Level Playing Field

On Thursday 10th October Level Playing Field’s in-house Access Auditors (Ruth Hopkins and Nicky Baker) attended their registering body’s annual conference in London. There are currently less than 150 NRAC registered Access Auditors/Consultants in the UK and the conference was well attended with nearly 100 present. Members of NRAC have been subject to a rigorous two-part assessment including professional interview to prove their competence. They have to demonstrate a defined core of competences; a unique combination of understanding in relation to legislation, technical standards and user needs applicable to disability access and inclusive design, including the Equality Act 2010. NRAC members are professionals accountable to their clients under the terms of the NRAC Code of Practice, have professional indemnity insurance and continuing professional development (CPD) evidenced on an annual basis. There are a number of individuals and organisations offering “Access Audits” who are not NRAC accredited. And whilst these may be offered with the best of intentions by well meaning people, clients should always be aware that there is a risk to taking advice from anyone who is unqualified and uninsured. Level Playing Field regularly engages with user groups (disabled supporters associations), charities and community groups as part of its Access and Development work and we value their input.