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Dr Nick Merriman has been appointed as the new Chair of our Designation Scheme Panel, taking over from Dr Stella Butler, whose tenure as Chair is coming to an end in Summer 2021.

The Designation Panel identifies outstanding collections around the country, assessing and making decisions on applications to the Designation Scheme, a mark of distinction that helps raise the profile of these vital collections and encourages people to safeguard them.

The Designation Scheme recognises cultural collections of outstanding importance held in non-national museums, libraries and archives across England. These vital collections are located in rural and urban centres right across the country, from Cornwall to Suffolk, and the South Coast to Cumbria.

This mark of distinction means their importance can be further recognised by funders, researchers and the public, helping to ensure these collections are protected and developed for wider enjoyment, learning and research.

Nick brings a wealth of skills and knowledge to the role through his experiences in a wide range of institutions, including Manchester Museums and University College London. Nick has published widely on museum studies topics, was Chair of the International Council of Museums (UK) from 2001 to 2004, President of the Council for British Archaeology from 2005 to 2008, Chair of the University Museums Group from 2009 to 2013, Convenor of the Museums Association’s Ethics Committee from 2008 to 2014 and was Chair of the Collections Trust from 2013 to 2017.

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