Accessibility

Find out more about how we are working to make our website as accessible and usable as possible.

Using this website

This website is run by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council. We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website. For example, that means you should be able to:

  • Zoom in up to 200% without the text spilling off the screen;
  • Navigate most of the website using just a keyboard;
  • Navigate most of the website using speech recognition software;
  • Listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver) ;
  • View the website using any device eg Mobile phone, Tablet, Desktop computer
  • View any videos that we add to this website, ensuring they are accessible to all with audio or written alternatives available where required;
  • View and understand content where we use colour. We will ensure that colours used have a sufficient colour contrast.

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

Please note this website may not function correctly if you are using an older browser ie Internet Explorer. It is recommended if you are using Internet Explorer that you instead use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

How accessible is this website?

We are continually working with our development partner to address any technical issues that may result in some elements of the site not meeting accessibility standards. Further to this, we are continually working through content on the site address accessibility issues raised in relation non-technical elements such as alt-text for images, video, and hyperlinks.

What to do if you can't access parts of this website

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

Reporting accessibility problems with this website

We're always looking to improve the accessibility of this website. If you find any problems that aren't listed on this page or think we're not meeting accessibility requirements, contact the Digital team by emailing the issue to communications@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk

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).

Technical information about this website's accessibility

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council is committed to making its website accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard, due to the non-compliances listed under section two of this page.

We have identified that some accessibility issues relate the structural design of the website and the limitations of the product used to develop it. To this end, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council are investing the development of new public facing website. The aim of this website is to create a simpler, more welcoming user experience that has accessibility at its' core. Further to this, we are working with our development partner to ensure that the design and build of the new website meets accessibility standards and remains flexible enough to ensure that all required changes can take place quickly and easily.

Content that's not within the scope of the accessibility regulations

PDFs and other documents

Many of our older PDFs and Word documents don't meet accessibility standards - for example, they may not be structured so they're accessible to a screen reader. This doesn't meet WCAG 2.1 success criterion 4.1.2 (name, role value). 

The accessibility regulations don't require us to fix PDFs or other documents published before September 2018 if they're not essential to providing our services. For example, we don't plan to fix old issues of the 'This Is' resident's magazine or older PDF documents.

We are working with colleagues to improve the accessibility of PDF documents with a view to ensuring that all documentation published to the Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council website meets accessibility standards.

Redcar & Cleveland Information Directory (RCiD)

To enhance the accessibility of our online content, we are undertaking a comprehensive project to convert all PDF documents on our site into HTML pages. This initiative addresses several key accessibility concerns:

  1. Improved Navigability and Readability: HTML pages are inherently more accessible than PDFs, as they allow for better integration with screen readers, keyboard navigation, and other assistive technologies. This change will ensure that users can more easily access, read, and interact with the content.
  2. Responsive Design: HTML content can be more easily adapted to different screen sizes and orientations, providing a better user experience on mobile devices and tablets.
  3. Consistent User Experience: By converting PDF documents to HTML, we ensure that all users have a consistent and seamless experience when accessing information on our site.

This project is ongoing and will be completed over a number of months given the scope and scale of the conversion process. 

In addition to this, we are also updating link text across our website to provide users with clear, descriptive information about the links' destinations and functions. This initiative will include:

  1. Descriptive Link Text: Ensuring that all link text clearly describes the purpose or destination of the link, avoiding generic phrases like "click here" or "read more." For example, instead of "click here for more information," a link might say "learn more about our accessibility features."
  2. Contextual Clarity: Providing enough context in link text so that users can understand the link's purpose without needing to rely on surrounding content.

These updates are being made in strict adherence to the WCAG 2.1 and 2.2 standards, specifically targeting the following success criteria:

  • WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.1.1 (Non-text Content): Ensuring all non-text content has a text alternative.
  • WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.3.1 (Info and Relationships): Ensuring information and relationships conveyed through presentation can be programmatically determined.
  • WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 2.4.4 (Link Purpose - In Context): Providing clear and descriptive link text that conveys the purpose of each link.
  • WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 2.4.9 (Link Purpose - Link Only): Ensuring each link can be understood when read in isolation.
  • WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 2.4.10 (Section Headings): Using section headings to organize content.
  • WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 3.2.3 (Consistent Navigation): Ensuring navigation is consistent across pages.

We are committed to making our website as accessible and user-friendly as possible, and these enhancements are a vital part of that commitment. We appreciate your patience and support as we work to implement these important changes. If you have any feedback or encounter any accessibility issues, please do not hesitate to contact the Communications Team using the contact information detailed above. 

By prioritising accessibility, we aim to create an inclusive digital environment where all users can access the information and services they need with ease and confidence.

We will continue to assess and update all sites that form the RCBC corporate website estate to ensure ongoing compliance with WCAG standards.