Often Imitated - Never Equalled

Access audits for businesses and service providers carried out like nobody else

As part of our programme to drive standards and professionalism into the accessibility arena we at Gallant2000 Ltd have designed and created a process (DAP) which will enable both businesses and service providers to feel confident in the ability of the auditors knowledge, skill and experience. Business need to reap the benefits of becoming fully accessible whilst complying with the relevant legislation.

Gallant2000 Ltd provides an expanding range of innovative access consultancy services, tailored to the needs of our clients. These include:

Top 10 recommendations for engaging with Access Auditors

Ensure that any auditors answer yes to the following questions.

  • Have they an appropriate professional qualification?
  • Do they have a good knowledge of legislation and correct standards?
  • Do they have a full understanding of the access statement process?
  • Do they produce a user friendly report (legally binding) with full recommendations?
  • Do they apply the relevant codes of practice?
  • Do they carry out a full range of measurements (recommend use of digital measuring tools and instruments)? eg lighting etc?
  • Do they have an appreciation for the whole range of disability issues?
  • Do they understand inclusivity issues, particularly around service provision?
  • Do they ensure the audit has been scoped accurately?
  • Do they meet and ensure discussions prior to engagement and get a customer’s perspective?

    • Please take care in engaging with access auditors if they do not answer yes to the above they may well in our experience cost you extra in the future.

    Access Auditing Servive

    The access audit service consists of three levels:

    Rapid Audit Service

    This audit is designed and ideal for small businesses and is carried out over the telephone by one of our professionally auditors. You will receive an action plan based on your responses to the questionnaire. This will guide and inform future action required towards your service becoming accessible.

    Indicator Audit

    This process is an indication of the service and ‘hot spots’ of inaccessibility. This consists of the auditors visiting the premises along with a short report on any issues along with the relevant recommendations along with an action plan of future action on your service. This audit does not include any measurements of the builiding and does not ensure compliance. The indicators will cover the service you provide including staff attitude and behaviour to the issues relating to disability.

    Full Access Audit

    This is an access audit of a building and its layout and is the starting point for a planned programme of access improvements. Access auditing involves an indication of a building or environment to appraise its accessibility, which is judged against predetermined criteria (this is the BS8300 and Part M standards). This audit incorporates measurements and standards to ensure compliance and reasonable adjustments of good practice. The process will be carried out following a pre-determined checklist. This audit includes the issues relating to the service you provide e.g. information and service provision and also web accessibility (not the adjustments to the web site to make it accessible). This audit includes a report, which outlines the current situation and makes recommendations for improvement where necessary.

    What you will receive from the full access audit

    Design appraisals

    Gallant 2000 can also conduct appraisals of the design proposals or building plans and assess the potential usability of the finished building. The appraisal includes a report which outlines the accessibility of the proposals or drawings, makes recommendations for improvements where necessary and identifies areas which have not been designed in detail and require further design guidance.

    Gallant2000 Ltd has dedicated consultants who specialise on access and egress for new-build projects, refurbishment and upgrading schemes, and within conservation and maintenance programmes. This process requires an involvement throughout the design process which includes attendance at meetings, preparation of intermediate reports and recommendations. This can also involve providing a liaison role to work with access groups, community organisations, architects, designers and clients. We can assist with the formation of design briefs and post-occupancy evaluations. Design guidance can be written to commission or we can assist publishers or authors as a specialist information provider on access.

    Ongoing access advice

    Gallant 2000 Ltd can act as a specialist consultant on access and egress for new-build projects, refurbishment and upgrading schemes, and within conservation and maintenance programmes.

    Involvement throughout the design process includes attendance at meetings, preparation of intermediate reports and recommendations. This can also involve providing a liaison role to work with access groups, community organisations, architects, designers and clients. We can assist with the formation of design briefs and post-occupancy evaluations. Design guidance can be written to commission or we can assist publishers or authors as a specialist information provider on access.

    Access Audits: using the latest technology, Gallant 2000 can provide a comprehensive building report, including an action plan and an estimate of alteration costs. In addition to hard copy reports, we can supply databases to link to your asset management systems.

    Plans and Policies: Gallant 2000 can review and advise on new building plans or operational policies.

    Implementation: Gallant 2000 can advise and give support during the implementation of an action plan. We can also liaise with contractors on your behalf to maximise efficiency and convenience.

    Post-Implementation Inspections: Gallant 2000 can carry out a follow-up access audit to ensure that modifications have been properly implemented.

    Training: Gallant 2000 can provide DDA, Disability Equality Training for your staff at your premises, or elsewhere.

    Email Helpline: Gallant 2000 can provide continuing advice on future changes to your business or to the law through their Email Helpline service or most convenient way.