What does the final report include? Expand A typical report might describe each building element sequentially, how they affect people with particular impairments, and to what extent they fall short of the agreed access criteria. Recommendations might then be made for remedial action and that action awarded a priority rating. The final report of a full access audit should provide the information you need to draw up an effective Access Action Plan’ in which access improvements, staff training and a revision of relevant policies, practices and procedures can be timetabled. The order in which recommendations are acted upon will depend in the first instance upon the priority they are given in the report, if for instance the present situation constitutes a hazard.
How much does it cost? Expand In general it can be assumed that if a survey takes a day to complete, it will take the assessor/auditor a further day to produce a report; two days in total. Please contact us for pricing information. Other costs include any travel expenses for the auditor, lunch and accommodation (if required). This includes any initial consultation to make sure the auditing is tailored to your needs.
What can Shape offer you? Expand Shape can tailor a package to meet your needs. Our services include: • Help developing your brief • Walking and talking you through your services and premises • Confidential one-to-one consultation sessions • Training you in access auditing methodology • Give you information on the Equality Act 2010its regulations and Codes of Practice • Undertaking a comprehensive access audit for you • Undertaking a feasibility report • Appraising architectural drawings and proposals for change • Preparing reports for you and/or your funders • Delivering disability access and equalities training (basic to specialist)
Why should I choose Shape? Expand Shape is a disability-led arts organisation working to improve access to culture for disabled people. We develop opportunities for disabled artists, we train cultural institutions to be more open to disabled people, and we run participatory arts and development programmes. Shape has gained its reputation as a sector leader and subject matter expert through its innovative approach to inclusion, equality, and access. With over 35 years' experience, today Shape continues to produce innovative projects and improve accessibility and inclusion within the arts, cultural and leisure sectors.
Is there any follow-up done by Shape? Expand Access auditing should not be a one-off exercise; it should be part of an evolving plan or strategy which is continually monitored. At Shape we follow up all our auditing with evaluation feedback for the client. Due to the unique way that Shape also works with disabled audiences, after auditing with us we may be able to bring audiences to your venue or public spaces to experience first-hand how the improvements have helped their access and staff skills; and feedback those experiences to you. Shape also offer support packages for venues and organisations of any scale which includes telephone advice surgeries, email support, and mystery shopping feedback. This is part of Shape's holistic approach to supporting arts and cultural venues and organisations.
Does Shape do auditing outside London? Expand Yes. Shape is based in London but does cover areas outside of London. Please contact us to discuss. Thereafter, it is usually recommended that physical improvements be undertaken in logical sequence (a sequential journey similar to that followed by the audit) as building users experience them. Nonetheless, some improvements can be incorporated into regular maintenance programmes or might be implemented as a specific project.
Who will be your auditor? Expand Shape works with a group of disabled professional trainers and access auditors who are experts in the field of arts, access, disability and equality. Our assessors and auditors have extensive experience working with and for disability and arts organisations; they are familiar with contemporary best practice in Inclusive Design.
What needs to happen before an audit takes place? Expand We will send you a pre-audit questionnaire in order to understand your brief, what is expected from us, where your organisation is in terms of access and what type of access service is required. Once we receive this we will then send it back to with the contract details. You need to know why you want an access audit and we ask you to consider the following things: • On your brief, please clarify: how you work, your objectives, capacity or priorities • Advise us if you want a detailed technical report or an overview report • Your budget. To be sure that you obtain the service you require, you will need to explain to the auditor/assessor: • Periods and patterns of use and any changes planned • Management responsibilities • Planned maintenance programmes • Alterations or extensions proposed. We will also need to discuss and agree the: • Access criteria to which you expect the audit to refer (this may be dictated by funders) • Consultation with users • Report format • Timescale and fees
Why audit? Expand An access audit is essentially a survey of premises and their management in terms of their accessibility to all people including disabled people. In isolation an access audit does not achieve anything: what matters is what follows, what action you take and to what effect. Shape considers an access audit to be just one part of a progressive cycle of events that together will enable you to extend your services, facilities, and employment opportunities to all.