A NEW award recognising excellence in inclusive washroom provision has been introduced to the Loo of the Year Awards by the event’s headline sponsor Tork, an Essity brand and global leader in professional hygiene.

The Tork Inclusive Hygiene Award will recognise organisations that create public washrooms which are welcoming, comfortable and easy to use for people with a wide range of needs. It reflects the growing importance of designing facilities that go beyond accessibility legislation to deliver a better experience for all users.

Loo of the Year Awards managing director Becky Wall, who lives locally, said: "We are delighted to be introducing the Tork Inclusive Hygiene Award as part of the current Loo of the Year Awards programme.

“Inclusive washroom provision is becoming increasingly important as organisations seek to create facilities that are welcoming, comfortable and accessible for everyone, regardless of their individual needs or circumstances.

"At the Loo of the Year Awards, our aim has always been to recognise excellence and encourage continual improvement in washroom standards. This new award aligns perfectly with that objective by highlighting the importance of thoughtful design, user comfort and removing barriers that can prevent people and staff from confidently using public facilities.”

Research by Tork shows that 54 per cent of people experience some form of difficulty when using a public washroom depending on their individual circumstances. Conditions such as anxiety, sensory sensitivities and paruresis, commonly known as shy bladder syndrome, are often invisible, yet the design and environment of washrooms can have a significant impact on how comfortable people feel using them.

The new category was open to all entrants to this year’s Loo of the Year Awards, who could opt to be considered for the Tork Inclusive Hygiene Award as part of their application.

The Loo of the Year Awards has previously recognised the away-from-home washroom facilities at the Mail Rooms, a Wetherspoons pub in Ross-on-Wye.