NetRegs championing accessibility

Accessibility – putting users first

Public sector bodies have legal duties to ensure digital content is accessible. Meeting these requirements is essential, but accessibility should not stop at minimum compliance.

Accessibility focuses on the user experience. Accessible guidance must:

• use plain English
• be easy and well structure
• work with assistive technologies
• make sense for people of different levels of experience, confidence and time

The benefits go beyond people with disability. It is easier for people to understand, for any learning process, and benefit the environment.  

What does that mean?

Accessible guidance considers how different people interact with information. This includes:

• Plain English – Avoiding jargon, acronyms and explaining any technical information.
• Clear structure and layout – checking headings are in logical order, short sections and clear content. Using bullet points where possible
• Accessible styling – Using accessible fonts, size, spacing and colours.
• Digital accessibility – checking if the content works with screen readers, keyboard navigation and different devices.
• Different formats – support different learning styles. Visuals, diagrams, summaries, step-by-step explanations, audio and video.

These are small steps but have a big impact on user accessing and understanding our guidance. 

Why does that matter?

At least 1 in 5 people in the UK have a long-term illness, impairment or disability. This can be temporary or permanent and change throughout ones’ life. It is essential for us to bridge the gap and accommodate everyone’s needs. 

If guidance is hard to read or navigate, people may misunderstand their responsibilities or miss important information. This can lead to:

• Unintentional non‑compliance
• Increased costs for businesses
• Reduced confidence in regulatory advice

Thinking about accessibility from the start: accessible guidance will reach a wider audience and drive businesses toward environmental excellence. It supports people to do the right thing, first time, and strengthens trust between regulators and those they regulate.

Ongoing commitment

Accessibility is not a one-off task. Regular reviews, checks, feedback and improvements are needed to adapt to new regulations, user needs and new technologies. 

NetRegs is keen to hear from you if there is anything else we could do to help. Send an email to netregs@sepa.org.uk or phone 0300 099 6699.