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Access

Access Auditors

What do they do?

• Access auditing

• Preparations of disability equality strategies

• Advice on access statements and planning guidance

Who are they?

Tony Crowhurst B.Sc. (Mathematics), DBA. Cert Dip AF, MRICS - Tony is a Chartered Surveyor with over 35 years experience in the building industry. He has worked with and for disabled people for over 6 years both as customer and client

Ailsa Pearce BA Hons (Leisure & Tourism Facility Management), M.Sc (Occupational Health and Safety), Nebosh general certificate – Ailsa has worked with disabled people for over 20 years. She has worked on the access needs of disabled people and Health and Safety for over 2 years.

What access auditing services are available?

• Walk and talk audits – The purpose of this type of audit is to enable you to walk in the shoes of a disabled person. In the company of one of our auditors, you will walk around your building. The auditor’s role will be to help you to understand the various access issues that would be encountered by a disabled person. On larger schemes, our auditors will be accompanied by a group of disabled people. No formal written report is prepared but key issues will be raised in a short letter.

• Access guidance – The purpose of this type of audit is to target key issues and assess your building against these key criteria. A tick list is used. A report is prepared which features the tick list, key comments and general advice on a range of issues.

• Drawing assessments – The purpose of this type of audit is to consider access issues on the basis of drawings alone. It is typically used as part of the design process. A short report would be prepared.

• Audits of external environments – We have carried out audits of countryside paths, towns centres, cemeteries, building access routes etc, In some cases we have used drawings alone and in other cases have walked up to 6 miles along countryside trails in the company of clients. The nature of the report is dependent on the nature of the commission.

• Full access audits – These audits use the British Standard BS8300 to compare your buildings against best practice. A comprehensive report is prepared which features many photographs. An executive summary brings together the report’s action points.

What is our experience of disability equality strategies?

• When the disability equality duty was first introduced, the Disability Advice Project held a conference to explain the details of the Duty. The conference was attended by in excess of 100 people, which included most local Councils, CADW, etc.
• We have helped governors of many schools to prepare Disability Equality Strategies. Many have subsequently been reviewed and given the highest grading in each instance by Estyn inspectors.
• What is our experience of access statements and planning?
• We have commented on planning applications submitted to Torfaen County Borough Council for over 2 years.
• We have made presentations to planners, building control officers and agents associated with several local councils
• We have worked with access groups throughout Wales to promote the needs of disabled people, including meeting with the appropriate Welsh Assembly Minister.

What de we charge?

• Typically £75 per hour or £500 per day

• Longer term commissions are subject to separate negotiations

• Work directly for disabled people is often carried out for no cost

Member of DIAL UK

Charity No: 500000