ACT has been awarded bronze in PHS Group’s Bog Standard certification which grades companies on their inclusion of incontinence waste facilities in men’s bathrooms.
The award, which is in partnership with Prostate Cancer UK, is designed to educate and ensure businesses and the public sector are providing men with the facilities they need to dispose of incontinence waste with dignity.
To achieve bronze, organisations must provide male incontinence bins in their washrooms where staff can get rid of their waste discreetly and hygienically.
Around one in eight men will get develop prostate cancer in their lifetime, which equates to over 52,000 men every year in UK receiving this life-changing diagnosis.
Of those men, 65 per cent will become incontinent. Despite this 78 per cent of men felt anxious about accessing disposal facilities when leaving home, with more than half (64 per cent) saying they have missed major life events due to their incontinence.
Emma Page, Facilities Manager at ACT, said:
“Everyone should have the right to feel comfortable and free from embarrassment in their place of work and education. Ensuring everyone has access to these facilities is such a simple thing and yet makes all the difference to the individuals who use them.”
Becky Morris, Head of Continuous Improvement at ACT, added: “This is yet another significant step in promoting inclusivity and dignity for all individuals, and highlights ACT’s commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the facilities they need. Incontinence is a reality for many men, especially those impacted by prostate cancer, and the lack of proper disposal facilities can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety.
“Inclusion and dignity are core to our values, and we recognise that small, thoughtful changes in our environment can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected. Providing facilities like these continues to reflect our belief that all employees and learners/pupils deserve spaces where they feel respected and supported.”
