South Lanarkshire Access Panel

                                  The aim of the South Lanarkshire Access Panel is to ensure that all those who live, work and visit South Lanarkshire are able to access the services and facilities that the area has to offer in a way that best meets their needs.  Access is not just physical but also written, audio and visual and our group members have expertise across these areas and more. The panel is now in its sixth year and continues to grow in both numbers and stature. Membership is free and we welcome new members who have an interest in improving access not only for themselves but for those they live with, care for or support.

South Lanarkshire Access Panel work in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council and have developed and published an Inclusive Design leaflet that assists in the design of non domestic buildings. The aim is to ensure that everyone can use a building regardless of their needs and to include people who have physical, sight or hearing difficulties, have mental health or learning disabilities, cannot walk far because of an injury or illness, have young children, or who are frail. The panel actively encourage planners and developers to provide design access statements with each application that’s made. The work of the panel is varied and includes reviewing plans and making site visits of new and refurbished buildings, both in the public and private sectors, to provide advice on access issues. The panels aim is to make architects, designers and planners consider their duties under the Equality Act at the earliest possible stage of a project and clearly set out how they have developed and included access for all in their design.

The panel is supported by South Lanarkshire Council who have appointed the following people:

• Architect from Housing and Technical Resources, 
• Surveyor from Building Standards,
• Diversity Adviser from Corporate Resources  
• Resource Worker from Social Work Resources

to assist, listen to and help develop the work of the panel.

The panel meet every 3 weeks to accommodate the volume of work being undertaken.

If you wish more information or would like to raise an issue with the panel, please contact us on info@slap.org.uk or telephone or text 07548 752054.