Accessibility Statement

Accessibility Statement

Our Commitment to Inclusion and Accessibility

We are committed to making our events inclusive and accessible for all participants. We recognise that people may have different access requirements and that barriers to participation can arise in different ways.

We aim to identify and reduce barriers wherever reasonably practicable and will consider reasonable adjustments to support disabled attendees and those with access requirements.

We encourage participants to share their requirements with us as early as possible so that we can discuss suitable arrangements and make the necessary preparations.

Equality and Reasonable Adjustments

We seek to meet our responsibilities under the UK Equality Act 2010 (or any other legislation is we are hosting an event overseas) by taking reasonable steps to ensure that disabled people are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared with non-disabled people.

Examples of adjustments we may be able to support include:

  • Step-free access and accessible routes around the venue.

  • Accessible seating arrangements.

  • Reserved seating or space for mobility equipment.

  • Additional breaks during sessions.

  • Quiet spaces or lower-stimulation areas where available.

  • Accessible accommodation arrangements where applicable.

  • Assistance with navigating the venue.

  • Large-print, electronic or alternative-format materials.

  • Live captioning or speech-to-text services.

  • British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation.

  • Hearing assistance systems, such as hearing loops, where available.

  • Support for neurodivergent attendees, including consideration of sensory needs.

The availability of specific adjustments may depend on factors such as venue facilities, supplier availability, cost, and the amount of notice provided.

Venue Accessibility

We aim to select venues that support accessibility requirements and will provide relevant accessibility information before the event wherever possible.

Information may include:

  • Step-free access routes.

  • Entrance and registration arrangements.

  • Accessible toilet facilities.

  • Lift availability.

  • Seating arrangements.

  • Lighting and noise considerations.

  • Accessible parking information.

  • Accommodation accessibility information where relevant.

  • Emergency evacuation arrangements.

Communication and Event Materials

We aim to make event communications and materials accessible by:

  • Providing information in clear and accessible formats.

  • Using plain language wherever possible.

  • Using digital materials, digital tools or platforms that support accessibility features and accessible formats where reasonably practicable.

  • Sharing presentation materials before or after sessions where appropriate.

  • Using microphones during presentations and discussions where possible.

Language Support and Interpretation

We recognise that participants may have different language needs.

Where reasonably practicable, we may consider support such as:

  • Translation of key event information.

  • Spoken-language interpretation.

Dietary Requirements, Allergies and Intolerances

We will ask attendees about dietary requirements, food allergies and intolerances during registration and will share relevant information with catering providers where appropriate. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate dietary requirements and will encourage catering providers to provide clear allergen information.

Assistance Dogs and Service Animals

Assistance dogs are welcome at our events, subject to any relevant venue requirements. Please let us know in advance if you plan to attend with an assistance dog so that we can support appropriate arrangements.

Emergency Procedures

We will consider accessibility requirements when planning emergency procedures and evacuation arrangements. If you require assistance during an emergency due to a disability or access need, please inform us before or during the event so that appropriate arrangements can be discussed.

Privacy and Accessibility Information

Any accessibility information you provide will be used only to support your participation and to help us make appropriate arrangements. Information relating to health conditions or disabilities may constitute special category personal data under UK GDPR. We will handle this information in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable data protection requirements.

Requesting Support

If you have any accessibility requirements or would like to discuss adjustments for a particular event, please contact the event organiser.

Please provide requests as early as possible and, where possible, at least four weeks before the event to allow sufficient time for arrangements to be made.

Feedback

We welcome feedback on the accessibility of our events. Your feedback helps us improve future events and make our activities more inclusive.

Thank you for helping us create an environment where everyone can participate fully.