UCL won a silver award at this year’s AUDE (Association of University Directors of Estates) Awards for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
The AUDE Awards celebrate individuals, projects and teams from across the sector, recognising cases of best practice for other universities to work towards.
We were awarded for our work on UCL’s Inclusive Environments Action Plan, a long-term and cross-university effort to build a campus and culture that is inclusive, welcoming and accessible to everyone.
Through the action plan we are working to remove barriers that prevent anyone from being able to participate equally, confidently and independently in their activities across our campuses and venues wherever possible.
Read more about the action plan and our priorities for the year.
Creating a more inclusive environment at UCL
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Each year we listen to feedback and enhance teaching spaces beyond the regulatory requirements. Recently refurbished rooms feature biophilic design, rise and fall lecterns, adjustable seating for teaching staff, and some adjustable height desks and ergonomic chairs for students.
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Bringing patterns of nature into buildings is shown to contribute to a more positive wellbeing experience.
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The first of five changing places toilets we installed before the UK Government required universities to consider doing so, demonstrating our commitment to going above and beyond.
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Click to view image at full size and access the gallery slider.
When installing a new reception desk we ensured the lowered section was closest to the entrance whereas they are often tucked away, supporting reception staff. The front side is also sunken in for better accessibility for wheelchair users.
Each year we listen to feedback and enhance teaching spaces beyond the regulatory requirements. Recently refurbished rooms feature biophilic design, rise and fall lecterns, adjustable seating for teaching staff, and some adjustable height desks and ergonomic chairs for students.
Bringing patterns of nature into buildings is shown to contribute to a more positive wellbeing experience.
The first of five changing places toilets we installed before the UK Government required universities to consider doing so, demonstrating our commitment to going above and beyond.
When installing a new reception desk we ensured the lowered section was closest to the entrance whereas they are often tucked away, supporting reception staff. The front side is also sunken in for better accessibility for wheelchair users.
Growing our Inclusive Environments team
In January this year, Pip Jackson was appointed UCL’s first Director of Inclusive Environments, following additional investment from Estates in recognition of the need to build capacity to create change in this area. Pip is supported by an Access to Work support worker called Ann-Marie Lewis.
Since then, the team has grown and Pip and Kat Aedy (Access & Inclusive Design Specialist), have been joined by Natalie South-Law (Access & Inclusive Design Specialist) and Stephen Dering (Head of Inclusive Spaces and Places).
Nat started in April and joins Kat Aedy as another Access & Inclusive Design Specialist. Nat will be supporting small works projects across campus, and will be focussing time at UCL East. Nat will also be working closely with the Exhibitions team on inclusive design elements of the UCL200 Exhibition. This will include producing Inclusive Design Guidance for Exhibitions across UCL.
Stephen joined the team in May taking on the role of Head of Inclusive Spaces and Places. Stephen will be leading the team in developing building work programmes and reasonable adjustments as well as providing inclusive design advice to colleagues and UCL partners. Over the next few months, he will be focussing on:
- Supporting the works in the Quad and Wilkins ahead of the bicentenary
- Developing our rolling doors programme across UCL
- Working with partners on Oriel, Ion DRI and the Rare Dementia Centre
Progress against the Inclusive Environments Action Plan
We shared update on progress against the action plan earlier this year, highlighting some of our key achievements including:
- improving access to Reasonable Adjustments,
- supporting our staff and students with Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans,
- and refurbishing teaching spaces in line with inclusive design standards.
Read the February update on our Inclusive Environments Action Plan.
We will share another update once we have shared our next six-monthly update with UCL’s Operations Committee in October, but will continue to share progress through our Inclusive Environments SharePoint site.
Keep up to date with our progress towards creating more inclusive environments
Follow our Inclusive Environments SharePoint site to get notified when we publish news items (UCL login required).
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