The Importance of Changing Places Registration
Creating a Changing Places toilet is a significant step towards improving accessibility, but completing the installation is only part of the journey. For a facility to make the greatest possible difference, people need to know it exists, which is where Changing Places registration becomes so important.
By registering your facility, you make it easier for disabled people, their families, carers and support workers to locate suitable facilities before they travel. It also demonstrates your organisation’s commitment to accessibility while helping you maximise the value of your investment.
Why is Changing Places registration important?
Many people who rely on a Changing Places toilet plan their journeys around the locations of registered facilities. Without accurate information about where these facilities are located, individuals may choose not to visit a destination at all or may limit how long they stay.
Registering your facility helps remove one of the biggest barriers to accessible travel by making your Changing Places toilet visible to the people who need it most.
For visitor attractions, leisure centres, shopping centres, education settings and public buildings, this can also encourage more people to visit with confidence.
How to register your Changing Places toilet facility
Registering your Changing Places toilet is a straightforward process and can make a significant difference to the people who rely on these facilities when planning their journeys.
To register your facility:
- Visit the official Changing Places website and register for a free account, then complete the online registration form
- Provide details about your facility, including its location, opening hours and the equipment available
- Include any access information visitors may need, such as whether a RADAR key is required or if the facility is staffed
- Submit the information for review. Once approved, your facility will appear on the official Changing Places map, making it easier for people to find when planning a trip.
It’s also good practice to review your listing periodically and update it if your opening hours, contact details or access arrangements change. Keeping your information accurate helps ensure visitors can rely on the details when planning their visit.
Making your facility easier to find
Once your facility has been registered, it becomes visible on the official Changing Places map, allowing disabled people, their families and carers to search for suitable facilities before they travel.
Whether someone is planning a day out, travelling for work or visiting family, they can search the official Changing Places map before leaving home, giving them confidence that a suitable facility will be available when they need it.
If your facility isn’t registered, potential visitors may simply be unaware that it exists. As a result, they may choose an alternative destination or decide not to travel at all.
Given the investment involved in creating a Changing Places toilet, registering it is one of the simplest ways to maximise its value and increase awareness.
Supporting accessibility beyond compliance
Many organisations install a Changing Places toilet to meet building regulations or improve the accessibility of their premises. However, registering the facility goes a step further.
It demonstrates a proactive commitment to making the building genuinely accessible, helping people plan visits with greater confidence and supporting wider participation within the community.
Providing the facility is only one part of creating an accessible environment. Making sure people can find it, plan for it and use it with confidence is equally important.
Helping your investment deliver greater value
A Changing Places toilet represents a significant investment in both equipment and infrastructure. Making sure that facility is visible to those who rely on it helps ensure that investment achieves its intended purpose.
For organisations welcoming members of the public, increased awareness of accessible facilities can contribute to a more inclusive visitor experience and strengthen their reputation as an organisation that values accessibility.
It’s a simple step that can have a lasting impact.
Keep your information up to date
Registering your facility is only the beginning. If opening hours change, refurbishment work takes place or access arrangements are updated, it’s important that the information available to users remains accurate. Keeping your facility details current helps visitors plan with confidence and reduces the risk of unnecessary journeys or disappointment on arrival.
Accessibility is an ongoing commitment
Installing a Changing Places toilet demonstrates a commitment to creating more inclusive environments, but ongoing management is just as important. Alongside registering your facility, organisations should ensure equipment is regularly serviced, statutory inspections are completed where required and staff understand how the facility should be managed.
Together, these steps help create a safe, reliable and welcoming environment for everyone who depends on the facility.
Supporting your Changing Places journey
Whether you’re planning a new facility, completing a current project or managing an existing installation, Multicare provides support throughout the entire lifecycle of a Changing Places toilet.
From surveys, design advice and equipment specification through to installation, training and ongoing maintenance, our team works alongside architects, contractors and estates teams to help deliver compliant, practical and cost-effective facilities.
If you’re looking for additional guidance, don’t forget to explore our free Changing Places resources, including:
- Taking Action Today: Your Changing Places Action Handbook – a practical guide to planning and delivering a Changing Places project
- Opening Up a World of Poss-ability Guide – exploring the wider benefits of accessible facilities
- Equipment Specification Guide – helping you understand the key components of a compliant installation.
Get in touch today to arrange your free survey and expert advice on creating a fully compliant, accessible space.
Call: 0800 298 6000
Email: [email protected]
Click to submit an enquiry
Multicare Medical: ‘Helping you to deliver better healthcare’ since 1988
