Accessibility Statement
We are committed to creating a more accessible digital experience for all users. This accessibility statement explains our approach to inclusive design, the current accessibility features available, and the steps we take to support people using assistive technologies. Our goal is to make the site easier to navigate, understand, and interact with for as many people as possible.
We aim to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards across our content and functionality. That means we work to provide clear structure, readable text, logical heading levels, and enough contrast for users with visual needs. We also try to ensure that interactive elements are labeled correctly and that information is presented in a way that supports different ways of accessing content. This accessibility commitment is reviewed as we update pages and features.
The site is designed with screen-reader support in mind. We use meaningful headings, descriptive labels, and text-based content so that assistive technologies can interpret pages more effectively. Images and non-text elements are intended to have appropriate alternative descriptions where needed, and we avoid relying on visual cues alone to communicate important information. Our aim is to support users who navigate through audio output or other assistive tools.
Keyboard Navigation and Usability
Keyboard accessibility is an important part of our accessible website approach. Users should be able to move through key areas using a keyboard alone, including menus, forms, buttons, and other interactive components. We work to preserve visible focus states so users can identify where they are on a page. We also consider predictable tab order, which helps make navigation more efficient and understandable.
In addition to keyboard access, we aim to make content easier to read and interact with by using plain language where possible and maintaining a consistent layout. A well-structured page helps people using magnification, voice input, switch devices, or other assistive tools. We recognise that accessible digital experiences are not only about compliance, but about making content usable for people with different needs and preferences.
Our pages are built to support a range of interaction patterns. For example, forms are intended to include clear instructions and helpful error messaging, while links are designed to be distinguishable from surrounding text. We also aim to ensure that focus indicators remain visible and that users can complete important tasks without requiring a mouse. These practices are central to improving the usability of an accessible site.
Ongoing Improvements and Monitoring
Accessibility is an ongoing effort. We regularly review content and design patterns to identify areas that may need improvement. When we find issues, we prioritise fixes that have the greatest impact on people who use assistive technology or alternative input methods. This can include refining heading structure, improving contrast, adjusting spacing, or updating labels and controls.
Known areas and future work
Although we strive to meet accessibility expectations, some areas may still need enhancement as content and features evolve. We continue to test pages with common assistive tools and browser settings to better understand how the experience works in practice. If content is difficult to access, we want to know so we can investigate and improve it.
We also encourage internal teams to consider accessibility early in the content and design process. Building accessibility into the workflow helps create a more consistent experience and reduces barriers before they appear. This includes writing clear content, keeping interactions simple, and avoiding layouts that depend solely on visual styling to communicate meaning.
Accessibility Requests
If you need an accessibility adjustment, a different format, or help with content that is difficult to use, please contact us through the available support channels on the site. We will review accessibility requests and work to provide a reasonable response or alternative access solution where possible. We are committed to treating accessibility matters seriously and improving the experience for all users.
Examples of requests may include asking for content in a more readable format, reporting an issue with keyboard navigation, or noting a problem with screen-reader compatibility. We welcome information that helps us understand the barrier, the page or feature involved, and the assistive technology being used. This information helps us make better improvements to the overall user experience.
Our aim is to maintain an accessible online environment that supports independence and ease of use. We will continue to review content against WCAG 2.1 AA principles, strengthen screen-reader support, and improve keyboard navigation wherever possible. Accessibility is part of how we design, publish, and maintain our digital experience.
