Network Rail
Job title:
Built Environment Accessibility Panel Member (Volunteer)
Company
Network Rail
Job description
Network Rail is seeking to appoint 3 x new panel members to the Built Environment Accessibility Panel (BEAP), for an initial tenure of 3 years. This is an exciting opportunity and rewarding role, to make a real difference to the lives of disabled and older passengers and those with Protected Characteristics (the Equality Act 2010) using Britain’s railway.Network Rail owns, operates and develops Britain’s railway infrastructure. That’s 20,000 miles of track, 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts and the thousands of signals, level crossings and stations. We manage 20 of the UK’s largest stations while all the others, over 2,500, are managed by the country’s train operating companies.Watch our video, celebrating 10-years.Brief DescriptionOur VisionAt Network Rail, we’re focused on making sure we deliver the best possible service to our passengers and freight customers. But for our disabled and older passengers, we know it doesn’t always feel that way.Accessibility is about everyone, but the way our stations have been built in the past means that it can be more difficult for disabled and older passengers to use the railway independently or without planning ahead. Around 1 in 5 disabled passengers say they find train travel difficult and just 11% of stations are fully staffed and accessible.We’ve got a vision for an inclusive railway that is easy to use and accessible to all.Our plans reflect the industry’s support of the Social Model of Disability – we know travelling by rail isn’t as easy as it could be for disabled people, so we want to get much better at listening and acting on the challenges our passengers tell us about, and the BEAP is an important part of this.About the role (External)The BEAPThe BEAP is there to provide advice on built environment and Capital Delivery projects across the railway infrastructure. The panel ask challenging and searching questions on plans and suitability of designs with the aim of getting the best possible outcome for the passenger.The panel has a high profile within the Rail industry, government departments and the wider disabled community and influences the outcome of designs heavily.The BEAP is made up of independent people who have lived experience of and/or expertise in accessibility and disability. The members include several accessibility consultants, disability professionals and campaigners of rail travel for disabled passengers. The panel themselves have a diverse range of access needs and a wealth of knowledge.The BEAP meets every 4 weeks (11 virtual sessions annually including 2 in person sessions and a Panel focussed Annual Away Day) with a break in August.Who we are looking for:The role of the BEAP member is to engage, advise and share information with project presenters drawing from their lived experience and/ or Accessibility knowledge and expertise. Panel sessions will be facilitated by the Chair ensuring an effective meeting. Panel members are supported both individually and collectively to create an engaging, sharing and collaborative environment.The panel has a robust business model which includes a , and Network Rail’s ; forming an intrinsic part of NR’s Diversity Impact Assessment (DIA) process to comply with the Equality Act 2010. For further information on the BEAP please go to:As a new volunteer of the panel. You must have an interest in or knowledge of the transport infrastructure, particularly in relation to accessibility of the railway built environment. Knowledge of the built environment planning processes and projects would also be advantageous.Ideally you will have personal experience in relation to one or more of the nine protected characteristics, as defined in the Equality Act 2010, (preferably Disability) and understand the requirements under the Act in relation to the railway-built environment.Panel members are expected to be able to attend at least eight meetings per year in accordance with the Terms of Reference and may also be required to attend special BEAPs on large complex projects at their request.NRAC qualification would be desirable but is not essential.A BEAP member will be accountable to Network Rail.Essential skills and experience:We welcome candidates with lived experience of disability, whether through personal experience or close connections, such as family or friends. This role values insights from those who bring firsthand understanding of the challenges and strengths associated with disability, as well as an appreciation for inclusive practices and accessible solutions. You may have gained this through professional experience.Desirable skills and experience:Registered access consultant (NRAC)Lived experience of intersectionality with disability – either personally or through a family member for example.Time commitments:12 days per year for meetings and additional pre-reading of the presentation packages, with flexibility to attend special BEAP sessions for larger projects or programmes. There may also be requests from projects to attend on site (simulations, station tours, mock-ups etc) as required.What’s in it for me?A BEAP member is a volunteer role. Members will receive a £150 attendance allowance per meeting as well as travel, accommodation (as necessary) and other expenses like refreshments and meals (this does not include alcohol).Members will have the chance to be involved in developing new solutions for inclusive access on the railway.“I have found the BEAP an interesting group. Working with and meeting people with different life experiences and understanding of disability is an education. As an experienced access consultant this has helped me. It is also good to give advice to projects about improving access which will benefit many travellers.” – Ian Streets, BEAP Member“Both personally and professionally I have enjoyed every minute of my time on the NR BEAP. You feel totally valued for your insight and expertise and it is great to be able to contribute both individually and collectively to increasing the accessibility of the UK rail infrastructure. It is also very enjoyable.” – Nick Goss, BEAP Member.How to apply (External)Application processTo apply, please send a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, along with a copy of your CV to: [email protected] or [email protected].Network Rail values and promotes diversity, we’re dedicated to creating an inclusive environment. We’re dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the passengers we serve. To achieve this, we’re committed to becoming an open, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Together, we strive to create a safe and accessible railway for everyone.We’re also a proud Disability Confident Leader employer and we’ll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles.We will conduct interviews W/C 9th December.You can visit Evenbreak’s Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you’re unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please contact [email protected].
Expected salary
Location
United Kingdom
Job date
Tue, 05 Nov 2024 06:58:22 GMT
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