Participation and Collaboration: Our Values and Approaches

The Fitzwilliam Museum is committed to ensuring that a wider range of people can shape and take part in our research, asking: "What can we do together?'  

These guiding values have been created collaboratively with community co- researchers, Museum staff and a range of university and local partners.  

How can we work together?  

We are committed to working inclusively, caringly and respectfully.  

We build strong connections with those who work with us, giving everyone opportunity to participate.  

We create connections that are of benefit to all involved.   

We are proactive and responsive in our communication.  

We recognise our diversity but agree to work together based on the same values. 

What can we expect from each other?  

We provide access to shared work through our physical and digital spaces.  

We bring openness, honesty and respect to our conversations. We agree shared expectations and adjust our plans as needed. 

We create space for critical feedback from those we work with, enabling us to build strong partnerships over time. 

How can we celebrate our range of expertise?  

Through carefully listening to each other, we create spaces that allow diverse experiences and voices to be heard. 

We understand that people are free to contribute as much or as little as they wish in whatever way is appropriate for them. 

How will we see the lasting impact of our work?  

We are committed to making our work visible.  

We will talk with each other about the impacts of our work together. 

We support each other when a project comes to an end.  

We acknowledge that people may want to leave a project and make this process easy and accessible.  

We are all responsible for keeping in touch with each other. 

Get Involved 

Find out more about current projects on our Participation, Practive and Co-creation Research Community page. If you would like to discuss a new project, please email getinvolved@fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk  

These values and approaches were created as part of an action research project which took between September 2022 and August 2024 and will be regularly reviewed and updated. The next review is planned for September 2026.