An access audit is the means by which an environment is examined against predetermined criteria or standards. The auditor will then explore and suggests ways of improving access.

There are two principal ways of feeding this information back to a client:

• Walk and talk audit: the auditor will examine the building alongside the client, indicating any possible barriers to access, and verbally suggesting improvements that could be made. This approach will allow members of your group to give a ‘consumer perspective’ of their experience, and may have much more impact on the client than something written on paper. However, the walk and talk audit is sometimes accompanied by a report as well.

• Audit report: setting the information out in an audit report may take longer than a verbal exchange, but it ensures that the client has a document to which they can keep referring as they implement changes. Audit reports tend to go into much more detail than walk and talk audits.

Functions of your group

It is important to discuss with your access group which of the above approaches you are going to take, and make sure everyone is aware of the potential drawbacks with both.

Some groups may adopt a consultancy-based approach, producing in-depth professional reports for which they charge a fee. Other groups might feel they do not yet have the technical expertise to carry out this kind of work, therefore feel more comfortable opting for the walk and talk approach – this also tends to be less time-intensive. You need to judge which approach is best for your group.

Important note 1: Whichever approach you adopt, you need to bear in mind that you are giving advice, therefore you should strongly consider getting Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Important note 2: You must make it clear that the client should seek appropriate professional advice before planning or undertaking any works based on the audit’s recommendations. It may be necessary for them to obtain permission from the relevant authorities for certain work. Emphasise verbally and in your report that the access group can accept no liability for any works that are carried out.

User-centred approach

When assessing an environment, your group should always do this from a broad perspective. Of course, you need to think from a pan-disability point of view, considering people who:

• are wheelchair users
• are ambulant disabled
• are visually impaired
• are hearing impaired
• have a speech impairment
• have a learning disability
• have a mobility impairment
• have a cognitive impairment
• have any kind of mental issues

• older people
• children
• people with heavy luggage
• people with prams or pushchairs
• people making deliveries,
• people of different heights and sizes

You also need to consider the different duties that are placed on employers and service providers under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) – see the Legislation section for further details. The DDA requires slightly different approaches for both, so this should be reflected in your audit report.