We are now legally required to ensure that our toilet provision complies with the Equality Act 2010, as clarified by the EHRC’s guidance. We are therefore assessing our provision and identifying any gaps in compliance to determine proportionate measures to address them and consulting with members of the university community via an Equality Impact Assessment (EIA).
We are aware of the ongoing concerns these legislative changes are having on some members of our community and want to assure you that the EIA process helpfully provides an opportunity to consider the potential impact of any changes on different groups and to ensure that implementation is proportionate, evidence-based and takes account of accessibility, privacy, dignity, safety and the needs of our diverse University community.
Alongside the EIA, Estates & Facilities Management is undertaking a dedicated audit of current toilet provision across campus. This work is being undertaken at the same time so that the University has a clear and accurate understanding of the facilities available, including the different types of provision, their location and accessibility.
The audit is identifying:
• current single-sex, gender-neutral/inclusive and accessible provision;
• opportunities to improve the availability and distribution of ambulant accessible provision;
• opportunities for additional or improved gender-neutral/inclusive provision;
• the condition and consistency of signage and wayfinding;
• opportunities to improve how information about available facilities is communicated to staff, students and visitors.
The intention is to use the findings from both the EIA and the facilities audit to inform a phased approach of improvement.
We will continue to keep you informed as this work progresses. Should you wish to feed into the consultation or ask for any additional information please contact EDI@lboro.ac.uk