Q&A about this proposed scheme

• Offers a clear signal that a venue is committed to inclusion, accessibility, and community care
• Builds trust by showing that staff are trained and equipped to meet diverse needs
• Helps residents make informed choices about which venues best meet their needs
• Contributes to a culture of continuous improvement in community service delivery

• Enhances reputation and visibility within the community
• Strengthens applications for funding and partnership opportunities
• Attracts more users and supports sustainable income generation
• Provides free promotion through the scheme’s website and materials
• Serves as an acknowledgement of the work they’ve put in to creating their inclusive and accessible venue

A multi-agency panel (e.g. MCC, MHA, GAVO, People First etc) will oversee the scheme and support a pilot group of venues.

Venues would be rated using a star-based system:

• 0-2 stars Needs support
• 2-3 stars: Good Practice
• 4 stars: Very Good Practice
• 5 stars:   Exemplary

A dedicated website will showcase participating venues, including a “Venue of the Moment” spotlight to celebrate outstanding spaces.

Venues seeking to improve their rating will be offered:

• Access to training and development (e.g. via BeCommunity)
• Capital improvement grants (e.g. UKSPF Hub Funding, Big Lottery)
• Tailored advice and mentoring from the panel

• Stickers and posters will be provided to display ratings and encourage wider participation

Participating venues will be assessed against a set of community-focused criteria, including:

• Step-free and wheelchair-accessible entry points
• Internal layout that supports wheelchair mobility and inclusive use
• Clear and accessible online presence (e.g. opening hours, contact details)
• Staff training in key areas such as First Aid, Disability Awareness, Dementia Awareness, and Mental Health
• Availability of accessible toilet facilities
• British Sign Language (BSL) communication support
• Welsh language services and signage

Participation is/would/could be voluntary, but venues are encouraged to take part as a visible commitment to community wellbeing and service excellence.

This scheme has three core objectives:

• To celebrate and promote best practice in customer service, accessibility, and community engagement within existing community venues.
• To identify areas for growth, helping venues enhance their accessibility and inclusivity through constructive feedback and support.
• To establish a shared framework of standards that can guide the development of future community spaces, ensuring consistency, fairness, and quality across Monmouthshire.