Do I need to add an accessibility statement to my website?

If your organisation is based in the UK and operates in the public sector, the answer is a clear and resounding yes.

UK law requires it.

The law we are referring to is officially called the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (PSBAR). Try saying that three times fast! 

PSBAR requires public sector organisations to make their websites and mobile apps accessible to everyone (no sh*t Sherlock) and conformance requires the publication of an accessibility statement.

So, if you're part of a central government department, local council, university, or college, you'll need to publish one.

What about arts organisations funded by Arts Council England (ACE)?

It gets a little tricky here, so let's break it down. Arts Council England is what's known as a "non-departmental public body," which basically means it is a public entity. Because ACE is public and gives out huge amounts of public money (we're talking government funds and National Lottery cash), the organisations it funds are often considered part of the public sector for these regulations. So, that's a roundabout way of saying yes.

What about private sector organisations?

While there is no specific law saying private companies absolutely must have an accessibility statement, we believe it's a huge step toward demonstrating your commitment to inclusivity. Publishing an accessibility statement is considered best practice and a great way to show that you care about all your customers and users. We always encourage our clients to add one because it is a tangible way to prove they are serious about accessibility.

Is an accessibility statement a legal document?

For public sector bodies, yes, it absolutely is. The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018 make it mandatory and outline exactly what information it must contain to be legally compliant. Think of it like this: it’s a legally-required promise to your users about your website's accessibility.

To be compliant, your statement must include:

• An explanation of what parts of your website aren't accessible and why.
• A description of any accessible alternatives that are available.
• A way for people to contact you to report issues or ask for information in a different format.
• An outline of the official procedure for user complaints.

I outsourced my website, am I still responsible?

Yes. Sorry, no escaping this one. If you've hired someone to build your website or app, you'll need to work with them to ensure it meets all the regulations. If you're starting a new project, make sure to include accessibility as a key part of your contract. If your existing site isn't accessible, you'll need to do an accessibility audit to find and fix the issues. (By the way, we can help with that! 😉) 

And remember, it's a good idea to add regular accessibility reviews to your ongoing support contract because changes can easily impact accessibility.

Is there a template I can use for my accessibility statement?

Since it's a legal document for public bodies, you need to make sure you get it right. That's why we always recommend using the sample accessibility statement published by UK.gov. It’s the official gold standard and a great starting point. In fact, it's the very template we used to create our own Kindera accessibility statement.

Is it even worth adding an accessibility statement?

Let's turn that question around for a moment: Do you care about digital accessibility and the rights of people?

Adding an accessibility statement demonstrates your commitment beyond mere rhetoric. It's a public and powerful demonstration of your commitment. It shows you care, and honestly, who wouldn't like an organisation that cares?