Investing in Success – an update on flexible spaces
24 Jul 2019
You may have read about our Investing in Success funding to make better use of our current toilet and other facilities to provide a more inclusive campus
We are pleased to announce that phase one of this project is nearing completion and you might have already noticed some changes or works in your building. If not, here is a summary of progress and changes that are to be implemented.
After surveying the campus we prioritised the need for adjustments in different buildings. We identified a number of existing single cubicle toilets that were labelled as ‘disabled’ – many of these will now be re-labelled as ‘Universal and Accessible’ – this signifies that they are available for anyone to use.
Our existing RADAR key accessible toilets will remain unchanged and be only for those people who are registered on the RADAR Key scheme or for visitors who need access to these toilets.
These changes will be communicated in the facilities affected – posters will be placed there to advise of the upcoming change and once the change has taken place, people will be directed to the closest single gender facilities if they do not wish to use a universal toilet.
Additionally you will notice some changes in the signage for these facilities – we have replaced the traditional ‘stick man and woman’ to a toilet symbol – this demonstrates inclusivity for our non-binary staff, students and visitors.
We also recognised that the University lacked suitable quiet spaces and facilities for mothers to express milk on campus. A number of spaces that will be called ‘welfare rooms’ can be used for first aid, expressing milk or as quiet spaces for those who need reflection space due to a health need.
These spaces will not be bookable, but there will be guidance and etiquette on their usage.
We will be producing three new interactive maps which will show:
- Universal Toilets
- RADAR key toilets
- Welfare Rooms
As this was funded under the Investing in Success scheme, we are awaiting the re-launch of the scheme to roll out our recommendations for phase two.
Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact: