Company Description
At Turner & Townsend we’re passionate about making the difference. That means delivering better outcomes for our clients, helping our people to realize their potential, and doing our part to create a prosperous society.
Every day we help our major global clients deliver ambitious and highly technical projects, in over 130 countries worldwide.
Our team is dynamic, innovative, and client-focused, supported by an inclusive and fun company culture. Our clients value our proactive approach, depth of expertise, integrity and the quality we deliver. As a result, our people get to enjoy working on some of the most exciting projects in the world
Job Description
The Accessibility Coordinator will be a key champion for inclusive design and accessibility across the Project, ensuring that all aspects of the railway infrastructure, rolling stock, systems, and services are accessible and usable by all individuals, regardless of their ability. This role will drive the implementation of best practices, exceed minimum legislative requirements (e.g., Disability Discrimination Act), and embed a people-centric design approach from concept through to delivery and operation.
Principal Accountabilities
- Develop, implement, and review inclusive design policies, strategies, and standards, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and national/international best practices.
- Advise project teams, designers, engineers, and stakeholders on disability equality legislation and inclusive design principles, promoting a deep understanding of the social model of disability.
- Influence and shape design decisions to remove barriers and enhance the user experience for disabled people and those with diverse needs.
- Conduct comprehensive accessibility and inclusive design reviews of plans, specifications, and proposals across all project stages (from feasibility to detailed design and construction).
- Ensure designs account for a wide range of impairments (mobility, sensory, cognitive, neurodiversity, mental health) and provide choice where a single solution is not feasible.
- Collaborate with design teams to identify opportunities for innovative solutions that enhance accessibility and usability.
- Act as a primary point of contact for disability advocacy groups, expert panels (e.g., Built Environment Access Panel), and community organizations, facilitating meaningful consultation and incorporating user feedback into design processes.
- Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government bodies, regulators (e.g., CRR), contractors, and operational teams, to embed inclusive design across the project lifecycle.
- Undertake Disability Impact Assessments (DIAs) at early stages of projects and monitor their implementation.
- Identify and mitigate accessibility-related risks, ensuring legal compliance and contributing to a proactive approach to prevent discrimination.
- Stay abreast of evolving accessibility standards, legislation, and industry best practices.
- Develop and deliver training and awareness programs to upskill project teams, suppliers, and contractors on inclusive design principles and accessibility requirements.
- Promote a culture that values diversity and inclusion, ensuring that accessibility is seen as integral to quality and project success, not an add-on.
- Champion inclusion by promoting the creation and provision of truly accessible environments and services for everyone.
- Promote innovation by seeking creative and practical solutions to complex design challenges, often exceeding minimum standards.
- Promote accountability by taking ownership of inclusive design outcomes and driving their successful implementation.
- Perform additional tasks, activities or other duties as may be required or assigned as part of the role.
Experience, Skills and Qualifications
- 10+ years’ in leading accessibility and inclusive design initiatives, ideally within large-scale infrastructure projects, transport, or the built environment sector.
- In-depth knowledge and practical application of disability equality legislation (e.g., Disability Discrimination Act 2005) and relevant accessibility standards (e.g., Irish Standards for accessible environments).
- Strong understanding of the social model of disability and its application in design.
- Demonstrable experience in conducting design reviews, audits, and impact assessments related to accessibility.
- Experience working with assistive technologies and understanding user research principles.
- Familiarity with rail-specific operational environments and safety requirements.
- Experience in developing and delivering training programs.
Qualifications
- Exceptional communication, influencing, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical and social issues to diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to manage stakeholder relationships, build consensus, and drive change within complex organizational structures.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines and priorities.
- Collaborative mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders, fostering an environment of shared understanding and mutual respect.
- Demonstrated resilience by adapting to challenges and maintaining a positive approach in a demanding project environment.
Formal Education Qualifications
- A relevant third-level qualification in architecture, urban planning, engineering, industrial design, or disability studies.
- Evidence of continuous professional development in the fields of inclusive design, accessibility, or disability.
Additional Information
Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change.
We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.
Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.
Please find out more about us at www.turnerandtownsend.com/
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Any unsolicited resumes/CVs submitted through our website or to Turner & Townsend personal e-mail accounts, are considered property of Turner & Townsend and are not subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorised Recruitment Agency/Search Firm for Turner & Townsend, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by the Recruitment Team, to submit candidates for review.
