Courier Training

Wednesdays 15 + 22 October 2025, 10:00 – 12:30 each day, Online (Zoom) 

This virtual, interactive training helps museum professionals build their skills and confidence in undertaking in-person and virtual courier trips, as well as preparing to receive in-person or virtual couriers at their own organisation.  The training is also relevant for anyone organising couriers in to/ out of their organisation but not undertaking the courier trips themselves.

The training draws on the Courier Training Framework (CTF) developed by the European Registrars Group (ERG), supported by the UK Registrars Group (UKRG), to promote best practice in the museum and gallery sector.  The CTF is based on the principle that we should send couriers only when necessary. 

The training covers: 

• The purpose and responsibilities of a courier 
• How we determine when a courier is required 
• Preparing to be a courier 
• Preparing to receive a courier 
• Overview of object preparation and paperwork 
• Roles and responsibilities in transit and at the venue 
• Process and equipment for virtual couriering 
• Reducing the environmental impact of couriers 
• Dealing with the unexpected 
• Courier essentials 

By the end of this training, participants will be able to: 

• Understand the purpose and responsibilities of a courier, and explain when and why couriers are used, both in-person and virtual. 
• Prepare effectively to act as a courier, including understanding key procedures, object handling protocols, and essential documentation. 
• Prepare to receive a courier at their own organisation, ensuring smooth communication, appropriate setup, and professional standards. 
• Identify the roles and responsibilities of registrars, conservators, technicians, and other parties involved during transit and at the venue. 
• Apply best practice from the Courier Training Framework (CTF) to real-world scenarios. 
• Recognise ways to reduce the environmental impact of courier travel and promote alternatives aligned with institutional sustainability policies. 
• Demonstrate knowledge of courier essentials, including communication skills, documentation, checklists, and professional conduct. 

Taking place over two online sessions via Zoom, participants will have the opportunity to work as a whole group and in small groups in breakout rooms, with time for discussions and peer sharing and learning. 

This virtual training is interactive and delivered by an experienced TEG trainer.  The number of participants is limited to facilitate online learning and participation.  Each session is recorded and made available to participants (unedited and not available to download) for one week after the training finishes.  The slides and training materials are sent to participants once week in advance of the training starting.

Automated closed captions are provided as standard on Zoom.  Live closed captions and/or BSL can be provided if requested 3 weeks in advance of the first training session. 

Please book one place per person, even if colleagues choose to join from the same computer.

We run each of our virtual trainings once a year.  After this training in autumn 2025, we next anticipate running this training in autumn 2026.