Work in progress - ratings and comments are still to be finalised
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
1.1 Stated purpose
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool for you to voluntarily share that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that you may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.
1.2 Episodic or relational
2.1 Statutory notification
2.2 Info validated by
Sector
4.1 Personal identifier used
Online portal
Offline alternative
1.3 Data included
Relational
No
Events and venues, Retail and hospitality, Transport, Workplace
Self-ID
Yes
No
Strengths
One of the better known schemes, with a relatively widely recognised symbol Easy to register, and some useful information on their website about several conditions.
Weaknesses
Further information
Overall functional rating
3. Transparency, choice and control
3.1 Transparency
The purpose of the lanyard is completely transparent
3.2 Choice and control
Full choice and control over when you wear/display the lanyard
4. Functionality
4.2 Structured data
4.3 Free text
The Sunflower Card lets you select up to five of 24 icons representing
4.4 Carer role
Not designed for proxy nomination. May not be relevant as it's designed to operate face-to-face.
4.5 Acknowledgement of receipt
N/A - the lanyard is intended for use face to face
4.6 Updates
n/a
4.7 Access to records
n/a
5. Reach
5.1 Multi-sector acceptance
There is a mapping facility on the website (https://hdsunflower.com/uk/find-the-sunflower) to help you find sunflower-friendly locations - these appear to be mostly supermarkets, banks, hotels and a few leisure facilities.
A separate area of the website identifies 25 airlines and 35 UK airports which have joined the scheme, along with National Highways, whose patrol officers have been trained.
A page headed "Healthcare" names several vaccination centres which recognised the sunflower during Covid, but this represents a tiny minority of NHS face-to-face facilities. The fact that the page is written in the past tense suggests that the sunflower is no longer actively recognised by NHS services, which warrants further inverstigation beyond the scope of this review.
Some GB rail operators are involved in the scheme (e.g. GWR - see https://www.gwr.com/travel-information/passenger-assist) but are not listed on the website.
5.2 Recipients within orgs/services
Person is able to show the card to those who need to see it.
5.3 Proactive sharing
The card is designed for the person to use in any situation they want to
6. Language and user experience
6.1 Language
Language is clear and non-judgmental
Words to watch
6.2 Conditions vs actionable support
No requirement for diagnoses/conditions to be shared, but the opportunity to do so if you wish.
6.3 Online UX
Website has some excellent content, but is rather haphazard in its design and navigability. When I applied for the Sunflower Extra card, not all ASNs could be selected.
6.4 Offline UX
No evidence of an offline alternative
7. Outcomes
7.1 Actionable support needs
List of ASNs is good but slightly less comprehensive than others and is focused on F2F experience. It may not give the coverage someone would need about how to communicate by phone or in writing.
7.2 Trustworthiness
Trustworthiness reinforced by clear messaging around the information you provide being treated with discretion and respect.
Think Local Act Personal: Data for People
Ratings against the 15 Principles
Overall
TLAP 2
TLAP 3
TLAP 4
TLAP 5
TLAP 6
TLAP 7
TLAP 8
TLAP 9
TLAP 10
TLAP 11
TLAP 12
TLAP 14
Money Advice Trust
Ratings against the 10 principles for designing vulnerable consumer data-sharing programmes
Overall
MAT 1
MAT 2
MAT 3
MAT 4
MAT 5
MAT 6
MAT 7
MAT 8
MAT 10-