AXSchat with Paul Smyth, Head of IT Accessibility for Barclays
Channel: AXSChat
Date: 2017-07-10

Paul Smyth is the Head of IT Accessibility for Barclays, responsible for identifying, anticipating and addressing technological barriers faced by disabled and older customers and colleagues in doing business with or being employed by the bank. He has worked for Barclays for the past 13 years after joining as a Finance graduate, is visually impaired and has led the digital accessibility agenda for the past 4years. His remit includes equipping change & digital teams with the relevant training & tools to deliver accessibility,  boosting awareness across the business and setting, promoting and policing accessibility standards. This has involved mainstreaming and mandating accessibility into the DNA of the organization as well as exploring and leveraging innovation to meet the additional needs of all users. Paul is actively involved with the Business Disability Forum’s Technology Taskforce, with the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) and on a personal level with RNIB’s strategy panel.

Over this time, Barclays has launched pioneering initiatives such as talking cash machines and virtual sign language interpreter services for its customers, stating its serious and committed through its publicly stated ambition to become the most accessible & inclusive FTSE company. For colleagues, a more effective workplace adjustments programme has helped support colleagues with disabilities along with awareness campaigns on particular themes such as Mental Health helping drive openness and self-identification. 

 Barclays is a transatlantic consumer, corporate and investment bank offering products and services across personal, corporate and investment banking, credit cards and wealth management, with a strong presence in our two home markets of the UK and the US. With over 325 years of history and expertise in banking, Barclays operates in over 40 countries and employs approximately 130,000 people. Barclays moves, lends, invests and protects money for customers and clients worldwide.