Our aim is to make this site accessible and easy to use for everyone, no matter what browser you choose to use, and whether they use assistive technology or not.

To this end, we have endeavoured to comply with the most widely accepted guidelines for the construction of accessible websites specified by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Their Website Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) define three levels of accessibility, each progressively more demanding. The most basic level of accessibility is Priority 1 (level A compliance) followed by Priority 2 and 3 (levels AA and AAA). This site complies with all Priority 1 and 2 checkpoints and where possible Priority 3. We are aware however, that a number of the checkpoints are subjective and there may be instances where interpretation may vary.

Semantics & Landmark Roles

HTML5 markup is used to structure the site with appropriate elements used to clearly and logically identify content for search engines or screen readers. Following guidance set by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) and the Accessible Rich Internet Applications Suite (ARIA), landmark roles are provided to make the site more accessible. Roles used to identify specific content or navigation areas for machine readers and assistive devices such as screen readers. Landmarks have been added to identify the site’s Header (banner), Sidebar (complementary), Footer (contentinfo), Primary Content (main), Navigation (navigation) and Search (search).

Browser support

The site is built in a flexible manner and scales to ensure readability on whatever device or browser it is viewed upon. Browser support is progressive meaning more capable browsers may get improved aesthetics or functionality, yet content is still accessible to even the oldest browsers.

JavaScript

The use of JavaScript will give the user enhanced features of the site. Where it is not available then all pages and process are still accessible.

Font size

The font sizes used on the website are fully flexible. We recommend using your browser settings to change the font sizes, that way these settings can be shared by all the website you visit.

Downloads

We use Adobe PDFs for additional information and downloads. Adobe PDF Reader is freely available for use on any computer, and a link to the software has been provided where appropriate.