Accreditation Mentor

Based at the Maze/Long Kesh site near Lisburn, the Ulster Aviation Society is one of Northern Ireland's most distinctive volunteer-led museums. Founded in 1968, the Society cares for an extensive collection of aviation heritage, including more than 45 historic aircraft, thousands of aviation artefacts, specialist galleries, a flight simulator suite and a library of over 6,000 aviation publications. Having recently been accepted onto the UK Museum Accreditation programme, the Society is embarking on an exciting period of organisational development and is now seeking an Accreditation Mentor to provide guidance and support as it works towards accreditation by autumn 2028. About the Role Accreditation Mentors play an important voluntary role supporting museums to develop and embed good practice across governance, collections care, planning and public engagement. The mentor will act as a trusted critical friend, helping the Society strengthen museum practice and navigate the accreditation process. The Ulster Aviation Society is particularly keen to hear from museum professionals with expertise in:

• Forward and strategic planning
• Emergency planning
• Collections care in challenging environmental conditions
• Developing practical plans from organisational policies, particularly in collections care and conservation Applicants should have at least three years' experience working in museums at curator or manager level and be willing to share their knowledge, experience and professional networks. Commitment The role is voluntary, with travel expenses covered. The Society anticipates quarterly in-person meetings, either at the museum or with the Board of Trustees, alongside regular communication via email and Microsoft Teams. Additional visits may be arranged where beneficial. Why Get Involved? This is an opportunity to:
• Support a passionate volunteer-led organisation who are welcoming, enthusiastic and supportive, they are united by a shared commitment to preserving aviation heritage.
• Contribute to the preservation of a nationally significant aviation collection
• Expand your professional network within the museum and heritage sector
• Gain valuable experience mentoring a museum through a major developmental milestone
• Help shape the future of aviation heritage in Northern Ireland