The People Connective Secures National Contract to Enhance Arts Access for Disabled Audiences

The People Connective, a specialist member support provider, has been awarded a prominent national contract to deliver services for a pioneering arts access initiative aimed at disabled individuals.

This appointment marks the official launch of The People Connective, a business dedicated to inclusive member support, which has been selected by Arts Council England to operate the accessible helpdesk for its flagship All In programme.

Operating from Sandycroft, Deeside, The People Connective is part of The Card Network, a company celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and entering a significant expansion phase under new ownership.

Suzi Peake, Marketing Director, commented: “This is a hugely proud moment for our whole team. Accessibility has always been central to what we do, and being entrusted with a national programme like All In demonstrates the potential when inclusive design is combined with genuine human support.”

Sue Woodcock, Commercial Director of The Card Network, added: “We are delighted to collaborate with All In and Arts Council England to develop an accessible helpdesk solution from the outset. Our extensive experience supporting D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent individuals, including through the Hynt access scheme in Wales, provides a strong foundation for this work.”

The Card Network’s team comprises 20 members, supported by a leadership group of four overseeing finance, commercial, technical, and marketing functions.

While the company is widely recognised for producing custom printed cards across diverse applications and technologies, it also manages substantial fulfilment and membership services. This includes administering large national ID schemes and delivering comprehensive experiences from member applications to customer support.

Thousands of applications are processed weekly through long-established national partnerships. This expertise in accessibility is now consolidated under The People Connective brand, established last year to focus specifically on inclusive, people-centred member support.

Arts Council England has stated that the new helpdesk will provide friendly, person-centred assistance via multiple channels including phone, email, live chat, virtual appointments, and post, enabling members to select their preferred method of contact.

Kelly Parish, Senior Manager for Diversity at Arts Council England, said: “We understand that for many disabled people, the greatest barriers can arise at the initial point of contact. That is why we want to offer disabled members choice in how they communicate with us. By appointing The People Connective, they will encounter understanding, flexibility, and a real person at the other end of the support line. This partnership underscores our commitment to placing disabled people at the heart of All In.”

All In is an innovative access scheme designed to transform accessibility across the UK and Ireland. The project is currently undergoing a phased rollout among creative and cultural organisations and plans to welcome disabled members in 2026.

Alongside its membership services, The Card Network continues to support universities, hospitality brands, and national organisations, with growth in areas such as EV charging cards and fulfilment services.

The partnership with Arts Council England is anticipated to stimulate further recruitment in Flintshire, creating new employment opportunities and contributing to the local economy during this landmark anniversary year.