Accessibility Statement
We are committed to making our website more accessible and inclusive for all users. This accessibility statement explains our approach to supporting people who use assistive technologies, as well as the steps we take to improve the accessibility experience across our content and features. Our aim is to provide a clear, usable, and accessible website that supports a wide range of needs and preferences.
We work toward WCAG 2.1 AA compliance as our target standard. This means we aim to design and maintain pages that are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. In practical terms, we review structure, contrast, text clarity, headings, focus states, forms, and interactive elements so that more people can use the site with confidence. While accessibility is an ongoing process, we continuously look for improvements to strengthen the accessible design of the experience.
Our site is built with screen-reader support in mind. We use meaningful heading order, descriptive labels where needed, and page structure that helps assistive technologies interpret content more effectively. Images and non-text elements are reviewed so that they can be understood in context, and we aim to keep the reading flow logical for users navigating with a screen reader. Where possible, we avoid unnecessary clutter and ensure important content is presented in a clear, semantic way.
Keyboard and Assistive Navigation
Keyboard navigation is an essential part of our accessibility approach. Users should be able to move through the site using only a keyboard, including tab, shift+tab, enter, and arrow keys where applicable. Interactive elements are intended to receive visible focus, making it easier to understand where the current position is on the page. This supports people who do not use a mouse, as well as those who rely on switch devices or other input methods.
We also consider colour contrast, readable typography, and flexible layouts as part of our ongoing efforts. These features help create a more accessible area for a broader range of visitors, including people with low vision, cognitive differences, or temporary impairments. The site is designed to remain usable across different devices and screen sizes, with content that adapts in a practical and consistent manner.
In addition to structure and navigation, we try to keep language straightforward and content easy to scan. Clear headings, short paragraphs, and emphasis used thoughtfully with bold, underline, and italic text can support comprehension when applied carefully. We avoid relying on colour alone to communicate meaning, and we aim to ensure that key information remains available in text form. Our accessibility work includes reviewing common user journeys and checking that they remain understandable and operable for a diverse audience.
Ongoing Improvements
Accessibility is not a one-time task. We regularly evaluate content and functionality to identify barriers and improve the experience over time. This can include updates to page structure, refinements to interactive behaviour, and checks for compatibility with current assistive technologies. We recognise that digital accessibility involves both technical quality and thoughtful content presentation, so we strive to address both areas.
Known limitations and monitoring
Despite our efforts, some areas may not yet meet every accessibility need perfectly. Where issues are identified, we treat them as priorities for review and remediation. If content or features create difficulty for you, we want to know so we can consider an appropriate solution or alternate way to access the information. Our goal is to keep improving the overall experience and remove barriers wherever practical.
If you need accessibility support, adjustments, or an alternative format, please make an accessibility request through the appropriate site contact route provided elsewhere on the website. You may also let us know if you encounter content that is difficult to read, navigate, or understand. We review accessibility requests carefully and aim to respond constructively, with the intention of supporting equal access to our information and services.
Accessibility Requests and Commitment
We welcome requests relating to accessibility, including support for screen-reader use, keyboard access, text readability, layout concerns, and compatibility issues. If you encounter a barrier, please include enough detail to help us understand the problem, the page or feature involved, and the assistive technology or browser you were using if relevant. This allows us to assess the issue and work toward a practical resolution.
We are committed to improving the accessible website experience for everyone. By aligning with WCAG 2.1 AA compliance, supporting screen readers, enabling keyboard navigation, and responding to accessibility requests, we aim to create a more inclusive digital space. Accessibility is central to our ongoing design and content practices, and we will continue to review and refine our approach as standards, technology, and user needs evolve.