Stage 0 is used to gather information rather than the commencement of design work. Stage 0 should strategically identify required project outcomes and client requirements in relation to inclusive design and also the project budget.

Stage 1 is used to develop the detail of the project brief using the information from Stage 0.

The design team is appointed by the client at Stage 2. Stage 2 involves the development of the concept design to ensure that it is aligned with the client’s vision, brief and budget. It is useful for the inclusive design consultant to be involved in Stage 2 to help provide advice before the design becomes too developed.

Key inclusive design decisions are included in the end of Stage 2 Report.

Stage 3 is an important stage for the inclusive design consultant as this will involve a detailed design review of the architectural design proposals against the Building Regulations Approved Document M, other nationally recognised design guidance and how these interface with the can also take place with an access group made up of disabled people with a lived experience to understand how the design proposals could affect them. Comments and recommendations are then fed back to the design team for possible further development.

The end of Stage 3 report should identify and record any project risks to access and inclusion.

A Design and Access Statement (DAS) is usually prepared by the lead designer and submitted to accompany the Planning Application at the end of Stage 3. The Design and Access Statement should incorporate an inclusive design statement.

Stage 4 finalises design details and final specifications for inclusion in the tender information package while embedding inclusive design criteria.

An inclusive design and access strategy may be required at the end of Stage 4 for submission with the Building Regulations application to explain how inclusive design principles have been embedded while referencing the Equality Act 2010 and the Building Regulations Part M.

Stage 5 ensures that inclusive design principles continue to be embedded during the manufacturing and construction phase and that any site issues are resolved.

Relevant access information should be prepared for inclusion in the Building Manual for hand over to the client.

Stage 6 includes the hand over of the Building Manual to the client which include the inclusive design principles and what ongoing maintenance measures should be incorporated.

Stage 7 includes the implementation of the management and maintenance of the building in a way that meet the needs of all building users.

A Post Occupancy Evaluation of inclusive performance can be carried out for review.