Accessibility Statement

Policy Statement

Top Church Training is committed to ensuring that all individuals can access and benefit from our services, facilities and opportunities regardless of their abilities, needs or circumstances. We believe that accessibility is a key component of equality and inclusion, and we are committed to removing barriers that may prevent full participation.
We aim to create environments that are welcoming, inclusive and responsive, ensuring individuals feel safe, respected and able to engage meaningfully in all aspects of our work.

Legal Framework

This policy is informed by the following legislation and guidance:

Equality Act 2010 (including the duty to make reasonable adjustments)
Human Rights Act 1998
Care Act 2014 (where relevant to vulnerable adults)

This policy should be read alongside Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Safeguarding, Health and Safety and Data Protection policies.

Scope

This policy applies to all:

Trustees
Staff and volunteers
Service users and families
Partner organisations, Sessional Workers and contractors

It applies to all services, activities, programmes and facilities operated by Top Church Training.

Our Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion

Top Church Training is committed to:

Removing physical, communication and social barriers to participation
Providing equal access to facilities, programmes and services
Making reasonable adjustments to meet individual needs
Listening to and involving service users in how services are delivered
Delivering services in a culturally sensitive and trauma informed way

Poverty and Financial Hardship
We recognise that poverty and financial hardship can create significant barriers to accessing services. Where possible, Top Church Training will:

Provide support with travel costs to enable participation
Offer free activities and volunteering programmes
Reduce financial barriers that prevent individuals and families from engaging by offering free food and refreshments at all our activities and volunteering programmes.
Review on a 1-2-1 basis and provide financial support where possible: including Foodbank Vouchers: Emergency Food parcels – if crisis fall outside of Foodbank openings.
Offer free wifi at our Connect Community Hub.

Our aim is to ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent individuals from accessing support, learning or community opportunities.

Connect Pantry – Accessibility in Practice
The Connect Pantry is a core part of our inclusive delivery model and is designed to be accessible and welcoming to all members of the community. This includes:

Providing a range of food items that reflect different cultural and dietary needs
Being located on the high street, making it easy to find and access
Positioned next to a bus stop, supporting access for those without private transport
Offering wide doorway access, suitable for wheelchair users and mobility aids
Having only a small step into the building, reducing barriers to entry wherever possible
Creating a welcoming, non judgemental environment where individuals feel comfortable accessing support

The Connect Pantry is designed not only to address food insecurity, but also to promote inclusion, dignity and community connection.
We recognise that accessibility is not a one size fits all approach and requires continuous reflection and improvement.

Responsibilities

Board of Trustees
The Board is responsible for ensuring accessibility and inclusion are embedded in governance, planning and decision making.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
The CEO is responsible for ensuring that accessible practices are implemented and resourced across all services.

Managers
Managers are responsible for:

Ensuring environments and activities are accessible
Supporting staff to make reasonable adjustments
Identifying and addressing barriers to participation

Staff and Volunteers
All staff and volunteers are expected to:

Promote inclusive practice
Treat individuals with dignity and respect
Identify and report barriers to access
Support individuals to engage fully in services

Accessible Service Delivery

Top Church Training will ensure services are accessible by:

Using clear and inclusive communication methods
Providing information in different formats where needed
Offering flexible delivery methods (e.g. group, one to one, hybrid where possible)
Ensuring venues are safe and accessible wherever possible

Staff will work with individuals and families to understand their needs and adapt services accordingly.

Reasonable Adjustments

We will make reasonable adjustments to ensure individuals can access services. This may include:

Adjusting activities or delivery approaches
Providing additional support or time
Adapting communication methods
Considering sensory, emotional or physical needs

Decisions regarding reasonable adjustments will be proportionate, practical and based on individual need.

Communication and Language Support

We recognise that language and communication barriers can prevent access. We will:

Use plain English and accessible language
Support ESOL learners through adapted communication strategies
Use visual aids, demonstrations or translation tools where appropriate
Access professional translation support through Adult Social Services contacts where needed to ensure effective communication with individuals who do not speak English as a first language

This approach supports access for migrants, refugees and individuals with additional communication needs.

When to Use a Translator – Guidance for Staff
Staff should consider using a translator where:

An individual has limited or no English and key information cannot be clearly understood
Information relates to safeguarding, wellbeing, consent or risk, where accurate communication is essential
There is a need to explain rights, responsibilities or support options clearly
Misunderstandings are occurring despite using simple language or visual aids
The individual requests communication support

Staff should not rely on children, family members or untrained individuals to translate sensitive or complex information. Where needed, staff should access professional translation support through Adult Social Services contacts or discuss with their manager.
Using appropriate translation ensures individuals can make informed decisions, stay safe and fully access services.

Inclusion of Migrants, Refugees and Diverse Communities

Top Church Training is committed to supporting individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, including migrants and refugees. We recognise barriers such as language, isolation and unfamiliarity with services.
Through our partnership programmes with Dudley College ESOL students, we aim to create inclusive pathways into support, learning and community connection.

Creating Inclusive Environments

We will create inclusive environments by:

Promoting respect and inclusion at all times
Challenging discrimination or exclusion
Providing safe spaces for individuals to express themselves
Ensuring safeguarding and inclusion work together
The Connect Community Hub is registered as a Hate Crime reporting centre and any community issues or concerns are forwarded directly to the Police Crime reporting centre. Details are displayed in the hub.

Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

Accessibility and inclusion will be monitored through:

Feedback from service users and families
Observations and supervision
Evaluation of programme delivery

We will use this information to improve services and remove barriers.

Training and Awareness

Staff and volunteers will receive training and guidance to support inclusive practice, including:

Understanding accessibility needs
Working with diverse communities
Trauma informed approaches

Reporting Barriers and Concerns

Staff, volunteers and service users are encouraged to report any barriers to access or inclusion. Concerns will be reviewed and addressed promptly.

Accessibility Checklist for Staff (Pre Session)

Before delivering any session, staff should consider the following:

Is the venue safe, accessible and clearly signposted?
Are there any physical barriers (stairs, space, lighting, noise) that could impact participation?
Have I checked if any participants require additional support or adjustments?
Is my communication clear, simple and inclusive (visuals, demonstrations, plain English)?
Are activities flexible and adaptable to different abilities and confidence levels?
Do I know how to respond if a participant needs additional support during the session?

Volunteer Accessibility Quick Guide (One Page)

As a volunteer, you should:

Be welcoming, friendly and inclusive to everyone
Speak clearly and use simple language
Be patient and allow extra time where needed
Offer help appropriately but respect independence
Be aware of different needs (language, confidence, ability)
Ask a staff member if you are unsure how to support someone

Remember: Everyone should feel safe, included and valued.

Accessibility Action Plan Template

Top Church Training will use an Accessibility Action Plan approach to improve inclusion. Plans may include:

Barrier identified: (e.g. language, mobility, confidence)
Who is affected: (individual/group)
Action required: (e.g. adjust delivery, provide support)
Responsible person: (staff role)
Timescale: (date or session)
Review outcome: (what changed/improved)

Action plans will be reviewed regularly as part of programme evaluation.

SEND and Moderate Needs Support

Top Church Training is committed to supporting individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), particularly those with moderate needs. We recognise that while we provide inclusive environments, we may not be equipped to meet highly complex needs.
Our approach includes:

Adapting activities to meet different ability levels
Providing clear instructions and flexible pacing
Offering quieter or alternative spaces where appropriate
Supporting participation through encouragement and reassurance

We work with families and carers to ensure activities are safe and appropriate for each individual.

What Accessibility Looks Like at the Connect Community Hub

At the Connect Community Hub and associated delivery spaces, accessibility and inclusion are embedded into everyday practice. This includes:

Creating a warm, welcoming and non judgemental environment
Providing informal, flexible spaces for engagement
Supporting ESOL learners through conversation, activities and visual communication
Encouraging family participation rather than exclusion
Offering opportunities for volunteering and community involvement
Adapting sessions to meet the needs of the community attending

Our aim is to make our community hub a safe, inclusive and accessible hub where individuals feel a sense of belonging and connection.

Dietary Requirements, Allergies and Food Accessibility

Top Church Training recognises that people may have a wide range of dietary requirements, allergies, intolerances, medical conditions, cultural needs, faith-based requirements and personal food preferences.
We are committed to ensuring that nobody is excluded from our services, activities or events because of their dietary needs.
Where food and refreshments are provided through our projects, including Connect Pantry, Community Events, Care Leaver Activities, Family Programmes, Training Sessions and Cooking workshops, we will:

Ask participants about dietary requirements, allergies and intolerances wherever possible in advance.
Make every reasonable effort to provide suitable alternatives.
Consider cultural and faith-based dietary requirements, including Halal, Vegetarian and Vegan options.
Clearly identify allergens where information is available.
Encourage participants to inform us of any allergies or dietary requirements when registering for activities or accessing support.
Work with suppliers and partners to obtain accurate allergen information where possible.
Promote inclusion by ensuring dietary requirements are considered during the planning of activities, celebrations and community events.

Whilst we will always try to accommodate dietary requirements, there may occasionally be circumstances where a particular item cannot be sourced or provided. In these situations, we will:

Contact the individual wherever possible.
Discuss suitable alternative options.
Seek an agreed alternative that is safe and appropriate.
Ensure that the person is not disadvantaged or excluded from participating in an activity or service.

Connect Pantry operates using donated and surplus food, meaning we cannot always guarantee the availability of specific products. However, staff and volunteers will do their utmost to support members with dietary requirements, allergies and intolerances by helping them identify suitable items and alternatives wherever possible.

The safety and wellbeing of all service users remains our priority. Individuals with severe allergies or medical dietary requirements are encouraged to inform staff and volunteers so that appropriate support and guidance can be provided.

Review

This privacy notice will be reviewed annually and updated where necessary.
Next Review Date: 31st March 2027