Chris, collaboration, great folk & the lion’s den.
Longleat, where change is welcomed.
Access Audits, adventures… I went back down to Longleat on Tuesday to see Simon Townsend and his team from Cheddar Gorge and Longleat to discuss my two earlier Access Reports.
After enjoying a lovely journey there I was quickly deflated when I found the main Entrance completely blocked off! Proper electronic barriers, clear signage, the venue was clearly closed! Luckily I could see a distant Land Rover parked amongst the trees so I knew some sort of access must be possible but how, where? Being the consummate professional I am I had arrived without Simon’s number or indeed the contact details of anyone relevant to the venue!
Eventually I started to think more clearly, looked around more carefully and found “the button”. Quick press and I was through to Security and the barriers soon began to move aside.
After parking, one more random question and I was directed to the Estate Office. Jump forward a few minutes and now I’m back in the real business world. Simon collected his team, a suitable room was located, coffee was brewed and off we went.
What a positive meeting! Everyone was on the same page and very keen to progress. Lovely to encounter so much enthusiasm. It’s always a good sign when everyone is discussing issues without mentioning costs. Of course costs will be relevant later but it never blocked or influenced a discussion here.
I was particularly relieved to find how much common ground there was. I had indicated several areas in my reports where I wanted to see immediate improvement. You never know how well
Access Audits: A Positive Experience at Longleat
Introduction
In this post, we’ll delve into the world of access audits and share a recent positive experience at Longleat. As a venue committed to inclusivity, Longleat has taken significant strides to ensure that everyone can enjoy their visit, regardless of their abilities.
The Audit Process: A Collaborative Approach
Our recent access audit at Longleat was a collaborative effort between our team and the dedicated staff at the venue. Together, we conducted a thorough evaluation of the site’s accessibility features, identifying areas of strength and areas for improvement.
Positive Outcomes and Future Plans
We were delighted to discover several positive aspects of Longleat’s accessibility efforts. The venue has implemented a range of measures to accommodate visitors with disabilities, including:
- Clear signage and wayfinding: Easy-to-read signage and clear pathways help visitors navigate the site.
- Accessible facilities: Longleat offers accessible restrooms and parking spaces.
- Staff training: The staff at Longleat are well-trained in providing assistance to visitors with disabilities.
Moreover, the venue is committed to ongoing improvement and has plans to implement additional accessibility measures in the future.
Conclusion
Our experience at Longleat underscores the importance of access audits in creating inclusive spaces. By conducting regular audits and implementing necessary improvements, venues can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy their visit. We commend Longleat for their dedication to accessibility and look forward to seeing their continued progress.
A great day and a very positive conclusion to my work which had started back in November. Katie’s training is yet to come and then we’ll know more about how to carry this great collaboration forward. Watch this space!