The site specific advice package consists of five days consultancy advice delivered by an experienced withinreach consultant; at least three days of which will be provided on site at the Local Transport Authority’s office.

All participants are taken through the five stages in accessibility planning (strategic accessibility assessment; local accessibility assessments; option appraisal and identification of resources; preparing an action plan; and setting indicators and targets for performance monitoring).

The aim is to add value to the work of each LTA and in this context expect in each place to conduct a review of progress, and of the processes in place to develop the accessibility strategy and associated action plans, highlighting barriers and suggesting appropriate ways to deal with them. Because LTAs will have differing needs for assistance, the first task is to ascertain the stage that the LTA has reached in the development of its accessibility strategy. This is the focus of the first discussions with LTA representatives.

Part of the work involves ensuring that appropriate data are being applied and how Accession (or other) software is being used, identifying where improvements could be made.

The following provides an indication of the full range of activity that we believe will be drawn upon in delivering the SSA. This represents an overview of different components, one or other or some combination of which will make up each package. It is necessary at the beginning of each commission for the consultant and client representative(s) to define a focus for the consultancy support that will help and add value to the LTA accessibility strategy work.

In conducting this review our aim will also be to act as a critical friend to each authority.

Typical programme of an SSA

• Preparation. Before each SSA we engage with the LTA, ensuring that they are aware of how they can best contribute by providing documentation and organising facilities for the visit. All relevant documentation will be reviewed prior to the site visit to conduct a first review. The preliminary review will cover the accessibility strategy work so far, the 20–30 year vision and strategy, the Provisional LTP, the framework accessibility strategy and any other relevant material. Information from the withinreach surveys of LTAs contributes to our understanding of issues facing each LTA.
  
  
• Review of LTA progress to date, identifying and helping to map out a programme for the successful completion of the accessibility strategy (to form part of the Full LTP) as well as other elements of the accessibility planning process. Checks are made on the conduct of the Strategic Accessibility Assessments, resource audits, option appraisal etc.
  
  
• Review of LTA processes in place to produce the different parts of their accessibility strategy, including the structures for involving communities and service deliverers. Advice on setting up the Partnership (if necessary) and on maintaining involvement will also be given.
  
  
• Presentation to LTP/AS team, highlighting the accessibility strategy requirements, DfT expectations, examples of best practice, suggested contents of the accessibility strategy and local action plans, programme for SSA etc. It also can include present information on the needs and approaches being undertaken in other sectors.
  
  
• Meeting with LTP co-ordinator, and others if necessary, to ascertain where SSA can best be focused. This will enable us to develop a tailored approach to address the specific needs of each LTA. It also provides an opportunity to discuss the findings of our experience of the accessibility planning process so far. The meeting will enable us to consider the scale and nature of the issues facing the LTA as well as to provide knowledge, for example regarding data requirements and software issues. Identifying local stakeholders and a means of engaging them in the accessibility planning process will also feature in these discussions.
  
  
• One to one coaching with key LTA/AP officers to identify problems, barriers, provide assistance and advice etc. This coaching will feature advising on all five elements of accessibility planning, especially the setting of indicators and targets. The process will involve mentoring and bringing our knowledge and experience into the LTA. Some of this experience may be technical, for example regarding GIS mapping, while other help may be process oriented, for example addressing the programme for consultation with stakeholders.
  
  
• Stakeholder engagement. Some LTAs will already have stakeholder engagement in place. In these areas, the SSA may include meetings with the stakeholders. In other areas, for instance, we might discuss with the LTA how best to ensure that stakeholders buy-in to the accessibility planning process and assist in devising a plan to ensure their longer-term commitment. Elsewhere our contribution may involve participation and the provision of advice to the local partnership taking forward the accessibility planning process.
  
  
• Accessibility planning delivery programme. A key outcome from each SSA will be confirmation of the accessibility planning programme, covering the timescales for preparation of all the elements of the accessibility strategy, linking it with the other programmes, including the development of local action plans and stakeholder consultation. This may involve making recommendations for additional activities that the LTA needs to undertake. Outline contents and issues of the accessibility strategy will also be described.
  
  
• Final presentation. The final activity may include a presentation developed by the consultant and LTA representative and to be made by the LTA’s accessibility planning leader (and any others with an interest) describing their programme for delivering the full accessibility strategy by March 2006. Ideally this presentation will be made to an audience of senior officers. It will describe the risks and difficulties the LTA may face in achieving the DfT deadlines. Steer Davies Gleave will facilitate these events which will underline the importance of accessibility planning in the LTA’s priorities and will help identify the types of changes that will be required if the accessibility strategy is to be delivered successfully.
  

Site Specific Advice is available now—just fill in the application form and return to the withinreach office.

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