This website is run by the NHS Business Services Authority. We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website. For example, that means you should be able to:
- change colours, contrast levels and fonts
- zoom in up to 300% without the text spilling off the screen
- navigate most of the website using just a keyboard
- listen to most of the website using the NVDA screen reader
We’ve also made the website text as simple as possible to understand.
AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.
How accessible this website is
This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard.
We know some parts of this website are not fully accessible, as:
- some pages contain image or icon links which are identical to the text links
- none of the pages contain page regions allowing a user to skip to the main content
- some pages contain tables that do not use headings correctly
- some pages skip a heading level
- some links do not make sense when read out of context
- not all our form controls have labels to describe their purpose
- some pages use underlines to highlight important text
- some pages use directional language
- some pages have header images which do not state they are logos
- pages can be difficult to navigate using a screen reader and may not work using speech recognition software
How to request content in an accessible format
If you need information on this website in a different format like accessible PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or braille, you can contact us by:
Email: accessibility@nhsbsa.nhs.uk
We’ll consider your request and get back to you in 5 working days.
This inbox is only for accessibility queries. This inbox is not for technical queries or IT problems. If you have a query that is not about accessibility, go to the ‘Contact us’ section of this page.
Reporting accessibility problems with this website
We’re always looking to improve the accessibility of this website. If you find any problems that are not listed on this page or think we’re not meeting accessibility requirements, you can contact us by:
Email: accessibility@nhsbsa.nhs.uk
This inbox is only for accessibility queries. This inbox is not for technical queries or IT problems. If you have a query that is not about accessibility, go to the ‘Contact us’ section of this page.
Enforcement procedure
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’).
If you’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).
Contact us
For all queries not accessibility related, you can contact us by:
Email: nhsbsaresearch@nhsbsa.nhs.uk
Technical information about this website’s accessibility
The NHS Business Services Authority is committed to making its website accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.
Compliance status
This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard, due to the non-compliances listed below.
Non-accessible content
The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons.
Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations
It’s not possible to navigate all pages on this website using speech recognition software. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 4.1.2 (Name, Role, Value) and 4.1.3 (Status Messages).
Some ‘thank you pages’ displayed when completing a survey have images which link to the same location as adjacent text links. This causes additional navigation and repetition for keyboard and assistive technology users. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.4.4 (Link Purpose In Context).
Some of our pages skip a heading level. This makes navigation hard for keyboard and screen reader users. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.3.1 (Info and Relationships), 2.4.1 (Bypass Blocks) and 2.4.6 (Headings and Labels).
Not all our form controls have labels to describe their purpose. Labels are missing from some open ended survey answer fields. This makes navigation hard for screen reader users. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.3.1 (Info and Relationships), 2.4.6 (Headings and Labels), 3.3.2 (Labels or Instructions) and 4.1.2 (Name, Role, Value).
Some pages contain text which is underlined to highlight importance. Users with visual disabilities may mistake this text for a hyperlink. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.4.8 (Visual Presentation).
Some pages use directional language to identify the visual location of an element. Users with visual disabilities may find it difficult to locate the content. Also, location of content can change depending on window or screen size. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.3.3 (Sensory Characteristics).
The alternative text for the NHSBSA logo does not state that the image is a logo or suggest that its primary function is to link to the homepage. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.1.1 (Non text Content).
None of the survey pages contain page regions which would allow a user to skip to the main content of the survey. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.3.1 (Info and Relationships) and 2.4.1 (Bypass Blocks).
Non-data tables are used on all pages to position content for sighted users. Screen readers may interpret them as data tables. For example, screen readers will announce column and row numbers. Screen reader users may not understand the text within the table. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.3.1 (Info and Relationships) and 1.3.2 (Meaningful Sequence).
We plan to fix these issues. When we publish new content we’ll make sure our use of images meets accessibility standards.
Disproportionate burden
Not applicable.
Content that's not within the scope of the accessibility regulations
Not applicable.
What we’re doing to improve accessibility
We’re committed to making sure this website is compliant to WCAG 2.1 ‘AA’ standard.
Every new released website will be designed, built and tested to meet ‘AA’ standards by default.
Preparation of this accessibility statement
This statement was prepared on 20 September 2020. It was last reviewed on 30 September 2021.
This website was last tested on 15 September 2020. The test was carried out by the Customer Insight team.
We tested all of the website screens to meet ‘AA’ WCAG 2.1 standards, using manual and automated tests.
We run each webpage through automated Wave, Lighthouse and Axe accessibility tools then manually test with screen readers (NVDA) and standards checklists.
These checklists contain standards that have been compiled using WCAG, NHS service manual and GDS guidance.