(s)?

J. Is my intended action(s) the best use of resources and is it sustainable?

K. Do established courses of action need to be adapted or new ones developed?

L. How will my action(s) affect subsequent action(s)?

M. Have I taken into account the future use and location of the object(s), and have I made recommendations accordingly?

N. Will my actions be fully documented to a known and accepted standard?

O. Will the information resulting from my actions be accessible?

P. How will I assess the success of the action(s), and how will I get feedback from stakeholders and peers?

This is the first page of the Ethics Checklist.
For the Background Document, and also the full document in printer-friendly format(s), please go to www.vam.ac.uk/res_cons/conservation/advice/policies/index.html