Over the past year we have been developing an improved version of our Live Events Access Charter – our framework, toolkit and assessment process for the live events and music industry to demonstrate commitment to accessibility. As part of the process we have collaborated with our networks to identify what was working and where we could do better. 

Aims of the pilot programme 

With this valuable feedback, we have transformed the Charter, re-writing its content, redesigning its processes, and integrating new technologies to launch it on a dynamic online portal. To test the improved Charter and receive feedback, we are running a pilot programme with a group of festivals and venues.  

The pilot programme focuses on three clear goals: 

• Evaluate system effectiveness: To test out our new platform and ensure that our systems, processes and ideas are clearly communicated and easily understood.  

• Identify gaps and share best practices: Using feedback from the community of festivals and venues to uncover gaps in the information provided and share best practice in event production.  

• Prepare for wider use: Develop strong supporting materials for the official launch, highlighting the programme’s success and providing guidance for those looking to adopt the charter. 

Insights from the pilot programme 

At the heart of the pilot programme is a group of industry professionals who share a common goal in making live events accessible for everyone. Bradley Glasspoole, General Manager and Head of Music Programming at Norwich Arts Centre, shared with us that he has “a passion and a responsibility to improving accessibility in not only our venues but across the city”, highlighting how live music events build a hub of culture and connection within the cities and towns they serve.  

As the pilot programme has unfolded, there has been valuable insight into the usability of the revamped Charter. Scott Morrison, Environment and EDI Lead at The Glasshouse ICM, fed back that understanding the new platform was a rewarding experience through the pilot group’s feedback sessions, allowing them as a venue “to check in on progress and practice and generate helpful actions”. 

“The pilot process has also made clear to me just how grounded the Charter is in the realities and pressures faced by the live events sector, and how astutely it balances this needed realism with an equally important and motivating sense of optimism.” Jay Millard, Access Manager at Aviva Studios – Factory International  

The importance of collaboration 

We have held regular feedback sessions to develop the practicality of the revamped Charter. Scott has found the revamped Charter “interesting and useful to get a feel for how principles translate into the specificities of different venues”. The feedback sessions have addressed the importance of different scale organisations collaborating and sharing best practices in access.

“It has offered deep insight into the huge amount of work behind the scenes but also a chance to hear how others with their access hats on process and work with information” Kat Jakubcova, Ticketing and Accessibility Officer at Brighton Centre 

The future of the Charter 

As the live events industry evolves, setting new standards in accessibility in partnership with members is critical. Bradley commented that “the potential now is endless as there is always improvements to be made, either in the language that we use, policies that we implement or changes to our infrastructure.”  

Our next step is to open the platform beyond our pilot members, inviting the wider Charter member community for a final ‘sense check’ ahead of its full launch in February 2025, kicking off our 25th anniversary celebrations.  

We’d like to give a massive thank you to Norwich Arts Centre, Alexandra Palace, Cecil Sharp House, O2 Arena, Sinfonia Smith Square, Royal & Derngate Theatre, The Glasshouse ICM, Middlesborough Town Hall, Opera North, Sheffield City Hall, Aviva Studios – Factory International, Bridgewater Hall, The Met – Bury, Scottish Event Campus (SEC), Brighton Centre, Bristol Beacon, Exchange Bristol and Depot Live at Cardiff Castle for being a part of the pilot programme.  

“Revising the Charter has been a true passion project—a commitment to championing inclusive practices, fostering collaboration, and proving that accessibility can be straightforward when we work together. I am deeply grateful to our Charter team, expert freelancers, audiences, artists, and pilot members for their generosity and invaluable contributions. By making this knowledge base as accessible and meaningful as possible, we can extend its reach, inspiring real change and creating an even greater impact across the sector.” Alex Covell, Live Events Access Manager