1. Our commitment
People often read this site under pressure, on a small screen, in poor light, and sometimes with a disability that makes reading harder. Accessibility is therefore not an extra for us, it is part of whether a guide works at all.
We aim to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 at level AA as our working standard.
2. Measures we have taken
The following are built into the design of every page.
- Semantic headings in a logical order, so screen reader users can navigate a guide by structure.
- Descriptive alternative text on photographs, and decorative styling kept out of the content layer.
- Colour combinations chosen for contrast, with status information also conveyed in words, never by colour alone.
- Keyboard operable navigation, forms, menus and accordions, with visible focus styles.
- Text that reflows and remains readable when enlarged or viewed on a narrow screen.
- Form fields with associated labels and clear error and confirmation messages.
3. Known limitations
Some third party content, in particular externally hosted images and fonts, is outside our direct control and may behave differently with assistive technology. Very long guides can be tiring to navigate by screen reader, which is why each one carries a condensed checklist near the top of the sidebar.
We treat these as work in progress rather than acceptable, and we prioritise fixes that affect the ability to read a guide at all.
4. How we test
New and revised pages are checked with keyboard only navigation, with browser zoom at two hundred percent, with automated accessibility tooling, and with a screen reader on the templates that generate our guides.
5. Reporting a barrier
If something on this site is difficult or impossible for you to use, please tell us through the contact page. Describe the page, what you were trying to do, and the assistive technology or browser you were using if you know it.
We aim to acknowledge accessibility reports within a few working days and to fix content problems quickly. If a fix will take longer, we will tell you and, where possible, provide the information in another format in the meantime.
6. Review
This statement is reviewed when the site design changes materially and at least once a year. The date at the top of this page reflects the most recent review.