Gloucestershire Counselling Service (GCS) is committed to ensuring that our services and information are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilitiesin accordance withtheEqualityAct2010.ThisAccessibilityPolicyoutlinesourcommitmenttoaccessibility and the steps we take to make our services, website, and communication materials accessible to everyone.
SCOPE
This policy applies to all aspects of GCS’s operations, including:
Inclusivity:Wewillensurethatourservicesareaccessibletoindividualswith disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, cognitive, or mobility impairments.
Compliance:Wewillcomplywithapplicableaccessibilitylawsandstandards, includingtheUKEqualityAct2010andWebContentAccessibilityGuidelines (WCAG) 2.1, at a minimum.
ContinuousImprovement:Wewillcontinuouslyworktoimproveaccessibility and remove barriers that may prevent individuals with disabilities from accessing our services.
AlthoughGCSiscommittedtotheaccessibilityprinciplesthe counsellingservices may be denied or deferred in the following circumstances:
a. Immediate Danger: Ifanindividualpresentsanimmediaterisktothemselves or others, we will prioritise their safety and may refer them to more appropriate services.
b. Severe Clinical Presentation: In cases where an individual’s clinical presentationissoseverethatourservicesmaynotbeeffectiveorsafefor them, we may provide signposting or contact an individual’s GP (where permission is given) to enable an appropriate referral.
c. SpecialisedServicesRequired:Ifanindividualrequiresspecialisedservices or expertise beyond the competence of our counsellors.
Ifaccesstocounsellingservicesisdeniedordeferred,GCSwillcommunicatethis decision in a compassionate and respectful manner, providing information on alternative resources or referrals whenever possible.
GCSpolicyisinformedbyBACPEthicalFrameworkfortheCounsellingProfessions and The British Psychoanalytic Council Code of Ethics.
ACCESSIBLE WEBSITE
GCSiscommittedtoachievingandmaintainingcompliancewithWCAGstandards for our website.
Alternative Formats: Wherepossible,wewillprovide contentinalternative formats upon request to accommodate various disabilities.
Testing and Monitoring: Wewillconductregularaccessibilitytestingand audits to identify and rectify accessibility issues on our website.
COUNSELLING SERVICES
Accessibility Assessment: Wewillassesstheaccessibilityofour counselling facilities and strive to make necessary accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
Communication: We will communicate with clients and potential clients to understand their accessibility needs and provide reasonable accommodations when necessary.
TRAINING SERVICES
Wewillassesstheaccessibilityofourtrainingfacilities,trainingmaterialsand assess reasonable adjustments that can be made to ensure accessibility.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION MATERIALS
AccessibleFormats:GCSwillprovideinformationandcommunicationmaterialsin accessible formats upon request, such as Braille, large print, or digital formats.
ORGANISATIONAL TRAINING
Office Staff Training: GCS will provide training to office staff to support clinical staff and volunteers on accessibility awareness and how to assist individuals with disabilities.
Ongoing Education: We will stay informed about best practices in accessibility and incorporate them into our operations.