Accessibility Statement
We are committed to making our digital content as accessible and inclusive as possible for all users. This accessibility statement explains the steps we take to support people who use assistive technologies, navigate by keyboard, or need content presented in a clearer and more usable way. Our goal is to create an accessible online experience that works well for as many people as possible, while continuing to improve over time.
We aim to align our website and related content with WCAG 2.1 AA compliance. This means we work to meet recognised accessibility requirements for perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust content. In practical terms, this includes using clear headings, meaningful structure, readable text, sufficient contrast where possible, and support for users who rely on assistive technologies. We also try to keep language plain and predictable, so information is easier to scan and understand.
Our digital pages are designed with screen-reader support in mind. Where implemented correctly, labels, headings, and other structural elements help screen readers interpret the page in a logical order. We also review interactive elements so they can be announced properly and used in a way that makes sense to people who cannot rely on visual cues alone. When content changes, we try to make those changes understandable without requiring a mouse or touch input.
Keyboard Access and Navigation
Keyboard usability is a core part of our accessible design approach. Users should be able to move through content, open menus, use forms, and activate controls using only a keyboard. We pay attention to the focus order so it remains logical, and we aim to make the active focus visible at all times. This helps people who use alternative input methods, as well as users who prefer not to use a mouse.
We also try to ensure that key interactions do not depend on gestures, drag-and-drop actions, or complex pointer movements. Where a function can be completed through a mouse, we work to make sure it can also be completed through keyboard navigation. This supports a more usable and inclusive experience for people with motor, visual, or temporary accessibility needs.
Our content structure is built to support easy scanning and progression through sections. Headings, lists, and emphasis are used to organise information in a way that is more understandable for assistive technology users and keyboard users alike. Accessibility is an ongoing process, and we regularly look for ways to improve clarity, consistency, and interaction across our pages.
Ongoing Improvements
We review accessibility during content updates and design changes, with the intention of reducing barriers before they affect users. This includes checking text readability, colour use, form labels, and the availability of descriptive content for important elements. We also try to make sure that non-text content is used thoughtfully and that essential information is not communicated by image alone.
Where limitations are identified, we consider practical fixes that improve access without adding unnecessary complexity. Some issues may take time to resolve, especially when they involve third-party components or older content, but we treat accessibility as a priority rather than a one-time task. Improvement is continuous, and we use an iterative approach to support better user experiences over time.
If you encounter an issue that makes content difficult to use, we encourage you to let us know so we can assess it and take appropriate action. Requests related to accessibility may include difficulty reading text, trouble navigating by keyboard, problems with a screen reader, or any other barrier that prevents effective use. We aim to consider each request carefully and respond in a manner that helps address the access issue.
Accessibility Support and Requests
If you need information in an alternative format or require support with an accessibility barrier, please get in touch using the contact methods provided on our main contact page. We do not list direct contact details here, but accessibility-related requests are welcome through the channels made available there. We take accessibility requests seriously and will work to understand the issue and provide assistance where reasonably possible.
What You Can Request
- Help using the site with a screen reader
- Support for keyboard-only navigation
- Alternative formatting for difficult-to-read content
- Clarification when a page or control is not usable as expected
- Reporting an accessibility barrier for review
We appreciate reports that help us improve usability for everyone. If a page, feature, or piece of content does not work well for you, your request gives us useful insight into how we can make the experience more accessible. Our approach is to consider reasonable adjustments and continue refining the accessible website experience so it better serves diverse user needs.
