An accessible and inclusive Gathering 2023

We want the Gathering 2023 to be accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. We are applying a range of accessibility measures as standard.

And we warmly invite you to tell us about your needs so we can address those too wherever possible.

You can tell us about your accessibility needs when you book to attend the Gathering or by emailing our Gathering team. Bookings are now open via our Gathering programme.

What’s new?

As well as the in-person Gathering on 7th and 8th November 2023, we are hosting the Gathering Extra on 29th November 2023.

The Gathering Extra is in addition to, rather than an alternative to, the in-person Gathering. It is an online event that will feature recorded sessions from the Gathering and special live guests, with an SCVO host in a format that is designed specifically for an online audience.

Our aim is to maximise accessibility, inclusion and delegate experience for both the in-person and online Gathering experience.

What to expect

To prepare for the in-person Gathering on 7th and 8th November, SCVO’s event team and internal staff accessibility group used the ‘Access Chain’ resource. We also took guidance and advice from the venue and specialist organisations. The accessibility measures we are taking as standard include:

In advance of the Gathering we will:

• Proactively ask delegates to tell us their needs
• Provide information about access and accessible facilities in a range of formats
• Offer information in accessible formats
• Present a welcoming and inclusive image for all visitors
• Provide transport and accommodation information and details of car parking/drop-off
• Welcome people bringing their own lunch, snacks and refreshments to save on cost

At the Gathering we will:

• Have an accessible registration desk with welcome and informed staff
• Provide online and hard copy event and venue information
• Ensure clear signage and easily identifiable staff to provide support
• Provide induction loops at registration and all event rooms
• Limit public address (PA) announcements and ambient music
• Highlight relaxed spaces where group conversations, telephone calls and noisy activities don’t take place
• Provide Gathering exhibitors and event hosts with tips on how to be more accessible and inclusive, stressing our commitment to making the exhibition accessible
• Provide British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters as standard at the most important and/or popular events, which will also be recorded for the online Gathering

We also want to know about your personal accessibility needs so please tell us about those when you book to attend the Gathering.