Summary of application process
Consultant or Auditor Member?
NRAC Auditors are qualified to primarily identify barriers to access, while Consultants have greater construction knowledge and can go further in the type of solutions recommended to access barriers
Stage one application
Basic screening process
£40 fee to NRAC
Requirements:
- knowledge of range of user needs
- access related experience (4-5 projects)
- access related training/CPD (5 days in last 2 years)
- construction knowledge (basic for Auditors, more for Consultant membership)
- Passing does not confer part accreditation or part membership
Stage two application
Assessment of written submission and professional interview
£140 fee to NRAC (£80 if reapplying)
Requirements:
(submit within 6 months of passing stage 1)
initially 1 copy and, if invited for interview, a further 3 copies each + 1 electronic copy of:
- CV
- experience appraisal
- core competence report
- access-related work. Can be:
- -Audit report
- -Design appraisal
- -Access statement
- -Policy / strategy work
- -Other relevant
An Initial scrutiny of written submission
If fulfils basic criteria, proceed to interview
If not, will be given guidance and invited to re-submit within 2 months.
Interview and assessment
Peer review by three NRAC Members
Interviews held twice weekly in London and twice monthly in York.
45 minutes long. 10 minute presentation by applicant, followed by interview. Decision made on day.
Interview assesses core competences:
- understanding of user needs
- knowledge of legislative context
- ability to identify barriers to access and provide solutions
- knowledge of design guidance, technical standards and current good practice
- construction knowledge (greater level required for Consultant application)
- professionalism and communication skills
Post interview
Possible decisions are:
- recommend as Auditor or Consultant or upgrade to Consultant
- accept as Auditor only
- defer until submission of new satisfactory access-related work; no new interview required
- do not recommend or upgrade; guidance for reapplication provided; can reapply for reduced fee of £80
Applicants may appeal against decision.
New Members
- pay annual membership fee: £210 Consultant, £160 Auditor
- undertake to adhere to Code of Practice
- provide details for online database
- provide proof of PII cover
- undertake 15 hours CPD per year
- carry out NRAC interviews on voluntary basis
