sensory access
Ensuring that visitors and staff can participate in the museum or gallery experience, whether they have a sensory impairment or not.
service(s)
Direct assistance / advice is provided by SMC for members in the areas of conservation and collections care; fundraising; grants; ICT; learning and access; museum development; Registration; and training as well as general service of information and advocacy to and on behalf of the museum sector. For the future delivery of subject specialist advice in Scotland, SMC has suggested that SMC, NMS, and NGS should develop a joint policy and service specifications.
social exclusion
The exclusion of people from the normal exchanges, practices and rights of society because individuals or areas suffer from a combination of linked problems such as unemployment, poor skills, low incomes, poor housing, high crime environments, bad health and family breakdown. Engagement in cultural activities can help to combat social exclusion.
(See also cultural exclusion.)
social justice
The belief that every individual and group is entitled to fair and equal rights and participation in social, educational, and economic opportunities. The agenda for increasing understanding of oppression and inequality and taking action to overcome them. Museums can, and do, make an important contribution to social justice. SMC’s publication Museums and Social Justice encourages everyone working in the museum sector to tackle inequalities and disadvantage.
standard
An accepted measurable expectation, example, or way of doing things to which people, organisations or processes should conform. A standard indicates a threshold or criteria against which performance can be measured to demonstrate quality.
statutory framework
Responsibilities and/or requirements as set out in legislations (a.k.a. statue). For example, local authorities have a statutory duty to ensure adequate cultural provision of facilities for cultural activities in their area (Local Government and Planning (Scotland) Act 1982). Legislation also requires that this provision should be open to the public free of charge (Public Libraries (Scotland) (Amendment) Act 1887.
steering group
A group of people with responsibility for directing and ensuring effective completion of a particular project.
stewardship
The responsibility for and management of the care, conservation and security of museum collections and cultural heritage, including planning for the future.
strategic planning
The systematic process by which an organisation formulates achievable policy objectives for future growth and development over the long term, based on its mission and goals, and on a realistic assessment of the human and material resources available to implement the plan. A well-developed plan is the basis for effective performance evaluation.
(See the SMC publication Guidelines for Strategic Planning: Writing a Heritage Strategy.)
strategy
A considered forward-looking plan for the implementation of a policy and the achievement of a goal. One of SMC’s strategic objectives is to develop a national strategy for a sustainable museums network in Scotland and make sure it is implemented. (Though it would be rare for SMC to implement any national policy alone, as we believe in working in partnership with others and particularly in helping the sector to help itself.)
support
Giving assistance or encouragement. SMC is the main channel for Scottish Executive support to non-national museums and galleries in Scotland. SMC strengthens the museum sector and its services by providing funding, advice and advocacy.
