Access Audits in London and the South East
Equality Act 2010 and the Building Regulations 2010
I carry out Access Audits across the built environment including commercial workplace / offices, hotels / leisure, large scale events spaces, colleges, schools, churches, parks, historic listed buildings and I can assist with National Lottery Heritage Fund applications.
I have carried out access audits for Haringey Council to help them successfully secure funding through the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). Lordship Recreation Ground was awarded in excess of £4 million in Heritage Grants and Markfield Park was awarded in excess of £1.5 million.
How can I help you?
Level 1: Access Audit
A Level 1: Access Audit is a low cost service which will provide you with a concise, text only summary of key recommendations for improvements to inclusivity and accessibility.
This low cost service will provide you with an overview of the accessibility of the external environment, building/s and the services you provide. I will walk around your premises with you, talking through any access issues which may arise. A short written summary of our discussions will then be prepared. You are very welcome to take your own detailed notes during the audit.
Level 2: Access Audit
A Level 2: Access Audit is a detailed photographic report and is useful if you require comprehensive recommendations backed up by current design guidance in the Building Regulations.
All recommendations will be cross referenced where relevant against current design criteria, including Approved Document K: Protection from falling, collision and impact, Approved Document M: Access to and use of buildings, the BS 8300: 2018 Codes of practice and any other relevant design guidance. Category or priority ratings will also be provided if required.
A Level 2: Access Audit will help inform design considerations for future refurbishment and building works.
Get in touch
Judi Watkinson
01273 472661
judi@designandaccess.co.uk
Access Audits
An Access Audit (sometimes referred to as a DDA audit) assesses the current status of a building, environment and the way services are provided against good practice standards to benchmark the ease of accessibility, primarily for disabled people. However, well designed inclusive and accessible environments are beneficial for everyone.
As I write all Access Audits myself, I ensure that they are clearly written in plain English and that any technical terms are clearly explained.
How does it work?
I will visit your building at a suitable time and carry out an inspection starting from the outside and then working through the interior. The Access Audit will assess how inclusive and accessible the environment is for everyone.
The Access Audit will provide comments on any barriers to access which may prevent a disabled person from being able to use the environment and services. I will provide practical recommendations to improve access including any ‘reasonable adjustments’ you may need to consider in relation to the Equality Act 2010 (the Disability Discrimination Act – DDA has been absorbed into the Equality Act 2010). A ‘reasonable adjustment’ can be something as simple as changing a policy and does not necessarily require you to make expensive physical changes.
The Access Audit will be comprehensive and will include the following key areas;
The external environment
Any on site car parking
Entrance doors
Lobby areas
Reception points
Toilet facilities
Corridors
Internal doors
Stairs
Lifts
Communication systems
Controls / switches
Colour / visual contrast
Lighting
Acoustics
Wayfinding and signage
Emergency means of escape
Maintenance
Management Policies & Practices
Staff Awareness
Following the Access Audit survey, I will prepare your report for you to incorporate in an Access Plan or Access Strategy for the future.
Professional Membership
Chartered Society of Designers:
CSD Member no. 001553
National Register of Access Consultants: NRAC Member no. 191
Get in touch
Judi Watkinson MCSD, NRAC Consultant
Tel: 01273 472661
Email: judi@
Design and Access
Concorde House
18 Margaret Street
Brighton
East Sussex
BN2 1TS
© 2020 Judi Watkinson Inclusive Design and Access Consultant, Brighton, East Sussex
Providing expert creative Inclusive Design Consultancy throughout London and the South East