Governance Services

Introduction

Accessibility governance services for businesses and organisations shall provide a structured approach to ensuring and maintaining accessibility across both physical and digital environments. These services should cover policy creation, implementation strategies, monitoring, and continuous improvement.

Here’s a detailed outline of what will be included:

1. Policy Development and Implementation

Accessibility Policy Creation: Developing comprehensive accessibility policies that cover both physical and digital environments.
Stakeholder Involvement: Engaging key stakeholders, including leadership, HR, IT, facilities management, and end-users, in the development process.
Clear Objectives and Goals: Defining the organisation’s commitment to accessibility, specific objectives, and measurable goals.

2. Standards and Guidelines

Adherence to Legal Requirements: The Equality Act 2010: The accessibility regulations build on your existing obligations to people who have a disability under the Equality Act 2010 (or the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 in Northern Ireland).
Adherence to Laws and Regulations: Ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations such as the ADA, WCAG, Section 508, and local building codes.
Adoption of Best Practices: Implementing industry best practices for accessibility in both digital and physical spaces.
Documentation of Standards: Creating comprehensive documentation that outlines standards and guidelines for accessibility.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

Accessibility Leadership: Appointing an accessibility officer or committee to oversee governance efforts.
Role Definitions: Clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of team members related to accessibility.
Training and Capacity Building: Providing ongoing training and professional development for staff on accessibility topics.

4. Physical Environment Accessibility

Facility Audits: Conducting regular audits of physical spaces to identify and address accessibility barriers.
Design and Construction Standards: Ensuring new construction and renovations meet accessibility standards.
Maintenance and Upkeep: Establishing protocols for the regular maintenance of accessible features (e.g., ramps, lifts, toilets).

5. Digital Environment Accessibility

Web and Mobile Accessibility Audits: Performing regular audits of websites, mobile apps, and other digital products.
Inclusive Design Practices: Integrating accessibility into the design and development processes.
Content Accessibility: Ensuring that all digital content, including documents, videos, and images, is accessible.

6. Accessibility in Procurement

Vendor Requirements: Including accessibility criteria in the procurement process for goods and services.
Vendor Assessment: Evaluating vendors’ accessibility practices and capabilities.

7. Monitoring and Reporting

Regular Reviews and Audits: Conducting periodic reviews and audits to ensure ongoing compliance with accessibility standards.
Performance Metrics: Defining and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) related to accessibility.
Reporting Mechanisms: Establishing clear reporting mechanisms for accessibility issues and progress.

8. Feedback and Continuous Improvement

User Feedback Channels: Creating accessible channels for receiving feedback from employees, customers, and other stakeholders.
Regular Updates and Improvements: Implementing a process for regularly updating and improving accessibility practices based on feedback and new developments.

9. Crisis and Emergency Management

Accessible Emergency Procedures: Ensuring that emergency procedures are accessible to all individuals.
Training and Drills: Conducting regular training and drills to ensure preparedness for emergencies involving individuals with disabilities.

10. Accessibility Culture and Awareness

Awareness Campaigns: Running internal campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of accessibility.
Inclusive Practices: Promoting an inclusive culture that values and supports accessibility for all individuals.
Employee Engagement: Encouraging employees to participate in accessibility initiatives and provide input on accessibility issues.

11. Technology and Innovation

Assistive Technologies: Staying informed about and integrating new assistive technologies.
Innovative Solutions: Exploring and implementing innovative solutions to improve accessibility in both physical and digital environments.

12. Legal and Ethical Considerations

Legal Compliance: Ensuring ongoing compliance with all relevant accessibility laws and regulations.
Ethical Responsibility: Emphasising the ethical importance of accessibility and inclusion.

13. Budgeting and Resource Allocation

Inclusive Practices: Promoting an inclusive culture that values and supports accessibility for all individuals.
Funding for Improvements: Securing funding for necessary accessibility improvements and ongoing maintenance.

14. External Partnerships and Advocacy

Community Engagement: Engaging with external organisations, advocacy groups, and the broader community on accessibility issues.
Advocacy and Leadership: Positioning the organisation as a leader in accessibility advocacy.

By incorporating these elements, accessibility governance services can help businesses and organisations create and maintain inclusive environments, ensuring that accessibility is integrated into all aspects of their operations.