All In

What is the access scheme?

The scheme aims to improve the experience of D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people when attending arts and cultural events in the UK. By working closely with customers and the sector, the scheme hopes to introduce a new audience and increase overall attendance by simplifying the booking process for access needs.

Developing this scheme is a commitment from the Delivery Plan of our strategy for 2020-2030 strategy, Let’s Create. 

How does the scheme intend to improve the experience for audiences?

The ambition is to create a digital membership scheme through which customers can provide details of their access needs just once, rather than repeating it at each location. Through the scheme’s website, customers will find clear, accurate information on accessible performances and venue facilities, allowing them to book and attend with confidence.

How does the scheme aim to benefit organisations?

By joining the scheme, arts and cultural organisations will demonstrate their commitment to meeting the needs of a diverse audience. Customers will create an access profile, which is shared with organisations through an easy-to-use digital system, simplifying the booking process and reducing the risk of miscommunication. The scheme intends to complement existing good practises, enhance customer service, and gather key audience data.

To improve accessibility in arts and culture, we are creating quality standards for the sector to aim for. The scheme will provide a package of training and support for organisations and ticketing providers to help make their buildings and services even more accessible.

Who is involved?

The access scheme is being developed in partnership with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Arts Council of Wales, Creative Scotland, and the British Film Institute.

We’re committed to the scheme being directed by people with lived experience. That’s why we are being guided by an Advisory Group of D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent members.

We’ve also appointed a UK Access Scheme Champion, Andrew Miller MBE. Andrew is a cultural consultant and commentator who is recognised as one of the most influential disability advocates in the UK.

What have we done so far?

We commissioned major studies to better understand the need for the access scheme. We discovered there is overwhelming support from D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people, as well as the arts and cultural sector. But we also acknowledge there are challenges to overcome. That’s why we remain committed to working closely with both customers and the sector to ensure we create a scheme that benefits everyone.

Our research also included a technical study to learn how the scheme might work with box office systems. It is important that the UK-wide scheme can be compatible with existing ticketing infrastructure while making sure booking is easy for disabled, D/deaf and neurodivergent customers.

What next?

We will continue to gather feedback from the arts and cultural sector to shape the scheme alongside venues, organisations and ticketing providers who wish to take part in the scheme.

As part of this, we are forming a Sector Advisory Group of cultural professionals who will guide us through the realities and practicalities the scheme must address. It is crucial that our scheme complements access practices and ticketing systems already in place.

We will pilot and test the scheme in 2024 ahead of launching to the public.