Court building reviewed to ensure disability access

Friday 04 September 2020

An Accessibility Audit has been carried out on the Royal Court and States Chamber, identifying actions that need to be taken to ensure the building is accessible to all, including any new Deputies who have specific needs.

States’ Disability Officer Gill Evans said the audit had been carried out in order to see if the building can accommodate for any future States’ Deputies with specific accessibility needs.

The entire Court building was also reviewed at the same time, to ensure that the various services offered there are as accessible as possible. 

According to Ms Evans, a number of ‘quick-fix’ items highlighted from the audit have already been actioned, which include changes to signage, mirrors and alarms in accessible toilets.

Other suggestions have yet to be actioned, including headphones for use in the courts, and additional hearing loops. More widespread changes had already been looked at to meet certain needs, including the provision of a family room for States’ members with babies and young children. 

Pictured: The States' building is currently undergoing routine maintenance before the new Assembly is welcome in mid-October.

Ms Evans noted that any wider changes would need careful consideration. “There are going to be some restrictions with any proposals for structural changes to a Heritage building, some of which might not be either possible or acceptable,” she said.

“We did discuss different ‘workaround’ options, which sometimes is the best, and only practical, way forward.”

The work was carried out to so that the specific needs of any incoming Deputies will be met. While some accommodations are as simple as providing documents in a way that suits a certain member, it will be difficult to know exactly how to support them until they enter office in October.

“Should any Deputies be elected who have accessibility needs, our intention is to meet with them to discuss any requirements they may have, and provide accordingly,” said Head of Operations Gregg Stuart.

Work is currently being carried out at the entrance to the Royal Court building, though this is not connected to accessibility efforts – just "essential maintenance of an old building to keep the weather out", including a refurbishing of the Royal Crest above the ceremonial door.