The introduction of the Equality Act 2010 marked an ambitious attempt by the government to both rationalise and expand equality laws within the UK. With specific duties and obligations placed on public bodies, it has wide ranging implications for transport practitioners. Claims for disability discrimination are on the increase and anyone involved with policies and projects impacting on the design and operation of the public realm needs to have a working knowledge of the provisions of this act. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the application of the Equalities Act to transportation, highways and urban realm activities and is essential training for any consultant working for public sector clients.

Introduction to the Equalities Act, Duties and obligations arising from the Act, Disability Equality Schemes, Interaction with policies and guidance, Implications for placemaking professionals, Access for All, Disability equality perspectives, Localism, Community Strategies, Engagement and Consultation, Development planning, Gap analysis of policies, guidance and processes, Practical accessibility auditing. Illustrated throughout by case studies and site visit (weather permitting).

This course is designed for transportation professionals in the public and private sector who are primarily involved in the development and implementation of policies, strategies and projects that affect the public realm. Suitable for both new entrants to the industry and long-standing professionals, the course should also be considered by people involved in transport development management, urban design, traffic management, traffic signal design, highway maintenance and parking. Consultants working for public sector clients will find this course particularly helpful for understanding the duties and responsibilities placed on them by this legislation.

On completion of the course, delegates will:

• Understand the provisions of the Equality Act and its application to the delivery of development planning, highway design and wider public realm services

• Be able to consider ‘access for all’ issues at a basic and consistent level within delivery of their projects

• Understand the implications of the new legislation on transport policy, strategy and project development

• Be able to audit existing local policy and guidance to identify where revisions are required to meet the provisions of the Act

• Appreciate how the legislation should influence consultation and engagement practices

• Understand what the content of the Equalities Act means for their job role, and any transportation professionals working for them

• Know where to find key information to help them develop their knowledge

• Appreciate and be able to quantify the risks involved in not planning ahead for access and equality issues

• Be acquainted with the methodology for carrying out a public realm access audit assessment