Access panels play a vital role in helping designers and project teams understand how changes or new designs may be creating barriers and affect accessibility. These panels are essential to ensure inclusive design and promote and foster community cohesion ensuring buildings, neighbourhoods, and public spaces are accessible and inclusive.
Access Panels were first established in the 1980s, following the 1981 United Nations International Year of Disabled People. Over the years, there has been a decline, particularly in the public sector as funding reduced. CAE has launched its its own Access Panel with members from a diverse background which includes intersectionality of lived experience of disability, access consultants and other protected characteristics under the Equality Act, 2010.
It’s also great to report that Network Rail’s Built Environment Access Panel (BEAP) thriving. This year marks its 10th anniversary, and it was shortlisted for the 2024 National Rail Awards for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Society.’ BEAP has played a key role in supporting Network Rail to create a more inclusive and accessible railway for all. It consists of around 15 members with lived experience of disability and or professional expertise in access. The panel meets monthly, offering recommendations based on the latest guidance and best practices in accessibility. The panel’s involvement helps create accessible stations, facilities, and journeys, making the railway easier to navigate for all.
BEAP panel members (from left to right): Andy Shipley with his assistance dog Dodge, Fara Muneer (Chair), Iyiola Olafimihan, Shaun Morris, Josh McDonagh, Lorna Brown- Owens (NR Access & Inclusion Manager) Ian Streets, Sam Pugh with her assistance dog Oscar, Tanvi Vyas MBE, Phil Stevens and Nick Goss.
Accessible stations do more than just improve travel—they make life easier for everyone. Whether it’s commuting to work, visiting friends, going shopping, or enjoying a day out, accessibility benefits all: disabled and older people, parents with young children, or travellers carrying heavy luggage. By encouraging more people to use public transport, we reduce the carbon footprint, decrease congestion, and support local businesses by creating stations that welcome everyone.
BEAP’s Positive Impact
Over the past decade, BEAP has provided invaluable guidance and feedback to over 400 rail projects, ensuring that the needs and expectations of all rail users are integrated into the designs of stations, buildings, and external spaces. Feedback from presenting rail projects are highlighted below;
Ryde Esplanade Station: “BEAP’s feedback reassured us that our design was inclusive, meeting the needs of all users while ensuring compliance with standards and regulations. Working together to achieve this common goal has been a great experience.” – Steve Smith
Pictured BEAP panel in a session with Josh asking a question of the design team.
Temple Meads Station, Bristol: “BEAP helped us identify key accessibility issues early on, allowing us to incorporate them into the final design.” – Brian Fisher & Steve Malocco
HS2 Ltd: “The feedback from BEAP has been invaluable. It continues to shape the design of stations and operational considerations, helping us achieve our goal of setting new standards for customer experience.” – Neil Smith, Inclusive Design Lead.
HS2 Interchange Station: “Hearing personal testimonies from BEAP members with different lived experiences illuminated many design considerations we hadn’t previously accounted for. This has helped us develop more inclusive solutions for users with specific requirements.” – Nigel Rawson, Lead Architect
Also published in Inclusive design Magazine October 2024