NRAC Information and Application Pack
Index:
- Introduction
- Background and Management
- Contact Details
- Membership
- Information for Affiliates
- Core competencies and skills requirements
- Application process
- Information for Members
- Fees
- Complaints and disciplinary procedure
1. Introduction
The National Register of Access Consultants (NRAC) is an independent register of accredited Access Consultants and Access Auditors who meet professional standards and criteria established by a peer review system. It is the only UK-wide accreditation service for individuals who undertake access auditing and access consultancy. The NRAC also has Affiliates who support the NRAC, but are not registered by the NRAC to carry out access work.
The NRAC is a resource for those seeking professional advice on how to make improvements to the built environment in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Acts 1995 and 2005. The online database of Members facilitates the selection of reputable, accredited access auditors and consultants. However, the NRAC does not promote, endorse or recommend individual Members or organisations to clients seeking access consultancy or audit services.
All members of the NRAC (Members) are required to adhere to a Code of Practice, hold professional indemnity insurance and undergo annual continuing professional development. The NRAC is also a learning network that provides support and information to its Members and Affiliates.
All NRAC documents are available in alternative formats on request.
For any further information or queries about the application process, please contact the NRAC office on 020 7735 7845, by email on info@nrac.org.uk or access the NRAC website www.nrac.org.uk.
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2. Background and Management
The NRAC was established as a project of the Centre for Accessible Environments (CAE) in early 2000. CAE is a charitable company limited by guarantee.
The NRAC is advised by a voluntary Management Group that includes representatives from the Access Association, Arts Council of England, JMU Access Partnership, Royal Institute of British Architects and Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
To fulfil the requirements of charity law, the Management Group is a subcommittee of the Board of Trustees of CAE.
The NRAC was funded by central government for the first two years through the then Department for Education and Employment (DfEE) and the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR). The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) continue to take a keen interest and have representatives as observers at Management Group meetings.
The NRAC is managed on a day-to-day basis by the NRAC Manager, assisted by an Administrative Assistant, who are appointed and employed by CAE. The NRAC Manager is line managed by the Chief Executive of CAE. The NRAC Secretariat is based in the offices of CAE and is the legal responsibility of CAE.
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3. Contact details
The NRAC Secretariat
National Register of Access Consultants
70 South Lambeth Road,
London SW8 1RL
Tel: 020 7735 7845
SMS: 020 7735 7845
Fax: 020 7840 5811
Email: info@nrac.org.uk
Website: www.nrac.org.uk
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4. Membership
4.1 Membership types and standards
There are two types of membership of the National Register of Access Consultants- NRAC Consultant and NRAC Auditor. The membership type indicates the scope of access work the individuals are registered to carry out.
NRAC Auditors have expertise in identifying access problems and give general advice on solutions. They possess a basic knowledge of construction. They provide a professional service to business, public and other undertakings by
- comprehensively identifying and reporting on access issues as developed in the client brief. These may be audits or appraisals, and may include general advice on solutions.
- providing access related policy/strategy advice, including design appraisals, development of access statements, access plans, access related strategies and policies.
Using his or her professional judgement, an NRAC Auditor should be able to identify the access requirements specific to the physical environment, and within the appropriate legislative context, considering all relevant factors. These will include legal requirements, client needs, best practice guidelines, practicality and user requirements.
NRAC Consultants can make recommendations/provide solutions of a technical and policy nature as well as identifying access problems. They possess a greater degree of construction understanding than NRAC Auditors. They can be engaged by clients as either an Auditor or a Consultant.
An NRAC Consultant provides a professional service as described for NRAC Auditors above and, in addition, is able to provide more detailed technical advice on solutions and strategic advice on policy issues.
An NRAC Consultant is able to seek the advice and input of relevant experts and professionals to further the progress of access related recommendations.
In rendering such services to clients, NRAC Consultants and NRAC Auditors carry a heavy burden of responsibility and an obligation to maintain the highest standards of integrity and competence.
Entry to the NRAC is based on a rigorous assessment of skills and experience through written submissions and an interview by a panel comprising Members of the NRAC . The competences and experience that must be demonstrated to gain membership are set out in Section 6 of this document. They focus on knowledge of the needs of people with a range of disabilities, relevant legislation, current good practice, design requirements and technical standards.
There are no set training requirements or courses that lead directly to membership of the NRAC. However, applicants are strongly recommended to undertake formal access training.
The NRAC actively encourages Members to increase their skills and progress to Consultant status should they wish to do so.
There is also Affiliate status available. Affiliates are individuals or organisations that are interested in access issues and want to support the NRAC, or those who wish to become an auditor or consultant in the future. They are not registered by the NRAC to undertake access consultancy or access auditing work. Further information on affiliate status is described in section 5.
4.2 Benefits for Members
Marketing
NRAC Members have their contact details supplied to clients by the NRAC via the online database of members, and through telephone and email enquiries made to the Secretariat. The NRAC Secretariat promotes the NRAC in various fora.
Quality standard
The NRAC provides official recognition of Members' access related consultancy/auditing skills. They may use the accreditation NRAC Auditor or NRAC Consultant after their names as proof of this recognition.
News bulletin
The NRAC monthly news bulletin provides the latest information on legislation, products, seminars, technical matters and training opportunities. It is also an opportunity for Members to communicate matters of interest to other members and Affiliates of the NRAC.
Annual conference
An annual conference is organised for Members and Affiliates. This one-day event includes sessions on relevant topics, discussion groups and the opportunity to discuss issues with the NRAC Management and meet other Members and Affiliates.
Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII)
The Secretariat has negotiated preferential PII rates for NRAC Members with insurance brokers Bray Wintour Patis. NRAC Members are required to carry professional indemnity insurance for access related work.
Learning networks: email discussion groups: Mailtalk and Yahoo Groups
Members can join two email discussion groups, Mailtalk for Members only and Yahoo Groups for both Members and Affiliates. The discussion groups provide opportunities for Members to exchange views and advise each other when queries arise. The discussion groups provide a space for free and frank discussion and debate, the sharing of experience and information and the exploration of ideas and opinions. They are widely used and very popular.
4.3 How clients use the NRAC
The NRAC assists clients, free of charge, to identify and locate Auditors and Consultants, suitable for their requirements, based on geographical locations ,specialisations and areas of expertise of Members indicated on the online database on www.nrac.org.uk.
The NRAC Secretariat assists clients to use the search facility. It provides only the information which is on the online database and does not influence the choice of Members in any way.
Clients can use the search facility on the online database, or request these in print, or by email from the NRAC Secretariat, tel 020 7735 7845.
Further information on how to select an auditor/consultant is provided in the document, Client Guide, which can be downloaded from the website or in print from the NRAC Secretariat as above.
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5. Affiliates
Affiliate status is intended for two groups of people:
- those who have an interest in the access field and would like to receive some of the benefits that are available to Members, but do not necessarily want to become NRAC Auditors/NRAC Consultants
- those who may wish to seek membership of the NRAC at a later date, but do not currently have the training or experience to do so
Affiliate status is open to any individual or organisation and it does not represent a quality standard. There is no assessed application for Affiliates.
Affiliates receive the monthly news bulletin, which provides the latest information on legislation, products, seminars, technical matters and training.
Affiliates are also invited to conferences and other events organised for Members and Affiliates. These events include sessions on relevant topics, discussion groups and the opportunity to discuss issues with the NRAC management and meet other members.
Affiliates may also join the Yahoo Group electronic discussion forum (NRACUK) for both NRAC Members and Affiliates.
Affiliates adhere to a brief Code of Practice for NRAC Affiliates. Affiliates are not Members of the NRAC and may not represent themselves as such. They are not accredited to undertake access consultancy or access auditing work. If an Affiliate misrepresents themselves to clients as a Member of the NRAC, disciplinary proceedings will take place and the Affiliate status will be withdrawn.
The annual fee for Affiliates is £60, which is payable pro rata in advance to the end of the current financial year. For international Affiliates, this is £65.
There is a reduced rate for access/disability groups and unwaged individuals of £12.
To apply for affiliate status, please complete an application form, which you can request by post, or download from the NRAC website, www.nrac.org.uk and send it with the appropriate fee to the NRAC Manager.
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6. Core competences and skills requirements
Applicants must fulfil all of the core competences and skills requirements required for the type of membership for which they are applying.
6.1 Access Auditor: Core competences and skills requirements
Understanding of user needs
UA1 Understanding of the needs of a range of users and potential users of an environment
UA2 Understanding of the importance of consulting with users and/or potential users, and experience of such consultation
Experience and ability in the access field
EA1 Experience of comprehensively identifying barriers and hazards to accessibility within an environment by physical inspection
EA2 Experience of carrying out access related work
Knowledge of construction processes
CA1 Basic understanding of the construction process and construction related issues
CA2 Ability to understand basic technical drawings and specifications
Knowledge and understanding of good practice and standards in relation to access
TA1 Knowledge and understanding of current guidance and best practice in the access field, including BS8300 and the relevant part of the Building Regulations
TA2 Knowledge of range of good practice guidance for a variety of elements and building types
TA3 Appreciation of the non-physical issues which may impact on the accessibility of an environment, such as management issues
TA4 Understanding the importance of an access policy and access strategy
TA5 Understanding of Access Statements and their application
Legal Understanding
LA1 Understanding of:
- The Disability Discrimination Acts 1995 and 2005 and associated regulations and Codes of Practice
- Relevant Building Regulations
- The Special Educational Needs and Disability Act, 2001 (SENDA) 2001
Professional Understanding
PA1 Ability to prepare reports to an appropriate technical and professional level
PA2 Understanding of the range and limitations of services offered by an Access Auditor
PA3 Understanding of the legal obligations and liabilities associated with offering expert advice
PA4 Competent written and verbal communication skills
6.2 Access Consultant: Core competences and skills requirements
Understanding of user needs
UC1 Understanding of the needs of a range of users and potential users of an environment
UC2 Understanding of the importance of consulting with users and/or potential users, and experience of such consultation
Knowledge of construction processes
CC1 Understanding of the construction process and construction related issues
CC2 Ability to read and understand technical drawings and specifications
Knowledge and understanding of good practice and standards in relation to access
TC1 Knowledge and understanding of current guidance and best practice in the access field, including BS8300: 2001 and the relevant Building Regulations
TC2 Knowledge of a range of good practice guidance for a variety of building elements and building types
TC3 Appreciation of the non-physical issues which may impact on the accessibility of an environment, such as management issues
TC4 Ability to develop access policies and strategies in consultation with clients
TC5 Understanding of access statements, action plans and their application
TC6 Understanding of the technical and structural constraints of access solutions
TC7 Understanding of the means of escape requirements for disabled people including BS 5588 Part 8 and legal framework involved in dealing with fire
TC8 Ability to carry out design appraisals for new buildings and building alterations
TC9 Ability to test and progress recommendations; knowledge of approval and procurement processes
Legal Understanding
LC1 Understanding of:
- The Disability Discrimination Acts 1995 and 2005 and associated Codes of Practice
- The Building Regulations, Approved Document Part M and relevant section of Part B, Fire Safety
- Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 (SENDA)
LC2 Understanding of the implications of:
- Planning legislation and guidance
- Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
- The Town and Country Planning Act 1990
- Health and Safety Legislation
- Occupier Liability Acts, OLA 1957 and OLA 1984
- Landlord and Tenant duties
- Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1995
- Fire Regulations and the Fire Precautions Act 1971
- Highways Act 1980
in relation to access issues
Problem identification and solving
SC1 Ability to identify barriers and hazards to accessibility within an environment by physical inspection, and from drawings and specifications
SC2 Ability to recommend access solutions to barriers and hazards identified above, in line with current guidance and best practice
SC3 Ability to identify situations not covered by current guidance and best practice, and make recommendations accordingly
SC4 Ability to apply current guidance and/or best practice beyond construction related activities
SC5 Appreciation of aesthetic aspirations and technical, time and cost implications and constraints faced by design teams and clients and the ability to take these into account when recommending solutions
Professional Understanding
PC1 Understanding of the legal obligations and liabilities associated with offering expert advice
PC2 Understanding the need for professional agreements and terms of appointment
PC3 Ability to prepare reports to an appropriate technical and professional level
PC4 Understanding of the range and limitations of services covered by professional indemnity insurance, and offered by an Access Consultant at all stages of a construction project
PC5 Experience of communicating technical access issues to both technical and non-technical groups and individuals.
PC6 Competent written and verbal communication skills.
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7. Application process
The application process assesses applicants' knowledge and experience against the core competences and skills requirements set out above.
The application process is the same for Auditor and Consultant membership. However, the core competences and skills requirements differ for each membership type.
The NRAC is flexible about how applicants have acquired the requisite skills and does not necessarily require formal qualifications.
There are two stages to the application process:
- Stage one assesses the basic access knowledge and experience of an applicant. It is assessed by the Secretariat through a completed application form and accompanying documentation.
- Stage two assesses the applicant's knowledge and experience in further detail. This is conducted by a panel (the Assessment Panel) made up of existing NRAC Members. It is done through assessment of written submissions and an interview by the panel.
The process is split into sections to avoid applicants having to go through the whole application process if they do not have the requisite knowledge and skills.
Applicants who demonstrate to the Assessment Panel that they have fulfilled the core competences and experience objectives will be recommended for membership. Unsuccessful applicants may appeal against the decision (see section 7.3).
7.1 Stage one application
Applicants need to:
- decide whether to apply for Auditor or Consultant status and complete the appropriate application form for their type of membership.
- enclose documentation to support the information given on the application form
- enclose the stage one application fee of £40.00
Applicants should study the core competences and experience objectives in section 6 to decide which type of membership to apply for. The requirements for membership are based on skills and experience rather than qualifications
Download the Stage one Auditor application form here
Download the Stage One Consultant application form here
Guidance on the different sections of the form is given below:
- Experience with user groups: Applicants need first hand awareness of accessibility issues to understand the reasons for technical standards and guidance. This experience could include membership of an access group, experience of consulting with user groups, or any experience/ training that develops understanding of needs of a wide range of disabled people. Quality of experience is more important than quantity. This experience should be described on the application form, listing names of groups, projects, training, and relevant dates.
- Recent and continuous access development/training: Applicants should have undertaken training and professional development in the access field, which should include components or modules on disability awareness, the DDA and legislative context, current good practice, technical standards and guidance. It should also include the ability to read plans. Applicants should have undertaken at least five days of continuing professional development within the last two years It is unlikely that one short course will be sufficient to gain the necessary knowledge and skills for NRAC membership.
- Access-related experience: Applicants should have carried out a minimum of 4-5 access related pieces of work, which may include access audit reports, design appraisals, access statements, work as an access officer, policy guidance, or any work with a specific access dimension. A list of work undertaken should be provided with the application form. This should be the applicant's own individual work and their role should be identified within it.
- Construction knowledge: Auditors require a basic knowledge of construction processes, which includes: the ability to read basic plans of buildings, knowledge of relevant Building Regulations and standards and the ability to liaise with construction professionals.
- The construction knowledge requirement for a consultant is satisfied by demonstrating an understanding of: the processes and principles applicable to the design and construction of buildings and the built environment, the technical and structural constraints of access solutions.This may be acquired through formal professional qualifications or significant practical experience, provided that this is demonstrated through the written submission and during the interview to the satisfaction of the Assessment Panel.
7.1.1 Assessment of stage one applications
The NRAC Secretariat will normally respond to a Stage One application, within two weeks of receiving it, by letter, telephone or email, either to notify the applicant that they have successfully completed Stage One and to invite them to proceed to Stage Two, or to ask for further information in support of their Stage One application
Please note completion of stage one of the application process does not constitute accreditation or 'part' membership.
7.2 Stage two application
Those who have successfully completed the first stage of the application will be invited to progress to stage two. Stage two applications should be submitted within six months of completing stage one.
Stage two is a more rigorous assessment of applicants' skills and experience against set core competences and skills requirements. The process allows applicants to demonstrate that they possess the required abilities through written submissions and a professional interview. The competences and experience are more important than the route by which they were attained.
7.2.1 Written submissions
Applicants must complete and submit initially one paper copy and one electronic copy (and if invited for interview three further paper copies) of the following documents to the NRAC:
- a one-page (single side A4) summary/CV of professional experience and qualifications
- an experience appraisal
- a core competence report
- a written submission on a piece of access related work, which demonstrates key aspects of core competences
- an application fee of £140 . The fee is £80 in case of a re- application, or an appeal against a unsuccessful Stage Two application (see Section 6.3) Please make cheques payable to the National Register of Access Consultants, or NRAC.
Guidance for the documentation required is as below:
1. Curriculum Vitae
- This is a one page (one side of A4) summary of the applicant's background, experience, qualifications and training.
2. Experience appraisal report
This document should give an overview of the applicant's experience and training specific to access-related work and should be a maximum of 1,000 words. The report should:
- indicate experience in terms of the size and variety of access related projects worked on, the responsibilities assumed and the outcomes where known.
- include details of training received, membership of access groups, personal experience of disability, or other information relevant to access work
A sample experience appraisal report is attached below: It is for guidance only and is not the only acceptable format.
Experience appraisal report
Introduction
As one of the Access Consultants at xxx organisation, I have been closely involved in approximately Xno. access projects, including audits of existing buildings/external environments, design appraisals, preparing access plans and access statements, and development of policy and strategy advice on access.
I provide advice on a broad range of issues from clarifying complex aspects of the Disability Discrimination Acts 1995 and 2005 to providing detailed design advice on a specific layout of an accessible reception desk.
I have experience of working as an Access Consultant on a diverse range of building types including: education buildings (eg .......); hospitals (eg .......); museums and galleries (eg .......); historic buildings (eg .......)
Most of the consultancy relates to and is motivated by the Disability Discrimination Acts 1995 and 2005 however; I have also responded to other requirements, for example funding bodies such as the Arts Council (Lottery funded projects) or Higher Education Funding Council of England, Part M Building Regulation and industry-specific access standards.
I have successfully delivered ....... no training days.
Access consultancy experience
I have carried out approximately ....... no separate access consultancy jobs while .......organisation. In addition to these, I have been involved in many more during the initial tendering/quoting or strategy development stages. My experience in schemes is further extended through regular telephone contact with a whole range of construction and non-construction professionals, the public and other access auditors and consultants
The following provides a sample of the range of work I have undertaken:
Listed buildings
Brief synopsis of audits approximately 100 words
Education buildings
Brief synopsis of audits approximately 50 words
Training courses attended
A
B
C
D
Employment history
Text
Membership of access groups
Text
Miscellaneous
Text
3. Core Competence Report
This should set out how the applicant meets the core competence and experience requirements set out in Section 7. The applicant does not need to address each individual criteria, but give a general description of their knowledge and experience under each section heading.
4. Access-related piece of work
This work (or works) should be carefully chosen to demonstrate that you meet the core competence and experience requirements. It could include one or two of the following (a single submission, however, is preferred), though other access-related work will be considered:
- an audit report
- a design appraisal
- an access statement
- a policy document
Brief guidance on submission of an audit report is given below:
- it should refer to the relevant part of the Disability Discrimination Acts 1995 and 2005, and other relevant legislation and the client's obligations under these.
- it should demonstrate knowledge of a range of disabled user needs.
- it should refer to management issues in addition to building fabric issues
- the premises should be a moderately sized building of more than one storey, and of sufficient complexity to demonstrate a range of access issues.
- the submission should include detailed measurements and references to relevant design guidance and technical standards.
- It should be a critical analysis of issues rather than a checklist.
- the work(s) should preferably have been produced by the applicant within the preceding six months to demonstrate knowledge of current guidance and good practice.
- It should include photographs and plans as relevant
Applicants for Auditor membership do not need to go into detail on recommendations. Applicants for Consultant membership should provide much more detail in terms of prioritised/categorised recommendations (how the recommendations are prioritised/categorised, and on what basis, is at the applicant's discretion).
For either category, observations on means of escape need not go beyond the identification of problems/barriers on existing means of escape. Applicants for Consultants may give general advice on the management of means of escape.
Guidance on submission of an access statement or design appraisal is being prepared and will be available shortly.
A pre-assessment panel consisting of an NRAC Member and someone from the NRAC Secretariat, will carry out an initial scrutiny of the applicant's written submission to ensure that it meets basic criteria to go forward to the Assessment Panel. If it does, the applicant will be asked to submit a further three copies of their submission and be invited to interview. The initial scrutiny of the written submission should take approximately two weeks from the date of submission to the NRAC. Please note the invitation to interview is no guarantee of acceptance of the written submission by the Assessment Panel.
If the written submission is judged not to meet the basic criteria, the applicant will be told why and invited to make a new submission within two months.
7.2.2 Professional interview
An Assessment Panel consisting of three Members of the register will review the written submission and interview the applicant. The NRAC Manager, or Assistant, may be present during the interview but will not take part in it.
The NRAC Manager will arrange an interview location, date and time in consultation with the applicant. The interviews are currently held every month in London and every two months in York. Other locations in the UK may be established depending on applicant demand and assessor availability.
The applicant will be informed of the composition of the Assessment Panel and asked if they have an objections to any member of the panel. Information imparted at the interview will be confidential and not be disclosed by the members of the panel, who all sign a confidentiality agreement.
Applicants will have an opportunity to state any access requirements or adjustments that they require prior to the interview date.
The interview will take approximately 45 minutes. The applicant needs to start by giving a 5-10 minute verbal presentation to the panel. The presentation is informal and is an opportunity to expand on the applicant's abilities and experience in the access field. Visual aids are not permitted, unless requested as a reasonable adjustment for the applicant.
The panel will evaluate the applicant's skills and experience against the requisite core competences and skills requirements. The applicant may also be questioned on his/her written submission and responses given.
At the end of the interview, the applicant will be invited to comment on whether the interview was conducted fairly, and will be given an opportunity to ask questions, elaborate on any answers given, or make an additional statement.
7.2.3 Post interview
The panel will make one of the following decisions:
- accept as Member (Consultant or Auditor, depending on the application)
- accept as Auditor rather than Consultant Membership applied for.
- defer membership, subject to completion of a piece of access related work or CPD work to be assessed by the original assessment panel. This must be completed and submitted to the NRAC within two months of the interview. The applicant will not have to re-attend an interview.
- do not accept as Member Recommendations on CPD will be provided to assist towards a future reapplication.
- upgrade to Consultant status from Auditor status
- do not upgrade to Consultant status from Auditor status Recommendations on CPD will be provided to assist towards a future reapplication.
Unsuccessful applicants will be given advice on how to acquire the necessary additional skills and experience. They may reapply for membership or an upgrade to Consultant status, after a recommended period of time, for a reduced fee of £80.00
The assessment panel may make CPD training recommendations in conjunction with their decision.
Applicants will be informed of the result of the interview within seven working days. You may also telephone the NRAC Secretariat directly to obtain the result of your application.
Successful applicants will be sent an Information pack for Members. Registration is dependent on completing the following formalities:
- an undertaking to adhere to the NRAC Code of Practice
- completing a database entry form (see section 8 on Specialisations)
- paying the annual membership fee of £160 for NRAC Auditors and £210 for NRAC Consultants (pro rata until the end of the current financial year). See section 9.
- providing evidence of Professional Indemnity Insurance cover
On completion of these, Members' details are then entered on the online database of the NRAC and they will be sent a membership card.
7.3 Appeals regarding unsuccessful applications
If an applicant is not satisfied with the process or procedures of an Assessment Panel, the appeal procedure is as follows:
- The applicant must notify his or her wish to appeal in writing to the NRAC Manager, along with the grounds for the appeal, within four weeks of the relevant decision.
- A refundable deposit of £80 will be required to cover the cost of the referral of the application. This will be returned if the appeal is successful.
- A three-member Appeal Panel, with members from the NRAC Management Group, will decide if there are adequate grounds for an appeal
- The Appeal Panel will meet when required, usually once a quarter.
- If the appeal is allowed, the Appeal Panel will re-interview the candidate based on the original submission.
- In the case that a candidate appeals against a deferral, or the outcome of a deferral, and the appeal is allowed, the candidate will have to attend an interview with the Appeal Panel
- If the appeal is not successful, the applicant will be informed of the reasons for the decision. The appeal fee will not be refunded.
- The decision of the Appeal Panel will be final and binding. Applicants may reapply to the NRAC after a period recommended by the interview panel.
- If the appeal is successful, the appeal fee of £80.00 will be refunded and the applicant will have successfully completed that stage of the application process
7.4 Upgrading from Auditor Member to Consultant Member
Auditor Members of the NRAC who have increased their knowledge and experience of construction processes since being first accepted onto the Register may apply to upgrade their status from Auditor to Consultant. A Member wanting to upgrade must be able to demonstrate that the core competencies and skills requirements for a Consultant Member are fulfilled as set out in Section 6.
Upgrading from Auditor to Consultant follows the same format as a Stage two application (see 7.2 more details). Members who wish to undertake this need to submit three copies of the following documents to the NRAC:
- a one-page (single side A4) summary/CV of professional experience and qualifications
- an experience appraisal
- a core competence report
- a written submission on a piece of access related work, which demonstrates key aspects of core competences
- an application fee of £140. Please make cheques payable to the National Register of Access Consultants, or NRAC.
An Assessment Panel consisting three Consultant Members of the register will review the written submission and interview the Member applying to upgrade. The NRAC Manager, or Assistant, may be present during the interview but will not take part in it.
The interview will follow the standard NRAC format, but the questions will focus on the applicants' competence as a Consultant Member.
Successful Applicants will get their details changed on the online Members' database and will be sent a new membership card and certificate. They will need to pay the increase in the annual membership fee pro rata.
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8. Information for Members
Details of Members of the NRAC are available to clients online (www.nrac.org.uk), or via the NRAC Secretariat (email info@nrac.org.uk, telephone 020 7735 4875).
8.1 Professional specialisations for database of Members
The NRAC online database for clients indicates Members' professional specialisations, experience and expertise. Successful applicants are asked to enter these on the database entry form sent to them.
The specialisations allow clients to identify and locate Members with the most appropriate skills and experience relevant to their needs. The current categories are as follows:
- Experience of the following building types and elements
- Retail and banking
- Hotels
- Health
- Education
- Arts
- Leisure
- Sports
- Signage and way-finding
- Tourism
- Places of worship
- Housing
- Offices
- Manufacturing/ industrial
- Historic/listed buildings
- Countryside
- Transport environments
- Military establishments
- Landscape architecture
Areas of expertise
- Access Statements/ Access Plans
- Design appraisals
- Policy and strategy work
- Expert witness / Legal advice
- Design work
- Landlord and Tenant Act
- Training
- Website and communications
- Assistive technologies
- Corporate portfolios
- Risk Assessments
- Urban Planning
- Personal experience of disability
This list is not exhaustive and Members may add categories with the agreement of the NRAC Secretariat.
In addition, Members may make a statement of 40-60 words about their background, experience and qualifications, or provide alternative contact details, to be displayed with their entry on the web-site.
The specialisation section of a Member's entry on the Register may be updated at any time by a Member on request to the NRAC Secretariat.
Members are also asked to indicate whether they are prepared to act as mentors to Stage One applicants, by being shadowed while conducting access audits.
Members have a duty not to misrepresent their specialisations and experience when submitting information.
This is a self regulated process. Clients should assure themselves that Members have the required knowledge and experience for the type of work to be carried out.
8.2 Conditions for Membership
All Members are required to:
- undertake a minimum period of continuing professional development annually (which can include being part of an NRAC Assessment Panel)
- hold the correct amount of professional indemnity insurance cover for the work they undertake
- pay an annual membership fee to the NRAC as set out in Section 9
- adhere to a Code of Practice
The requirements for CPD and PII are described in more detail below. The Code of Practice in the Information Pack for NRAC Members.
8.2.1 Training/continuing professional development (CPD)
It is a condition of membership that Members are required to undertake a minimum of 15 hours of CPD per year. A record of CPD needs to be submitted annually for membership renewal.
CPD is defined as the systematic maintenance, improvement and broadening of knowledge and skills and the development of personal qualities necessary for the execution of professional and technical duties throughout the practitioner’s working life.
Activities contributing to CPD include formalised training courses and less formal educational activities that contribute to the technical or professional experience of the member.
Volunteering to be part of an Assessment Panel for NRAC applicants is an important role that also fulfils CPD requirements.
8.2.2 Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII)
All NRAC Members are required to have Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) cover in relation to access related work they undertake as Members of the NRAC.
The Secretariat has negotiated preferential rates for Auditor and Consultant Members of the NRAC with insurance brokers Caunce O’Hara and Towergate.
Successful applicants are required to provide proof of PII cover before they are registered as NRAC Members.
This is not necessarily required at interview stage, but needs to be provided along with other registration information required of successful applicants.
8.3 Procedure for reinstatement of lapsed NRAC Members
If the period of lapsed membership is one year or less, then the lapsed Member can be reinstated on payment of the membership fee for the lapsed year, on receipt of payment and CPD record.
If the lapsed period is over one year, the lapsed Member would need to submit, along with an application fee of £80.00,
Written submission
- Cover letter outlining what experience, training and CPD the individual has undertaken during the gap in membership period.
- Updated CV/ experience appraisal
Re-interview
The applicant may have to attend a new interview if the above is not satisfactory. The interview would be based on assessing if the applicant had kept up-to-date in the access sector over the intervening period.
Interview result:
- If the panel feels the applicant has kept up-to-date, they would be reinstated and pay the normal pro rata membership fee to the end of the financial year.
- If the panel feels that the applicant has not kept up-to-date, then the applicant would need to go through the Stage 2 process again, paying the standard fee of £140 and submitting a new written submission.
8.4 Electronic discussion forums
The electronic discussion forums provide opportunities for Members and Affiliates to exchange views and advise each other when queries arise. There are two electronic discussion forums available:
- the Mailtalk forum is a closed forum for NRAC Members only.
- the Yahoo group forum is a closed forum for NRAC Members and Affiliates.
9. Fees
Applications
Stage one: £40
Stage two: £140
Upgrade to Consultant: £140
Stage two appeals (refundable if upheld): £80
Reapplications: £80
Membership
The annual fees are:
Access Consultants available for work: £210, not available for work: £110
Access Auditors available for work: £160, not available for work: £110
Members who do not wish to advertise their services through the NRAC will not receive the marketing benefits of membership. Members who opt for this type of membership are usually those who work for local authorities or other organisations that do not permit outside contracts to be undertaken. For this reason, these Members pay a reduced fee (see above). They still receive all the other benefits of membership. The Members' entries on the NRAC's online database will state that they are not available for work.
Affiliates (individuals or organisations): Standard £60.00, International £65.00
Affiliates (access/disability groups and unwaged individuals): Reduced fee £12.00
For new Members or Affiliates, fees are payable pro-rata until the end of the financial year, 31 March. The successful applicant will be informed of the relevant fee. Renewal Annual fees are payable at the start of the financial year. The Secretariat will contact Affiliates and Members annually regarding renewal. Renewal of Membership is dependent on fulfilling the conditions of membership as described above. To cancel membership or affiliate status, Members and Affiliates need to inform the NRAC Secretariat in writing.
Members who do not wish to advertise their services through the NRAC will not receive the marketing benefits of membership. Members who opt for this type of membership are usually those who work for local authorities or other organisations that do not permit outside contracts to be undertaken. For this reason, these Members pay a reduced fee (see above). They still receive all the other benefits of membership. The Members’ entries on the NRAC’s online database will state that they are not available for work.
Affiliates (individuals or organisations): Standard £60.00, International £65.00
Affiliates (access/disability groups and unwaged individuals): Reduced fee £12.00
For new Members or Affiliates, fees are payable pro-rata until the end of the financial year, 31 March. The successful applicant will be informed of the relevant fee. Renewal Annual fees are payable at the start of the financial year. The Secretariat will contact Affiliates and Members annually regarding renewal. Renewal of Membership is dependent on fulfilling the conditions of membership as described above. To cancel membership or affiliate status, Members and Affiliates need to inform the NRAC Secretariat in writing.
Renewal
Annual fees are payable at the start of the financial year. The Secretariat will contact Affiliates and Members annually regarding renewal. Renewal of Membership is dependent on fulfilling the conditions of membership as described above.
To cancel membership or affiliate status, Members and Affiliates need to inform the NRAC Secretariat in writing.
10 Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures
The way in which a complaint is dealt with will depend on the nature of the complaint. Complaints might be concerning the conduct of the admissions panel, the conduct of the NRAC Manager, general administration or against a Member’s professional behaviour.
Complaints against the NRAC Secretariat
For complaints against the NRAC Secretariat, the complainant will be required to:
notify the NRAC Manager of the nature of the complaint
the NRAC Manager must inform the NRAC Advisory Group as soon as the complaint is received
the Management Group, which consists of representatives from various disability and professional organisations, will investigate the complaint and take any necessary action should the complaint be upheld
These complaints may be in relation to administration, procedural matters or other aspects of the NRAC Secretariat’s role.
Complaints against Members
For a complaint to be upheld against a Member, their actions must have been in breach of the Code of Practice. (This document is held by every Member and is available on request from the NRAC Secretariat) The disciplinary procedures are closely related to the Code of Practice to which each Member must agree to adhere to. Disciplinary proceedings will occur when a Member does not adhere to the conditions within the Code of Practice. This will be drawn to the attention of the NRAC Advisory Group when a complaint or is received. The NRAC will take proactive steps to maintain quality.
When a complaint is received concerning a member of the NRAC, the NRAC Manager will:
notify the Member that a complaint has been received within 10 days
request the Member’s response to the complaint to be submitted within 28 days
submit the initial complaint and response to the Disciplinary Panel (which will be similar in construction to the admissions panel). The complaint may be settled at this stage depending on the particulars of the complaint. This may be due to the minor nature of the complaint, or if the facts of the complaint are not disputed. A decision will be reached within 28 days of receipt of the Member’s initial response.
If the complaint is not settled at this stage, the Disciplinary Panel will investigate the matter further. The Member may be required to attend a disciplinary hearing to discuss the complaint within a further 28 days. A decision will be made within seven days and both parties will be notified in writing of the Disciplinary Panel’s decision.
If the Disciplinary Panel find against the Member, appropriate action will be taken.
Due to the variety of complaints and circumstances that may arise, it cannot be stated exactly what this action will be all cases. However, if the member is found to have committed a serious and deliberate breach of the Code of Practice, they will be expelled from the NRAC.
