Most building projects not only require input from a number of people, but will also eventually have an impact on an even greater number of people – the users of the building. In order to ensure that decisions that are made do not clash with somebody else’s plans, it is essential that all of the key players help to compile the brief, so it can act as a map as the project progresses.

Ideally, the ‘briefing team’ should at least include some of the following:

• representatives from the building, including both management and staff who will be using it
• users (and potential users) of the premises – preferably a wide range of people in terms of disability, age, ethnicity and gender
• local access and disability groups
• funders
• technical advisors – architects, planners, surveyors, and so on

What the brief should include

The brief should contain any relevant information relating to the premises, which may include:

• name, address and location

• details of size, floor area, number of storeys, and any external areas

• brief description of the building and its environment

• a description of how the building is used, or will be used, and by whom (including both staff and visitors)

• floor plans

• opening times or specified times at which the audit should be conducted

• special circumstances – for example, is the building listed? Are there any particular planning policies relating to the area that should be considered?

• information on previous audits or assessments

• information on any planned future developments that may affect the audit

• the standards that shall be used when carrying out the audit