PAMIS to Become Sole Chair of Changing Places Consortium

We are proud to announce that from the end of March, PAMIS will transition from a shared chairing role to become the sole chair of the Changing Places Toilet Consortium. As co-founders of the campaign, we are committed to ensuring continuity and furthering the mission to improve inclusion and accessibility for people with complex disabilities. Changing Places Toilets (CPTs) are the key to unlocking community access ensuring that everyone can visit a toilet that supports them to have their personal care needs met safely and with dignity and respect.

PAMIS has shared the chairing responsibilities with Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for over 110,000 people in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions, who have played a vital role in advancing the work of the Consortium in England, not least in the support of the English Government fund that has increased the numbers of changing places toilets in England by almost 500. Although stepping down from the formal cochair role they remain committed to supporting the Consortium, ensuring their valuable expertise and contributions remain part of the consortium’s collective efforts.

The consortium will remain focused on key priorities that will shape the future of accessibility across the UK. PAMIS will lead on the support to the Scottish Government in order to progress their £10 million investment in Changing Places Toilets, set to be released soon. This funding will be instrumental in increasing the number of fully accessible toilet facilities in Scotland particularly in areas where there are gaps in provision, ensuring that more people can participate fully in society. In addition, the Consortium will work with Northern Ireland and Wales as priority areas, recognising the urgent need to address accessibility gaps in these regions. Their goal is to drive meaningful change by working closely with policymakers, local authorities, and partners to ensure that CPTs are available where they are most needed.

Another key milestone in the journey is the development of a Quality Charter for CPT installations. This initiative aims to set high standards and best practices to ensure that every facility meets the needs of users effectively. By leading this charge, we hope to improve the consistency and quality of Changing Places facilities nationwide.

 

Quote from Jenny Miller, CEO of PAMIS

"Changing Places Toilets truly Change Lives. As we approach the 20th anniversary of the campaign instigated and led by people who need the facility and their families it appears that the message has gotten through. It is thanks to many family carers and people who need the facility that these facilities became a funding priority for respective governments and that many organisations and venues are committed to doing the inclusive right thing and building changing places toilets across the country. But we need more and for this to be the norm in the same way baby changing facilities have. We hope that over the coming year we can begin to position the work that has been carried out by many passionate people and third sector organisations into the public sector. Having access to an appropriate toilet is a basic human right. Being restricted to where you can go because of a lack of appropriate facility is in 2025 a travesty. PAMIS will continue to raise awareness, promote quality standards, support communities and all who wish to be inclusive through our own work but especially through our lead role in the Changing Places Toilet Consortium”

 

Andrew Fletcher, Chief Executive of Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “Muscular Dystrophy UK is extremely proud to have been co-chair of the Changing Places Consortium, alongside PAMIS, since 2017. It has been a real highlight in the history of the charity, and we feel that this natural next step is happening at the right time and with the best interests of Changing Places Toilets and people who need them at its heart. We look forward to continuing to play an important role in the Consortium, supporting PAMIS to ensure that Changing Places Toilets are installed in all big public spaces.”

 

The next chapter is exciting and PAMIS, alongside the Consortium members, remains dedicated in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the right to access appropriate toilet facilities. The Consortium will continue to ensure that Changing Places Toilets are a priority for governments, businesses, and communities alike across the UK.