Lloyd’s becomes the first Bank to install a Changing Places toilet

We’re thrilled to announce that Lloyds Banking Group hasbecome the first bank to open a Changing Places toilet at one of their sites.
The facility has opened in London’s Old Broad Street andwill be open 24/7 for members of staff and the public alike, making this afantastic addition to the City of London.
Changing Places Consortium colleagues from MDUK were delighted to be able to visit Lloyds to see the new Changing Places toiletthemselves and catch up with Ross Hovey, Manager at Lloyds and outstanding Changing Places toilets campaigner, and the team at Innova, who installed the new facility.

Discussing the addition of this ChangingPlaces toilet, Ross Hovey said:

“Standard accessible toilets meet the needs for some people – but there are those of us where specialist washrooms with extra space are crucial. I regularly visit our Old Broad Street office in London and having the new Changing Places facility at work is a welcome step towards full inclusivity.  I have spinal muscular atrophy and use anelectric wheelchair, my care team provides the support I need, 24/7. This new facility further enables me and my carers to have access to facilities that help my needs when I am at work. The benefits aren’t just related to my working day. Many of us like to have a quick drink with work pals now and again and, for most, where to go to the loo isn’t a factor when deciding whether to have that post work pint.  Having an adapted washroom gives me the freedom to make last minute decisions to socialise with my work friends, as I’m less anxious about getting back to my adapted home.”

Lloyds tell us that this Changing Places toilet is part of a planned series ofinvestments in Lloyds Banking Group buildings to make these more inclusive forboth our customers and colleagues. The next facility, on Canons Street inBristol’s Harbourside, is due to open later this year. 

FionaCannon, Group Inclusion Director, at Lloyds Banking Group said: “Those of us who don’t have to think about how, when or where we use the toilet are in a position of privilege. A lack of accessible facilities can become asource of anxiety and stress for disabled people – making it difficult to leavehome or stay out for long periods of time. Everyone has the right to access facilities that meet their needs and, where a lack of these services prevents people from living their lives to the fullest, we need to take action.”