TAP checklist training at BBC Studioworks, Kelvin Hall
Recently, we had the pleasure of delivering our TV Access Project (TAP) Access Checklist training to BBC Studioworks at the prestigious and historic Kelvin Hall in Glasgow.
We’ve already delivered several of these sessions this year, and each one continues to demonstrate just how powerful the TAP Checklist is in identifying and removing access barriers across TV production environments.
We take a look at what happens during a TAP training session, but before we get into the detail, let’s quickly revisit what TAP is all about.
What is the TV Access Project?
Launched in August 2022, TAP was in response to the Underlying Health Condition campaign demanding the development of industry standards for inclusivity in TV studios. It sees major UK broadcasters and streamers working together to remove barriers and create equity for disabled talent with the aim of creating full inclusion for Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent talent by 2030.
At the heart of this ambition is the TAP Access Description Checklist, an invaluable tool created from the lived experience of disabled people combined with regulations, standards and best practice guidance. The Checklist is designed to help studios identify and remove the physical, sensory, and cognitive barriers that can make production / creative spaces such as studios inaccessible.
So, what is the TAP Access Checklist?
The Checklist provides a comprehensive guide to enable TV Production businesses to carry out their own access audit as well as use best practice when making alterations or adjustments to their premises including TV and film studios and post-production spaces.
It covers areas such as:
- Car parking / set-down / pick-up points
- Signage
- Doors and corridors
- Lifts and stairs
- Toilets
- Neurodivergent-friendly design
- Flexible workspaces
- Building management practices
Crucially, the Checklist doesn’t just help identify barriers but also links directly to the relevant building regulations and approved documents, so organisations understand clearly what they need to do to meet the required standard. This allows them to create a short, medium and long-term strategy for making physical spaces accessible. In addition, the best practice standards that are included allow more inclusive options to be considered.
What does the training involve?
Having developed the Checklist with the TAP team through coproduction and consulting the various statutory and non-statutory guidance we also provide in-depth training sessions to support teams in using it effectively and confidently. The aim of the training is to:
- Explore the principles and importance of inclusive design;
- Explain some of the questions on the Checklist with practical examples; and
- Answer any questions on specific parts of the Checklist.
Each session includes a mix of discussion, interactive learning, and a guided tour of the building to demonstrate examples of good and bad practice in terms of accessibility.
Kelvin Hall training session
After a session on the importance of inclusive design and how to understand and use the Checklist, we set off in small groups to review the selected spaces BBC Studioworks had kindly offered us for the afternoon, including:
- Entrances, hallways and doorways
- Communal areas
- Toilets
- Stairwells
- Lifts
Armed with the Checklist, participants were encouraged to think about questions such as:
- What should I measure exactly when assessing if doorways are wide enough?
- How do I measure the opening force of a door?
- Are all lift call buttons clearly visible and tactile?
- Is wayfinding clear along all routes? Is any signage provided adequate?
- Are there markers outlining all edges of steps, ramp surfaces, handrails, etc, as well as visual contrast on key features such as doors / walls / floors as well as any sockets / switches / controls?
- Do doors open inwards yet have unnecessary pull handles? (These can be confusing and frustrating for everyone, so are not inclusive!)
At the end of the tour, we regrouped to share observations and to explore potential solutions to access barriers.
What discussion points were raised?
Checklists don’t sound very exciting, but our training sessions always prompt a great deal of thought and discussion around inclusion and accessibility.
Some of the interesting conversations we had at Kelvin Hall included:
- Why using colour alone for wayfinding isn’t enough
- How visual contrast can make a huge difference, but only if it’s used correctly
- Why alternatives to induction loops must be available during emergencies
- Why doors should have low opening forces and vision panels, but how do you balance that with the need for ensuring they are completely soundproof for audio booths / audio production and editing work?
- Ways to provide an accessible and inclusive space without a loss of equality
- How many changes don’t have to cost the earth but can make a massive difference.
As one participant put it, “it’s great to see everyone so engaged and willing to find ways to make the building more accessible.”
Why TAP training matters
Designing for inclusion isn’t just about meeting standards, it’s about ensuring nobody is excluded. The TAP Checklist offers a powerful way to help build inclusive environments for everyone working in the TV production industry, and our training ensures TV companies fully understand how the smallest of changes can make all the difference to disabled talent.
If you’re interested in learning more about TAP training or would like support with an access audit for your own space, please get in touch. We’d love to help.