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The JCPC and accessibility

The JCPC and accessibility

Accessibility statement

We want everyone who visits the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom and Judicial Committee of the Privy Council websites to feel welcome, find the information they need and have a rewarding experience.

We are committed to making sure that our websites and other digital products are accessible to all users and comply with level AA of The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines — WCAG 2.1. in alignment with The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

The statement applies to the following websites:

We want as many people as possible to be able to use these websites. For example, that means you should be able to:

  • change colours, contrast levels and fonts using in-browser settings
  • navigate most of the website using just a keyboard
  • listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver and Narrator)

We have also made the websites' text as simple as possible to understand, whilst at the same time retaining recognised legal terms.

AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.

Compliance status

This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard, due to the non-compliances and exemptions listed below.

Non-accessible content

We know some parts of this website are not yet fully accessible. To address the following issues would fall under the Disproportionate Burden Exemption.

  • The text will not reflow in a single column when you change the size of the window.
  • You cannot modify the line height or spacing of text
  • Most older PDF documents are not fully accessible to screen reader software.
    When we publish new content, we will publish in HTML by default. This includes term lists, permissions to appeal determinations, press summaries, speeches, and expense publications. Where it is not possible to publish in HTML, we'll make sure PDFs meet accessibility standards.
  • Live video streams do not have captions
  • Some of the tables and graphs are structured in a way that is difficult to read on a screen reader.

As outlined in the what we've done to improve accessibility' section, below, we have addressed these issues on the 400 most-visited webpages (as at September 2020). Any new webpages will meet accessibility standards.

What we've done to improve accessibility

As an organisation, we have made and continue to make changes to improve the accessibility of our websites.

We have made the following changes to the 400 most-visited webpages (as at September 2020) and any new webpages created thereafter:

  • All colours on the website meet accessible colour standards.
  • We publish in HTML by default. This includes term lists, permissions to appeal determinations, press summaries, speeches, and expense publications and. Where it is not possible to publish in HTML, we produce an accessible PDF.
  • There is a skiplink to ensure screen reader and non-mouse users can navigate to the main content.
  • All images have an alt tag for screen reader users.
  • The Homepage and Current Case pages are responsive to users screen size, so that the content can be easily viewed on different devices.
  • There are heading structures across the website to aid with navigation for screen reader users.
  • All links have descriptive titles, providing context for screen reader users.
  • All page titles are unique.
  • Text spacing is optimised for users with visual/cognitive impairments
  • All pages have a lang attribute to ensure that screen readers can read content correctly.
  • There is a visible focus for keyboard users to navigate the website more easily.
  • Forms are labelled, to assist screen reader users, and can be navigated using just a keyboard.
  • There is a visible focus for keyboard users to navigate the website more easily.
  • Addressing aria labels so screen reader users understand when content has adjusted on screen.
  • Iframes are titles for screen reader users.
  • Links are displayed and formatted correctly.

Disproportionate Burden Assessment

Read our disproportionate burden statement

Third Party Tools

Our website currently uses third-party tools for search functionality and our 360 virtual tours. The search functionality doesn't meet WCAG Success Criterion 2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap and Success Criterion 3.2.2 On Input. Regarding graphics content, we currently don't meet WCAG Success Criterion 2.1.1 Keyboard.

When we select a third-party tool or functionality, the UKSC is responsible for taking the right steps that it meets accessibility standards. We are therefore currently in contact with the third-party search company to make the search functionality accessible to all users.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared in May 2021. This website was last tested in September 2020. The test was carried out by the Digital Accessibility Centre (DAC) to carry out a WCAG 2.1 AA level technical compliance audit (completed 15 September 2020). This process included extensive testing by users with a wide range of disabilities.

Feedback and contact information

If you need information on these websites in a different format like accessible PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or braille:

We'll consider your request and get back to you in 10 working days.

Reporting accessibility problems with this website

We're always looking to improve the accessibility of this website. If you find any problems not listed on this page or think we're not meeting accessibility requirements, contact:

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).

Contacting us by phone or visiting us in person

The Supreme Court building has audio induction loops, or if you contact us before your visit we can arrange a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter.