At Brown Consult, our consultants combine deep knowledge of accessibility legislation.  This unique blend ensures that our Access Audit reports are not only compliant but also practical, cost-effective, and tailored to your needs.

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Whether your goal is to meet the minimum requirements of the Equality Act or to drive best-practice standards, we focus solely on delivering what’s right for you.

​What Is an Access Audit

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An Access Audit (also known as a Disability Access Audit or DDA Audit) is a structured review of how accessible your building, environment or service is for disabled people, measured against best-practice standards and the legal requirements of the Equality Act 2010.Our audits identify potential barriers, assess what changes are reasonable to make, and provide clear, prioritised recommendations complete with estimated costs so you can plan improvements with confidence and avoid unnecessary or excessive works.​

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Why Do I Need One?

An Access Audit helps you:​

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• Understand your duties under the Equality Act 2010.

• Identify barriers to access for disabled people.

• Receive tailored, practical solutions based on your specific context.

• Demonstrate a reasonable and proactive approach to accessibility critical if ever challenged legally.​

• ​​Beyond legal compliance, improving accessibility benefits all users, enhances your reputation, and shows a commitment to inclusion.

 

What Does the Audit Cover?

Each audit is scoped according to your role — whether as an employer, service provider, or education institution — and follows the typical journey of a disabled person through your space. Areas usually assessed include:​​

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• Approach and Parking

• Entrances and Receptions

• Corridors and Circulation Spaces

• Doors, Lifts, and Stairs

• Toilets

• Signage and Wayfinding

• Communication and Customer Service

• Emergency Evacuation for Disabled People

 

In addition, we offer optional audits for:​​​

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• Communication Materials (leaflets, menus, signage)

• Website Accessibility (visual impairments, cognitive difficulties)

• Policies and Procedures (to ensure non-discrimination)

All audits are presented clearly with photographs, prioritised recommendations, and indicative costs. Sample reports are available upon request.​

 

Do Your Audits Cover All Disabilities?

Yes. Our audits take a pan-disability approach, considering:​

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• Wheelchair users and those with mobility impairment

• People with visual or hearing impairments

• Neurodiverse users (e.g., autism, ADHD)

• Additional considerations for faith, gender, and maternity 

 

About the Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act replaced the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) in 2010, consolidating protections against discrimination across disability, age, race, gender, religion, and more. It requires service providers, employers, and education providers to make “reasonable adjustments” to avoid disadvantaging disabled people.

 

Importantly, there’s no government enforcement body for this Act. It’s enforced through civil claims — meaning complaints and legal challenges come directly from individuals. An Access Audit demonstrates that you’ve taken a responsible and reasonable approach to accessibility, which strengthens your legal position if ever challenged.​

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Why Choose Brown Consult?​

• Experienced – Over 820 audits delivered since 2012 across every sector.

• Practical & Cost-Effective – We recommend only what’s necessary, and achievable.​​​​​​