Access Officers
Case reference FOI2023/01916
Published 8 December 2023
Request
Please provide information on whether or not you employ an access officer(s). Notes: They do not need to have the specific job title of access officer for you to respond affirmatively. The role may be defined as having responsibility for any one or all of the following and may be split between more than one person; • respond to requests, comments and complaints from all concerned with disability access • prepare adaptation programmes, including budgets, and monitor progress • carry out surveys, feasibility studies, drawings, specifications, contract documentations and supervise their implementation • give advice on all access design issues: transport, pavements, damaged kerbs, road crossings, highways schemes, traffic calming, parking and street furniture. • assist in the development of appropriate access plan policies and design guidance, primarily through implementing supplementary planning guidance • provide technical consultation and interpretation on applications that justify detailed input and provide guidance to development control officers on when to consult • be available for pre-application consultations on larger applications. • co-ordinate the consultation process with statutory consultees, such as English Heritage, Building Control and the Statutory Highway Authority • co-ordinate and manage the Council's training programme for new and existing officers, in particular in development control • liaise with neighbouring authorities and national bodies • establish a local access group where one does not exist, encourage and support the local access group and ensure that disabled people and other appropriate voluntary groups are effectively involved in the planning process. Servicing regular planning application consultation meetings and providing accessible transport and meeting rooms can be supportive If an employee(s) is responsible for the above, please respond and clarify which responsibilities or similar responsibilities they hold. Please note, the request relates to whether the council employs someone whose role / part of their role in the above activities for any subject, not necessarily in relation to disability access.
Response
A: Having spoken with several service areas I have been advised that no such role of 'Access Officer' exists. There are many staff across all Directorates with in Herefordshire Council who would carry out these tasks within their roles, this includes Planning Officers, Highways Officers and staff within Balfour Beatty carrying our works on behalf of Herefordshire Council. Our Head of Highways and Traffic, Ed Bradford, has advised he would be happy to discuss this with you further. If this would be of interest please do let me know.
Documents
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