Accessible planning, place making and heritage
National Lottery Heritage Funding
Disabled people are under-served in the heritage sector.
NHLF investment principles require inclusion and access to be part of every project.
Guidance from the NHLF on understanding inclusion:
"When thinking about involving disabled people, you should understand and use the social model of disability. This recognises that society places barriers in disabled people’s way that can be overturned through societal action and the allocation of resources. The model, developed by disabled people, highlights that society is unequal and that change is not the responsibility of individual disabled people, but of all of us."
If you run a heritage site or public building, one way of assessing physical barriers is to do an access audit. The National Register of Access Consultants (NRAC) keeps a register of accredited access auditors and consultants.
Testimonial from Martin Hamilton
(CEO of Leeds Civic Trust, January 2026)
"Sam Yates has been an invaluable member of Leeds Civic Trust’s Planning Committee, a volunteer group that considers planning applications in the city. Sam’s expertise and interest in accessibility issues has not only strengthened many of our comments but has undoubtedly rubbed off on other committee members who are now much more inclined to consider the issue when they review applications. Sam is reliable, efficient, insightful and thoughtful – essential qualities that have truly enhanced the work of the Trust."
Accessible holidays
Moving beyond categorization of access needs.
Providing initial access advice on feasibility study for conversion of heritage at risk assets for holiday accommodation in Leeds.
Collaboration with property owner and manager on improved and updated access information for luxury accessible holiday accommodation in Devon.
Accessible events
Embedding good practice.
Conducting walk-and-talk access audits with event organizers to improve access and inclusion at Heritage Open Days events in and around Leeds for September 2025.
Writing an article about DIY access audits for heritage events for the Leeds HODs Booklet, 2025: 'We're going on (a more accessible) bear hunt'.
Accessible homes
Experience based learning and promoting collaboration.
Speaking about the ‘lived experience’ of housing adaptations and accessibility for young people living with neuro-muscular conditions at Muscular Dystrophy UK's Allied Health Care Professionals Hybrid Conference (October 2025).