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Blackfriars Hall > Policies and Codes of Practice > Accommodation Policies > Blackfriars Hall Inclusive Design Policy

Blackfriars Hall Inclusive Design Policy

  1. Purpose and Scope

Blackfriars Hall is committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for all students, staff, and visitors. Given the Hall’s modest residential footprint of 22 bed spaces, this policy establishes a proportionate, practical, and sustainable approach to inclusive design.

This policy applies to:

  • All accommodation spaces
  • All communal and circulation areas
  • Any refurbishments, repairs, or planned improvements

It supplements, and does not replace, the University of Oxford Estates Services’ Accessibility and Inclusive Design guidance, including the Accessibility Design Philosophy Document which forms part of the University’s official design requirements.

 

  1. Core Principles

Blackfriars Hall adopts the following core inclusive design principles, derived from University Estates Services’ accessibility and design philosophy:

2.1 Accessibility and Usability

  • Design and refurbishment decisions will prioritise ease of use for the widest possible range of people, including those with mobility, sensory, neurodiverse, or temporary impairments.
  • The Hall will follow, as far as practicable, the University’s accessibility design requirements.

2.2 Proportionate Adjustments

  • Given the small scale of the Hall’s accommodation, inclusive design measures will be proportionate while still meeting legal and University standards.
  • Where spatial or heritage constraints limit physical changes, the Hall will implement reasonable alternative measures (e.g., assistive technology, room allocation flexibility, portable solutions).

 

  1. Policy Commitments

3.1 Built Environment Adjustments

Blackfriars Hall will:

  • Apply the accessibility principles from the University’s Accessibility Design Philosophy where feasible.
  • Integrate inclusive wayfinding, clear signage, and high-contrast visual cues.
  • Ensure that essential communal spaces are as accessible as reasonably possible within existing building constraints.

3.2 Accommodation Allocation

  • Where not all rooms can be fully adapted, Blackfriars Hall will maintain flexible room allocation processes to meet individual accessibility needs.
  • At least one accommodation space will be prioritised for step-free or otherwise enhanced accessibility, where feasible within the historic building footprint.
  • Blackfriars will charge no more than the same rate for rooms that are adapted for and used by disabled students than the lowest price for a comparable room in the same specific residential building.

3.3 Assistive Technology and Alternative Measures

In cases where physical adaptations are not possible due to listed-building or spatial constraints, the Hall will:

  • Provide portable accessibility aids (e.g., temporary ramps, hearing assistance devices).
  • Ensure accessible digital communication tools and virtual support options.
  • Engage with the University’s Disability Advisory Service to identify reasonable adjustments.

3.4 Future Refurbishment and Planning

  • All refurbishment proposals will include an accessibility impact assessment aligned with Estates Services design guidance, particularly the Accessibility Design Philosophy Document.
  • Contractors and consultants will be required to demonstrate compliance with these design requirements.
  1. Equality Impact Assessments (EIA) and Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)

Before implementing any change to accommodation systems, processes, services, or buildings, Blackfriars Hall will:

4.1 Conduct an Equality Impact Assessment

  • Assess whether proposed changes could affect groups with protected characteristics.
  • Identify risks of discrimination, disadvantage, or exclusion.
  • Document mitigations and alternatives if impacts are identified.

4.2 Meet the Public Sector Equality Duty

The Hall will ensure that every decision reflects due regard to:

  • Eliminating unlawful discrimination.
  • Advancing equality of opportunity.
  • Fostering good relations between people with different protected characteristics.

This duty applies to all operational, administrative, and physical changes within the Hall.

 

  1. Stakeholder Engagement

To support inclusive design and EIA processes, the Hall will:

  • Consult students and staff where changes may affect accessibility.
  • Engage with the University’s Disability Advisory Service for specialist input.
  • Seek direction from Estates Services, where appropriate.
  • Encourage feedback on inclusive design and ensure mechanisms for reporting accessibility barriers.

 

  1. Review and Continuous Improvement
  • This policy will be reviewed every three years, or sooner if University Estates Services updates its design guidance.
  • The Hall will monitor developments in good practice and integrate new, feasible measures as they become available.