CEA Card Scheme: Fully managed card scheme services
We administer and manage all aspects of the CEA Card Scheme on behalf of the UK Cinema Association. Our fully managed service includes helpdesk services, application verification, external website and internal admin platform, payment processing, card printing, fulfilment and mailing.
About the CEA Card
The CEA Card scheme is run by the UK Cinema Association (UKCA) who want to ensure that visiting the cinema is an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all. The UKCA works hard to identify and remove any barriers that disabled people may face due to their disability.
Some disabled people need to be accompanied by someone else to enjoy the cinema experience. The CEA card allows a cardholder to be accompanied by a companion, free of charge, when they purchase a ticket to visit a participating cinema.
This photo ID card is accepted by over 90% of all cinemas in the UK.
Our Involvement
We have been working with the UK Cinema Association and administering the card scheme on their behalf for nearly 20 years.
We provide:
- Dedicated call centre with full-time customer service staff
Our experienced team offer first line support to D/deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent people every day that have access requirements when visiting the cinema. We handle card scheme enquiries and application queries via telephone and email.
- Eligibility verification and application processing
Our team of card services staff process all online and postal applications, verifying eligibility criteria. We also handle all of the renewal process inhouse.
- Back-office administration, including API Integration with cinemas
We manage and maintain a linked back office administration platform for processing online applications, handling card payments, communicating with card holders and handling renewals. This is a bespoke technology platform created by The Card Network.
We also create and maintain an API to allow participating cinemas across the country to look-up card holder details and validate cards in real time.
- Front facing website
We host, manage and maintain a fully accessible external website where applicants can easily apply online.
- Card personalisation and printing, fulfilment and mailing
We print CEA cards with bespoke security features inhouse, personalising the cards with photographs and data using our sophisticated printing technology.
These cards are then matched up to a personalised letter via our match mailer and fulfilment machine, and mailed directly to card holders.
Building accessibility into the service we provide
We engaged disability advisors during the website build to ensure it was built to accessibility standards. This included testing with a variety of disabled audiences.
We ensure that people can contact us via the communication channel they are most comfortable with, including a textphone service and connection to BSL interpreters.
Customer reaction
"For nearly 20 years, the CEA Card Scheme has helped remove barriers to the cinema experience for disabled people across the UK.
We value the Card Network’s dedication and expertise in its delivery, which has enabled the sector to provide a trusted, accessible and highly regarded service that continues to make a meaningful difference to cardholders and participating cinemas alike."
James Connor, Senior Policy and Projects Manager
UK Cinema Association
