Accessibility Policy

As a registered charity, [Charity name] is committed to ensuring that its services, activities, information, and facilities are accessible to all individuals, regardless of disability, impairment, or other barriers.
This Accessibility Policy sets out the Charity’s approach to removing barriers, making reasonable adjustments, and promoting inclusive access in line with legal obligations and best practice.

The Trustees recognise that accessibility is fundamental to equality, dignity, and public benefit.

Purpose of the Policy

1.1 The purpose of this Policy is to:

Promote equal access to the Charity’s services and activities.
Remove or reduce physical, digital, and communication barriers.
Ensure compliance with equality and accessibility legislation.
Embed accessibility into governance, planning, and service delivery.

1.2 This Policy provides a framework for inclusive and accessible practice.

Scope of the Policy

2.1 This Policy applies to:

Trustees.
Employees.
Volunteers.
Contractors and partners acting on behalf of the Charity.

2.2 It applies to:

Services and programmes.
Premises and facilities.
Digital platforms and communications.
Events, meetings, and engagement activities.

Definition of Accessibility

3.1 Accessibility refers to:

The design and delivery of services, environments, and information in a way that enables individuals to participate fully and independently.

3.2 Accessibility includes consideration of:

Physical accessibility.
Sensory and cognitive accessibility.
Digital and communication accessibility.

Principles of Accessibility

4.1 The Charity’s approach to accessibility is guided by the following principles:

Equality and non-discrimination.
Dignity and respect.
Inclusion and choice.
Reasonable adjustments.
Continuous improvement.

4.2 Accessibility will be considered at all stages of planning and delivery.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

5.1 The Charity is committed to complying with:

Equality legislation.
Relevant accessibility standards and guidance.

5.2 Reasonable adjustments will be made to prevent substantial disadvantage.

Physical Accessibility

6.1 The Charity will:

Seek to ensure premises are accessible where reasonably practicable.
Consider access to entrances, exits, and facilities.

6.2 Where full accessibility cannot be achieved, alternative arrangements will be considered.

Digital Accessibility

7.1 The Charity will:

Seek to ensure digital platforms are accessible and user-friendly.
Consider recognised digital accessibility standards.

7.2 Alternative formats will be provided where appropriate.

Communication and Information Accessibility

8.1 The Charity will:

Use clear and inclusive language.
Provide information in alternative formats where requested and reasonable.

8.2 Communication methods will be adapted to meet diverse needs.

Events, Meetings, and Activities

9.1 Accessibility will be considered in:

Venue selection.
Event planning and delivery.

9.2 Participants will be encouraged to inform the Charity of access needs in advance.

Staff, Volunteers, and Training

10.1 The Charity will:

Promote awareness of accessibility responsibilities.
Provide training where appropriate.

10.2 Individuals acting on behalf of the Charity must support inclusive access.

Accessibility for Employees and Volunteers

11.1 The Charity is committed to:

Providing reasonable adjustments for employees and volunteers.
Supporting inclusive participation in roles and activities.

11.2 Adjustments will be considered on an individual basis.

Feedback and Continuous Improvement

12.1 The Charity welcomes feedback on accessibility.

12.2 Feedback will be used to:

Identify barriers.
Improve accessibility over time.

Governance and Responsibility

13.1 The Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for accessibility oversight.

13.2 Day-to-day implementation may be delegated, but accountability remains with the Trustees.

Monitoring and Review

14.1 This Policy will be reviewed:

At least annually, or
Following significant changes in activities or legal requirements.

14.2 Any amendments must be approved by the Board of Trustees.

Conclusion

By adhering to this Accessibility Policy, [Charity name] ensures that barriers to access are actively addressed, reasonable adjustments are made, and services, information, and activities are inclusive and accessible, supporting equality, dignity, and effective delivery of its charitable purposes.

Signed: ………………………………………
Chair of the Board of Trustees

Date: ………………………………………

Charity Policy templates

Accessibility Policy, Anti-Bribery Policy, Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy, Anti-Harassment Policy, Board of Trustees Code of Conduct, Charitable Objectives Policy, Child Protection Policy, Code of Conduct for Employees and Volunteers, Community Development Policy, Community Engagement Policy, Complaints Handling Policy, Confidentiality Policy, Conflict of Interest Policy, Conflict Resolution Policy, Crisis Management Policy, Cultural Competence Policy, Data Protection and Privacy Policy, Digital Inclusion Policy, Emergency Preparedness Policy, Environmental and Sustainability Policy, Equality and Diversity Policy, Ethical Fundraising Policy, Exit Policy, Expenses Policy, Feedback and Evaluation Policy, Feedback Mechanism Policy, Financial Controls Policy, Foreign Receipts and Payments Policy, Fundraising Policy, Gift Acceptance and Donation Policy, Governance and Accountability Policy, Grant-Making Policy, Health and Safety Policy, Incident Reporting Policy, Information Sharing Policy, Intellectual Property Policy, Investment Policy, IT and Cybersecurity Policy, Learning and Development Policy, Media and Public Relations Policy, Membership Policy, Mentoring and Coaching Policy, Online Safety Policy, Partnership and Collaboration Policy, Peer Support Policy, Privacy Impact Assessment Policy, Procurement and Supplier Management Policy, Public Benefit Policy, Records Retention Policy, Remuneration and Compensation Policy, Reserves Policy, Risk Management Policy, Safeguarding Vulnerable Beneficiaries Policy, Service Delivery Policy, Social Media and Communications Policy, Social Responsibility Policy, Succession Planning Policy, Technology Use Policy, Transparency and Accountability Policy, Travel and Subsistence Policy, Volunteer Induction and Training Policy, Volunteer Management Policy, Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities Policy, Whistleblowing Policy

Disclaimer:

Naail & Co provides these policy templates solely as guidelines or standard templates to assist charities in developing their own policies in accordance with Charity Commission England & Wales compliance. These templates are not intended to serve as legal or professional advice, and Naail & Co cannot be held responsible or liable for any outcomes arising from their use. It is essential that each registered charity carefully tailors and customizes these policies to reflect its specific needs, structure, and legal obligations. We strongly recommend that charities seek independent legal or professional advice to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

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