Accessibility statement

We have several smaller websites, known as microsites, which our Web team has internally reviewed. During this review, we identified several issues that we are actively working to resolve between January and November 2025.

Due to limited resources, we prioritised reviewing the top 23 microsites based on their popularity and viewership, against a select set of WCAG 2.2 requirements.

Some issues, such as keyboard accessibility, focus order, and form labels, will require the development team's attention. Other issues, like text alternatives and contrast ratio, will need to be addressed by the content team.

Below is a summary of the issues we are addressing on this website:

WCAG level A issues:

1. Text reflow: In the footer text does not reflow nicely when zooming in at 200% (1.4.10 Reflow).
2. Text alternatives: Images on the homepage for each section have poorly written alt text on them (1.1.1 Non-text Content).

WCAG level AA issues:

1. Focus indicator and contrast: Focus is hidden on an image in the footer (2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured [minimum]). The keyboard navigation and focus style are not consistent across the site. The focus style changes from the preferred yellow and black to green and blue on different elements (3.2.3 Consistent Navigation). On some pages the focus indicator fails on contrast (2.4.13 Focus Appearance).
2. Contrast: Contrast between certain text on buttons and buttons and background colour are not a high enough contrast (1.4.3 Contrast [Minimum]) and 1.4.11 non-text contrast).
3. Text spacing and target size: Text in the footer and interactive elements, like buttons or links, does not meet minimum size nor spacing so they can easily be clicked or tapped by users, and needs better spacing (2.5.8 Target Size [Minimum]). Text spacing and line height needs increasing (1.4.12: Text Spacing)

For our smaller websites, such as this one, we use both automated and manual testing to identify and assess problems. We review against a select number of WCAG 2.2 requirements due to limited resources.

Automated testing

We use the Deque Axe dev tool, Site Improve accessibility checker, and various browser bookmarklets for automated testing.

Manual testing

Our manual testing includes the following:

Content:

• Ensure page titles are unique and descriptive.
• Check that headings are properly structured in the correct order of hierarchy.

Keyboard Testing:

• Navigate through the website using only the keyboard to ensure it is presented in a logical reading order from left to right and top to bottom.
• Ensure all interactive elements (links, buttons, forms) can be accessed and activated using the keyboard, and that there is a visible focus indicator as you navigate.

Zoom and resize:

• Zoom in to 200% and check if all content is still visible and functional.
• Ensure that text does not overlap or become cut off.

We also use the WebAIM: contrast checker to verify contrast issues and check if alternative text (alt text) on images is appropriate and descriptive.