Your group may be expected to produce a written report on the findings of your audit. This should include suggestions of possible access improvements where the existing provision does not meet best practice guidance.

It is a good idea to supplement your report with supporting photographs to illustrate certain points – these are not only useful for the clients, but can be good visual reminders of what you have seen once you have left the building.

You may be required to give a verbal presentation to the client.

Audit report considerations

Report layout and style

• narrative approach – the journey through the building, highlighting barriers
• referencing system – a tabular layout helps maintain consistency of referencing and guarantees ease of referral
• supporting media – use of digital photos, diagrams, drawings or plans
• measurements – record all necessary measurements, and use metric rather than imperial (as this is what the guidance uses)

Report introduction

• building name and date of audit
• scope of the audit – refer to the brief
• name standards and criteria used – Part M, BS 8300, and so on
• legislation and regulations – give a brief overview of the legislation and Building Regulations underpinning the report
• legal disclaimer, and statement on consumer viewpoint
• emphasise that following the audit recommendations will not guarantee any ‘compliance’ with the DDA
• identify any known disabled members of staff
• identify any specific limitations of building – listed building status, and so on

Executive summary

• target the readership – who is the report for?
• pick out the main issues the report raises
• highlight any major problem areas
• summarise any problems that were encountered frequently

Main body of the report

Identify and separate sections of the report by:

• each building area – such as entrance area, reception, first floor
• elements within that area – such as entrance doors

• the current situation – measure (dimensions, door opening forces, and so on) and observe (positioning of moveable items, attitude of staff)
• recommendations – such as automatic doors, manifestations new door closers. Focus on suggesting achievable, practical solutions
• time-frame for recommendations – long term, medium term and short term solutions

Important note: never refer to ‘compliance’ with the DDA, as this cannot be achieved simply through provision of an accessible environment (the DDA is about access to services and employment, not accessible environments).

You may be asked to provide a tabulated summary of all recommendations with priority bandings and/or costings. You will need to consult a specifier’s handbook (such as those published by SPON) or speak to a qualified surveyor to ensure you cost correctly.