Web design standards

We always try hard to make the website accessible to the widest possible audience.

We always consider that people browse the Internet in different ways, especially people with disabilities who may use alternative methods to access the Web.

With this in mind we have incorporated the following features where possible:

• A consistent design throughout the website using cascading style sheets.
• Information is grouped into manageable sections, based on topics, not departments.
• A high-contrast, text only, version is available for each page.
• A printer-friendly version is available for every page.
• Access keys can be used.
• The site design allows you to tab through it using the TAB key on the keyboard.
• Relative font sizes are used. This means that you can change the font size in your browser.
• Information conveyed with colour is also available without colour.
• Tables use captions and summaries along with row and column headers.
• We use text alternatives ("alt text") for images.
• We clearly identify the target of each link.
• Large documents, like reports, are provided in PDF format. We try to make our PDFs accessible and the smallest possible size.
• We provide advice on changing your browser accessibility options.

We expect all web designers, developers and suppliers whom we commission to work on our website or intranet to comply with our Web standards for 3rd party suppliers.