Sensory Charter Mark
Charter Mark supports your business or organisation to take the steps you need to open or improve your service. Our team of qualified specialists includes staff with sight and hearing impairments and so we can provide you with an expert and personalised service.
The Sensory Charter Mark is an accreditation program aimed at improving access for individuals with sensory impairments in the UK. It offers several benefits, including opening businesses to over 13 million sensory-impaired people, fostering customer and patient loyalty, and supporting compliance with the Equality Act and NHS Accessible Information Standard.
Organisations that achieve the Sensory Charter Mark receive support with PR and marketing, an official certificate, and a window display sticker to signify their commitment.
What are the benefits to you?
- Opening up your businesses to over 13 million sensory impaired people in the UK.
- Improved customer / patient loyalty and positive feedback.
- It will support your business or service to meet the requirements of the Equality Act.
- NHS and Social Care providers will be supported to meet the NHS Accessible Information Standard.
- It may help improve CQC ratings.
- Any sensory impaired staff you may have will also be better supported.
- Made up of four Quality Standards
- Front line public facing staff complete Sensory awareness training (sight, hearing and dual sensory).
- Buildings are audited and assessed as accessible.
- Information about products and services are provided in accessible formats.
- Staff are comfortable and familiar with the Text Relay service and supporting Deaf customers communication needs.
What do you get?
- Support with PR and marketing to publicise your award.
- An official certificate and Sensory Charter Mark window display sticker to display indicating your commitment to improving access for people with sensory impairments.
- Listing on this webpage and publicity through our social media.
- Ongoing support to maintain your accreditation and be re-accredited 2 years later.
Sensory Charter Mark Organisations
Essex Police Museum
The museum tells the story of the history of the police in Essex from the Victorians to modern day. It was set up as a charity (charity No.1042055) in 1992 to provide a home for the historical items belonging to Essex Police. We now have over 25,000 items in the collection consisting of objects, photos and paper documents.
Our aim is to preserve the history of Essex Police and expand public knowledge and awareness of the history of our police force by collecting, preserving, and displaying material relevant to the history of Essex Police.
The museum is open to the public on Saturdays from 10am-4pm and we usually have a children's event running. All our events are listed on our website and we also host private openings for schools and group visits. We have a small gift shop with souvenirs, children's toys and reference books. All proceeds go directly to the museum.
To achieve their Charter Mark the Essex Police Museum team completed the following access audit recommendations:
- Resurfaced the tarmac at the entrance to the ramp and repainted line markings.
- Painted colour contrasting handrail and replaced a section close to the wall,
- Updated signage inside and outside,
- Installed QR codes to access audio description for all display case contents,
- Installed loop system on the reception including appropriate signage,
- Painted colour contrasting base to the black reception desk to help it stand out against the dark carpet,
- Adjusted lighting throughout to increase brightness including in display cases,
- Created accessible versions of written content available,
- Staff attended Sensory Champion training.
Charter Mark award 12th April 2023.
The Maeldune Heritage Centre
The Maeldune Heritage Centre is run by the Maeldune Trust, a registered Charity, in partnership with Maldon Town Council.
The Maeldune Trust are the proud custodians of the Maldon Embroidery on display at the Maeldune Heritage Centre.
Our Exhibition Hall displays work of local artists and groups. The Gift Shop showcases a wide range of products specialising in the work of local craftspeople providing unique, unusual gifts for visitors. The Centre is volunteer led.
To achieve their Charter Mark the Maeldune Heritage Centre completed the following access audit recommendations:
- Levelled the 15th century flag stone floor to remove a trip hazard,
- Installed loop systems on both counters including appropriate signage,
- Installed a wireless buzzer to the outside door to facilitate access,
- Created accessible versions of written content available,
- Staff attended Sensory Champion training.
Charter Mark award 27th March 2023.