Accessibility & Inclusivity Policy.

Accessibility and Inclusivity Policy

Creation Saltburn Ltd

Policy owner: Creation Saltburn Ltd

Effective date: October 2026

Review date: October 2027

1. Our Commitment

At Creation Saltburn, we believe creativity, culture and independent shopping should be welcoming and inclusive for everyone.

Based in Victoria Hall, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, our independent emporium brings together makers, artists, craftspeople and small businesses, creating a vibrant destination for residents and visitors to enjoy.

We are committed to treating everyone with dignity, fairness and respect, regardless of disability, age, sex, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We aim to create an environment where customers, visitors, staff, volunteers, independent sellers and resident artists feel welcome, valued and able to participate.

2. Accessibility for Visitors and Customers

We recognise that visitors have different access requirements and that accessibility includes physical, sensory, communication and cognitive needs.

We aim to:

• Treat all visitors with courtesy, patience and understanding.

• Provide assistance where reasonably possible and appropriate.

• Consider reasonable adjustments for disabled customers and visitors.

• Maintain a welcoming environment for people with visible and non-visible disabilities.

• Listen to feedback and identify opportunities to improve accessibility.

• Provide clear information to help visitors plan their visit.

Visitors with specific access requirements are encouraged to contact us before visiting so we can discuss their needs and explain the facilities and assistance currently available.

We recognise that accessibility is an ongoing process and are committed to considering practical improvements within the limitations of our premises and resources.

3. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Creation Saltburn celebrates individuality, creativity and the diversity of our community.

We are committed to:

• Providing a respectful, inclusive environment free from unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

• Welcoming people from all backgrounds and communities.

• Treating customers, colleagues, volunteers, sellers and artists fairly.

• Encouraging inclusive participation in our retail, creative and community activities.

• Responding appropriately to concerns about discriminatory or inappropriate behaviour.

We do not tolerate bullying, harassment or discriminatory behaviour towards anyone visiting, working at or trading through Creation Saltburn.

4. Supporting Independent Makers and Artists

A central part of our mission is to provide opportunities for independent makers, small businesses and creative individuals to showcase their work.

We aim to create an environment where people can develop their businesses, share their skills and connect with new audiences.

Where possible, we seek to make our opportunities accessible to people with different backgrounds, experiences and needs. We value the contribution that diverse creative voices make to our local cultural identity and visitor economy.

5. Staff and Volunteer Responsibilities

Our team of seven employees and two volunteers plays an important role in delivering a welcoming experience.

We expect our team to:

• Treat everyone with kindness, dignity and respect.

• Communicate clearly and respectfully.

• Offer assistance without making assumptions about an individual’s needs.

• Respect personal independence and privacy.

• Raise accessibility or inclusion concerns with management.

• Help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

We aim to build awareness of accessibility, equality and inclusion through appropriate guidance and communication with our team.

6. Accessibility at Events and Activities

We aim to make our creative activities, workshops, pop-ups and other events as inclusive as reasonably possible.

When planning activities, we will consider relevant access requirements, communicate any known limitations and explore reasonable adjustments where appropriate.

Visitors are welcome to contact us in advance to discuss specific requirements.

7. Our Website and Communications

We recognise the importance of making information about Creation Saltburn accessible to as many people as possible.

We aim to:

• Use clear, straightforward language.

• Present information in a logical and understandable format.

• Consider readability and accessibility when publishing website content.

• Provide alternative assistance where reasonably possible if someone cannot access information online.

• Welcome feedback about barriers experienced when using our website.

We will seek to improve our digital accessibility over time. We will not claim that our website meets a particular accessibility standard unless this has been appropriately assessed.

8. Feedback and Continuous Improvement

We recognise that visitors, staff, sellers and artists are best placed to help us understand barriers they may experience.

We welcome feedback, suggestions and requests for reasonable adjustments.

If you experience an accessibility issue, have an inclusion concern or would like to discuss your requirements before visiting, please contact us.

Email: retail@creationsaltburn.co.uk

Website: www.creationsaltburn.co.uk

We will consider feedback respectfully and seek practical solutions wherever reasonably possible.

9. Legal and Regulatory Framework

We aim to operate in accordance with applicable equality and disability discrimination legislation, including the Equality Act 2010, and to consider our responsibilities regarding reasonable adjustments.

This policy sets out our commitments and should be read alongside our other business policies and procedures.

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually and whenever significant changes to our premises, services or operations make a review appropriate.

We are committed to learning, listening and making reasonable improvements so that Creation Saltburn continues to be a welcoming, inclusive and valued part of the Saltburn-by-the-Sea community.

Approved by: Management, Creation Saltburn Ltd

Next review date: October 2027