Code of Ethics

ICOM Code of Ethics for museums

Ethics and museum professionals’ exemplary practices are essential for ICOM.

ICOM Code of Ethics for museums was adopted in 1986 and revised in 2004. It establishes the values and principles shared by ICOM and the international museum community. It is a reference tool translated to 36 languages and it sets minimum standards of professional practice and performance for museums and their staff.

By joining ICOM, each member commits to respect this code.

ICOM Statutes

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ICOM's Statutes are an essential document for the organisation. ICOM's rules clarify and complete these Statutes.

The Statutes are the foundations of the organisation and its functioning. They specify the objectives, the mission and the organisation of the structure.

The new version of this essential document was adopted in 2007 during the 21st General Conference in Vienna (Austria).

Article 14 - 14. Advisory Committee

Section 1. Organisation
The Advisory Committee is the advisory body of ICOM. It consists of the Chairpersons (or their appointed representatives) of National and International Committees, Regional Alliances, and Affiliated Organisations.

Section 2. Functions of the Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee advises the Executive Council and the General Assembly on matters concerning the policies, programmes, procedures and finances of ICOM, and may propose amendments to the Statutes. It advises on matters and activities in the general interest of ICOM, as recommended by the Executive Council. The activities of the Advisory Committee shall be reported to the General Assembly for approval at its next meeting.
Section 3. Officers
The Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons of the Advisory Committee shall be elected by the membership for a three-year term of office. Advisory Committee officers may serve two consecutive terms.

The Chairperson of the Advisory Committee shall convene and chair the meetings of the Committee, and shall serve as an ex officio member of the Executive Council, as the Elections Officer of ICOM and finally, as an ex officio member of the Board of all Regional Alliances.

Section 4. Annual Meeting
The Advisory Committee meets at least once a year in ordinary session, on the same date and at the same location as one of the Executive Council meetings.
Section 5. Candidates for the Executive Council
Candidates for election as officers and ordinary members of the Executive Council of ICOM may only be nominated by National or International Committees. Each nomination must be accompanied by a letter signed by the Chairperson of the National or International Committee and endorsed by another Board Member on behalf of the nominating committee confirming endorsement of the candidate.
Section 6. Voting by proxy
A member of the Advisory Committee (other than the Chairperson) may be represented by another member of ICOM at a meeting of the Committee, but no person may hold more than one (1) proxy.
Section 7. Quorum and Majority
The quorum for a meeting of the Advisory Committee shall be one-half (50%) of the members present and represented by proxy. If this quorum is not reached, the Advisory Committee shall be convened again at the same place within twenty-four hours. Whatever the number of members then present, the Advisory Committee has the power to deliberate. The Advisory Committee decisions are taken by a simple majority of the members present and represented.