As part of a long-term business strategy to raise awareness and improve accessibility in the workplace, Lloyds Banking Group have opened their second Changing Places toilet at their site at Canons Way, Bristol Harbourside.

Statistics from the UK Government show that the number of disabled people in employment has risen to 4.9m, an increase of over 70% since 2013. As a result, Lloyds Banking Group are calling on other organisations and businesses to follow in their footsteps and look to invest in infrastructure, including the increase of Changing Places toilets in the workplace, to ensure they have an inclusive working environment for all colleagues who have disabilities

Over 250,000 people in the UK require access to a Changing Places toilet, as standard accessible toilets are unable to meet their care needs. Changing Places provide a hygienic, safe and comfortable facility for disabled people and carers. Larger than a standard disabled facility, they offer space to manoeuvre a wheelchair, with up to two carers present. 

Lloyds Banking Group’s latest facility, designed and installed by Changing Places supplier, Innova Care Concepts, and contractor Wates Group features specialist healthcare equipment such as a height-adjustable changing bench and wash basin, ceiling track with hoist, as well as a privacy screen and shower facilities. 

Having become the first UK banking institution to open a Changing Places last year at their offices in Old Broad Street, London, Lloyds Banking Group’s latest facility will be open to the general public, increasing the number of registered Changing Places toilets in Bristol to 20 in total.

The next stage of Lloyds Banking Group’s investment into accessible facilities will see another Changing Places toilet installed at Keens House, Andover, which is scheduled to be completed at the end of this year.  

Ross Hovey, Accessibility Manager, Lloyds Banking Group said: “We are committed to providing the best facilities for our staff, with accessible toilets a top priority for all those working and visiting our major employment hubs. That’s why we’ve been working with Innova to support our goal of having a Changing Places toilet in all of our future and major employment sites, where it is physically possible.”

For our employees working and visiting our Bristol Harbourside office, this new Changing Places gives them confidence to travel to work, safe in the knowledge that there is a facility onsite to meet their care needs. Not only do we want to meet the needs of our employees, we also want to support the local community, increasing the number of facilities that are publicly accessible to use.”

He added: “To support the UK’s goal of enabling more disabled people to work and have fulfilling careers, we believe it is important that all employers acknowledge and include a Changing Places toilet in their offices where physically possible.”

Derek Oliver, Changing Places Manager, Innova Care Concepts: “We are delighted to support Lloyds Banking Group with their campaign to raise accessibility standards and awareness in the workplace. Working closely with Wates Group, the Changing Places that we are providing are enabling employees and the wider public to have better access to toileting facilities that meet their needs.

As our partnership with Lloyds Banking Group develops, we hope that other organisations follow in their footsteps to enhance the accessible facilities they have to offer for employees and local communities.”

Karen Hoe OBE, Changing Places Manager, Muscular Dystrophy UK said: “We are really encouraged to see Lloyds Banking Group committing to another Changing Places Toilet installation in Bristol. This demonstrates their recognition that employees need to access these vital facilities with dignity, enabling them to work as well as extending to the wider community. We hope many others will follow their lead in becoming inclusive.”

Karl Rogers, Key Account Director, Wates Smartspace said: “We are proud to support Lloyds Banking Group, who are really focused on improving accessibility for employees by introducing Changing Places toilets throughout its portfolio and more recently at Harbourside in Bristol.  Having these facilities in place is essential for those that rely on these adaptations to meet basic needs. We look forward to working with Lloyds and its specialist supply chain partners on future projects.”