ORFC 2027 7 – 8 Jan
ORFC 2027 7 – 8 Jan
The Oxford Real Farming Conference exists to bring people together to share ideas, challenge thinking and build a more just, sustainable and equitable food and farming system. Creating a conference that is accessible and welcoming to as many people as possible is fundamental to that mission.
We recognise that everyone experiences events differently, and that meaningful participation requires us to continually identify and remove barriers. Accessibility is therefore an ongoing part of how we plan and deliver ORFC, from our venues and programme to our communications, staffing and delegate support.
Many of the improvements introduced for ORFC 2026 will continue into 2027, alongside new measures informed by feedback from delegates, speakers, volunteers, staff and venue partners.
Accessibility at the Conference:
Registration and Queueing
We have a separate fast track queue at registration for anyone who has difficulty queueing or standing for extended periods. Please speak to a volunteer at the Catholic Chaplaincy when you arrive and they will direct you.
Accessible Seating
We reserve accessible seating in each session space for delegates who need it. Please speak to the volunteer at the door if you would like to use an accessible seat.
If these seats are not required when the session is about to begin, they may be released for general use.
Carer Tickets
Delegates with access needs are entitled to a free ticket for one personal assistant or carer accompanying them to the conference. All other delegates, including the person being supported, require a purchased ticket.
Please contact caitlin@orfc.org.uk to request a carer ticket by Tuesday 1st December 2026.
Accessible Venues
For 2027, we are continuing to consider accessibility and capacity when selecting our venues. We are using larger capacity spaces, including Wesley Memorial Church and the Oxford Catholic Chaplaincy, as well as the Main Hall in the Oxford Town Hall as our main speakers space to help reduce overcrowding and make moving around the conference easier.
Signage and Lanyards
We have redesigned our conference signage and delegate lanyards to make information easier to read and navigate. Look out for clear, larger format signage across our venues to help you find your way around the conference.
Quiet Spaces
We know that busy conference environments can be overwhelming, and that having somewhere quieter to take a break can make a significant difference.
The dedicated quiet space is located in the Ploughman Room, which can be found on the first floor of the Oxford Town Hall. This will be a quiet space available during the conference. This space is intended for peaceful relaxation and recharging, so please respect it as a quiet, laptop free area.
We hope to bring on more quiet spaces before the 2027 conference so we will clearly communicate the location of the quiet spaces in our pre conference newsletters and update on this page.
Masks, Hand Sanitiser and Infection Risk
We recognise that crowded events can create additional barriers for immunocompromised delegates and others who are particularly vulnerable to infection.
For 2027, masks will be available at registration and the information desks, alongside hand sanitiser. We will also have COVID tests available for delegates who need one.
We encourage everyone to be considerate of others and to use these provisions where appropriate.
Wellbeing Support
We will have dedicated wellbeing support available during the conference. If you need wellbeing support, please approach any member of staff or volunteer and they will be able to connect you with the appropriate person.
First Aid
A dedicated first aid officer will be available throughout the conference. If you need first aid assistance, please speak to a member of staff or volunteer and they will help you access support.
Hearing Loops
Hearing loops are available in a number of our session spaces including the Main Hall, Assembly Room and Old Library (Town Hall), Cheng Building and Ship Street (Jesus College), The Sanctuary (St Columba’s) and in the Sanctuary (Wesley Memorial Church).
JAM Card
We welcome JAM (Just A Minute) card holders at ORFC. JAM Cards are designed for people who may need additional time or patience in social situations.
Find out more about the JAM Card at JAM Card.
Our Approach to Accessibility
We want delegates to be able to understand what support is available before they arrive and throughout the conference, so that they can participate with confidence.
Accessibility is a shared responsibility across ORFC and is an integral part of how we design and deliver the conference. We know there is always more to learn, and we welcome feedback that can help us make ORFC more accessible each year.
If you have an access requirement or would like to discuss how we can support you at ORFC, please contact caitlin@orfc.org.uk.