BBC Workplace Framework
UK – nationwide
海角视频鈥檚 inclusive environments specialists work closely with BBC Workplace as trusted advisors. We support their commitment to achieving exemplary access and inclusion standards in their portfolio across the UK.
Our specialists have delivered a range of impactful projects including accessibility audits, reviewing refurbishment, renewal and new build designs, as well as contributing to draft operational policies, workplace assessments and technical authorship of the BBC鈥檚 Access and Inclusive Design Guidance.
Our inclusive environments specialists have worked with the BBC to ensure inclusive and accessible spaces across its national portfolio.
We delivered a comprehensive accessibility audit of the corporation鈥檚 flagship building, London Broadcasting House.
Our specialists have also delivered training on accessibility and inclusivity to the BBC Workplace and facilities management providers.
As a trusted advisor, we also developed the BBC鈥檚 Inclusive Workplace Standards, to inform and guide design teams working on future BBC building projects.
Challenge
Some of the key challenges for inclusivity and accessibility relate to the age and diversity of the BBC鈥檚 portfolio, including many existing and some heritage buildings, all designed prior to any guidance or consideration of disabled people鈥檚 accessibility requirements. Our inclusivity and accessibility specialist Jean Hewitt was working with the corporation prior to joining 海角视频 in 2018 and worked on BBC Cardiff which is well known for pioneering changes for neurodivergent staff. Jean has led the inclusive design team at 海角视频 in the delivery of accessibility audits, numerous reviews of refurbishment proposals, and new build projects such as BBC Digbeth.
One of the earliest projects for 海角视频鈥檚 Inclusive Environments team was the extensive access audit of the corporation鈥檚 flagship building, London Broadcasting House which combines the original listed Old Broadcasting House and the familiar new Broadcasting house which appears in many news and other programmes
Since then, the team has been active in delivering training for BBC workplace, reception and security teams and their facilities management/estates support services. We have also undertaken numerous design reviews for new studio and office spaces across the country.
海角视频 and the BBC were sponsors, together with TfL and Forbo, for the development of PAS6463 鈥淒esign for the Mind 鈥� Neurodiversity and the Built Environment鈥� which was published in 2022. Jean Hewitt was the technical author appointed by the British Standards Institute working with a steering group of experts with lived and professional experience.
Solution
Our client-side advisory and support services include audits of existing buildings to comprehensively highlight any key accessibility challenges for BBC D/deaf, Disabled and/or Neurodivergent staff and visitors. We make recommendations for physical and operational interventions to improve accessibility and inclusivity. This includes access for people with physical, sensory, cognitive and neurological differences, reviewing all aspects of the built environment including spatial, reach, visual contrast, lighting, acoustics, wayfinding and signage.
The team has also provided accessibility and inclusive design support for BBC sites in Edinburgh, Elstree, Glasgow, London Maida Vale, White City and Salford, as well as providing a critique for accessibility for any new studios nationwide. Outside the framework, in a separate scope working under the architect Allies and Morrison, our team has also delivered Inclusive Environments guidance for the new BBC Music Studios at Stratford鈥檚 East Bank.
Our team has delivered accessibility and inclusivity audits on BBC Belfast and BBC Birmingham, supporting the forthcoming move from the Mailbox complex to its new site at The Tea Factory.
Our specialists have also delivered training on accessibility and inclusivity to the BBC鈥檚 workplace and facilities management teams. The work of the inclusive design team has expanded considerably in the last five years and our services to clients now include looking at all aspects of equality and inclusion in the built environment, taking a holistic approach to accessibility, as well as dedicated facilities for faith, restorative/quiet spaces and other supportive environments.
This year, the inclusive environment team at 海角视频 has established a new combined neuro-inclusion service working with acoustic and lighting specialists and drawing in other disciplines as required, for example, from asset consulting, security and fire.
Value
Our team has helped to shape and deliver accessibility and inclusivity guidance, training and standards across the BBC鈥檚 portfolio. Our advisory support and interventions have helped to ensure the BBC鈥檚 proud reputation for inclusivity and commitment to employee wellbeing.
海角视频 has proven instrumental in delivering numerous complex and mission-critical projects for the BBC. Their technical expertise and collaborative approach have established them as trusted advisors, making them a consistently reliable partner to work with.
Neil Davis CMgr FCMI, Head of Programme Management, BBC Workplace
