This policy explains the accessibility of documents published by the Cabinet Office on GOV.UH, including PDFs, spreadsheets, presentations and other downloadable documents. The accessibility of GOV.UH web pages is covered by the website’s accessibility statement.
Using our documents
The Cabinet Office publishes information in several formats, including HTML, PDF, OpenDocument, Microsoft Office files and CSV.
We aim to make documents usable by everyone, including people who use assistive technology.
When preparing documents, we aim to:
- provide an accessible HTML version wherever possible
- use headings and document structures that assistive technology can recognise
- provide text alternatives for meaningful images
- use tables for data rather than page layout
- present information in clear English
- make links, forms and downloadable material accessible
How accessible our documents are
New documents should meet the applicable accessibility requirements.
Some documents may be difficult to use with assistive technology. Problems can include missing headings, unlabelled images, complex tables, poorly structured spreadsheets or documents that require specialist software.
Documents used to access government services should be made accessible.
What to do if you can’t use one of our documents
If you need information in another format, use the Cabinet Office correspondence form.
Explain which document you need, the format you require and any assistive technology you use. This information helps us identify a suitable alternative.
Reporting accessibility problems with one of our documents
We welcome reports about accessibility problems with Cabinet Office documents.
When reporting a problem, give the document title or URL, describe the difficulty and explain how it affects your ability to access the information.
You can submit your report using the Cabinet Office correspondence form.
Enforcement procedure
Accessibility complaints are considered under the applicable complaints and equality arrangements.
If you are dissatisfied with our response, you can use the Cabinet Office complaints procedure.
Technical information about the accessibility of our documents
The Cabinet Office uses the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, including the relevant WCAG Level AA success criteria, when producing and reviewing accessible documents.
Accessibility depends on the format, content and software used to read the document.
Non-accessible content
PDFs and Word documents
Some files may lack document tags, properly structured headings or text alternatives for images. Documents containing complex tables or material received from other organisations may require additional remediation.
Where a document cannot readily be made accessible, we will consider providing an alternative format.
Spreadsheets
Spreadsheets should include meaningful worksheet names, column headings, suitable table structures and accessible descriptions where required.
Disproportionate burden
Any decision that making particular content accessible would impose a disproportionate burden must be justified and recorded under the requirements applicable to that content. An accessible alternative should be considered.
How we tested our documents
Documents should be checked for accessibility when they are produced, updated and prepared for publication.
Testing may include automated accessibility checks, manual review of document structure and examination using assistive technology.
What we’re doing to improve accessibility
We will continue improving document templates, publication guidance and quality assurance so that newly published information is accessible from the outset.
Accessibility problems identified in published material should be assessed and prioritised for correction.