Accessibility Audits

An access audit is a systematic inspection of a building or environment to assess how accessible it is for people with a range of disabilities. It identifies barriers to access and provides recommendations for improvements, ranging from minor adjustments to more substantial alterations, in line with the Equality Act 2010 and relevant British Standards.

Any organisation that provides services to the public, employs staff, or manages premises may benefit from an access audit, particularly those with buildings that were constructed before modern accessibility standards came into force. Access audits are also commonly required as part of planning applications and building regulation compliance.

Reasonable adjustments are changes made by service providers and employers to remove or reduce the disadvantage experienced by disabled people. What is 'reasonable' depends on factors such as the size of the organisation, cost, practicality, and the effectiveness of the adjustment. Core Compliance can advise on proportionate and practical measures for your specific premises.

Failure to make reasonable adjustments can result in legal action being brought against your organisation in the Employment Tribunal or county court. Claimants may be entitled to financial compensation, and organisations face reputational damage. Proactive compliance through an access audit is a far more cost-effective approach than responding to complaints or legal proceedings.

Yes. Access and inclusion statements or access audits are often required to support planning applications for new developments or change of use applications. Core Compliance can provide access appraisals and reports in the appropriate format to support your planning submission and Building Regulations compliance.