Overview
Oxford is going through changes to our buildings and public space, including many of our projects. It is part of our statutory duty under the Equality Act 2010 to consider the voices and experiences of people most impacted, so that changes can be made in an inclusive way.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy includes a commitment to build “our reputation as an organisation that is inclusive to the core and provides relevant and accessible services that recognise the value of every individual.” It also commits us to undertaking Equalities Impact Assessments, which assess the potential impacts of a project on people with protected characteristics, and looks at how we can mitigate each impact.
The Inclusive Transport & Movement Focus Group
Our Inclusive Transport & Movement Focus Group was established in May 2020, and plays an important role in this process. It was established initially to review the public realm changes being made to accommodate social distancing during the pandemic.
At the group’s regular online meetings, residents and experts review Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council transport and movement projects from an accessibility perspective.
Organisations represented include Unlimited Oxfordshire, MyVision Oxfordshire, Oxford 50+ Network, Wheels for Wellbeing, Coalition for Healthy Streets and Active Travel, and the City Council’s Resident Involvement Group. There are also several people who bring their lived experiences of disability to the sessions. Participation in the group is entirely on a volunteer basis.
The impact of the group
Several projects have been reviewed and improved by the group - from the vision and concept stage, right the way through to final design and audit after delivery.
The group has helped improve access and usability for disabled people on Broad Street and Market Street, including the seating, dropped kerbs and tactile paving. The group is also involved in reviewing longer-term projects such as the Reopening the Cowley Branch Line and the Covered Market redevelopment, and it was instrumental in establishing a free shuttle service from west of the station to the city centre when Network Rail closed Botley Road.
The western end of Broad Street in summer 2021, after it was turned into a trial pedestrian-friendly space, Broad Meadow
Get involved
If you represent an Oxfordshire disability charity or have lived experience of disability and would like to find out more about the Inclusive Transport & Movement Focus Group, please contact economicdevelopment@oxford.gov.uk
