Accessibility Notice

Verix Advisory Limited is committed to making its website and digital content accessible to the widest possible audience.

We want everyone who visits our website to be able to find information, understand our content and use our services, regardless of disability, impairment, technology, device or individual circumstances.

We aim to design, develop and maintain our website in accordance with recognised accessibility principles and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, version 2.2, Level AA, commonly referred to as WCAG 2.2 AA.

These guidelines explain how digital content can be made more accessible to people with a wide range of needs, including people with:

• visual impairments;
• hearing impairments;
• mobility or dexterity impairments;
• cognitive or learning disabilities;
• speech impairments;
• neurological conditions;
• temporary impairments; and
• age-related accessibility needs.

Accessible design often improves the experience for everyone, including people using mobile devices, slower internet connections, alternative input methods or unfamiliar technology.

This Accessibility Notice applies to the website operated by Verix Advisory Limited.

Verix Advisory Limited is a private limited company registered in England and Wales under company number 17232940.

Our registered office is:

This notice explains:

• the accessibility standards we aim to follow;
• how we seek to make the website accessible;
• how different website features are designed to work;
• known or potential accessibility limitations;
• how to request information in another format; and
• how to report an accessibility problem.

We aim for the website to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2 at Level AA.

WCAG is based on four central principles. Digital content should be:

The Verix Advisory website has been designed with accessibility in mind and is intended to meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA.

However, unless and until the live website has completed an appropriate accessibility audit involving automated and manual testing, Verix does not claim that every page, document or feature is fully compliant with WCAG 2.2 AA.

Following an accessibility audit, this section should be updated to state whether the website is:

• fully compliant;
• partially compliant; or
• not compliant

with WCAG 2.2 Level AA.

Any identified non-compliances, exemptions or disproportionate-burden assessments should be listed in this notice.

We aim to make the website usable with a range of technologies and preferences. You should be able to:

• navigate the website using a keyboard;
• use the website with a screen reader;
• zoom in without text becoming unreadable or content becoming unusable;
• increase text size using browser or device settings;
• navigate using clear headings and links;
• understand the purpose of buttons, forms and controls;
• access meaningful alternative text for important images;
• use the website without relying solely on colour;
• pause or control moving content where appropriate;
• use the website in both portrait and landscape orientation;
• access content on desktop, tablet and mobile devices; and
• complete forms with appropriate labels, instructions and error messages.

The availability of individual features will depend on the design and live technical configuration of the website.

The website is intended to support current versions of commonly used browsers, including:

• Google Chrome;
• Microsoft Edge;
• Mozilla Firefox;
• Apple Safari; and
• commonly used mobile browsers.

For the best experience and strongest security, we recommend using the latest available version of your browser and operating system.

Older or unsupported browsers may not display all content correctly and may provide reduced support for accessibility features.

The website is designed to adapt to different screen sizes and should generally be usable on:

• desktop computers;
• laptops;
• tablets;
• smartphones; and
• devices using screen magnification or alternative input technology.

We aim to ensure that important website functions can be accessed without using a mouse. Keyboard users should generally be able to:

• move through links, buttons and form controls using the Tab key;
• move backwards using Shift and Tab;
• activate links and buttons using Enter or the Space bar;
• navigate menus and controls using appropriate keyboard commands;
• identify which element currently has keyboard focus; and
• bypass repeated navigation where an appropriate skip link is provided.

Keyboard focus should follow a logical order and should remain visible.

Interactive components should not trap keyboard focus or require a particular pointing device.

The website is intended to work with commonly used screen readers and assistive technologies. We aim to use:

• meaningful page titles;
• logical heading structures;
• descriptive link text;
• correctly labelled form fields;
• appropriate landmarks;
• semantic HTML;
• alternative text for meaningful images;
• clear error messages;
• accessible names for buttons and controls; and
• appropriate status messages for dynamic content.

Assistive technology performance may vary depending on the browser, device, operating system and software version being used.

Users experiencing a problem are encouraged to contact us so that we can investigate it.

Most modern browsers allow users to increase the size of text or zoom into a webpage. The website should remain usable when zoomed to at least 200%, without requiring excessive horizontal scrolling for ordinary text content.

Some users may prefer to adjust:

• browser zoom;
• font size;
• text spacing;
• display contrast;
• colour settings; or
• operating-system accessibility settings.

Instructions for changing these settings are normally available through the help pages of the relevant browser, operating system or device provider.

We aim to use sufficient contrast between text and its background.

Information should not be communicated through colour alone.

Where colour is used to indicate status, category, importance or an error, an additional text, symbol, pattern or structural indicator should normally be provided.

Interactive components and keyboard-focus indicators should be sufficiently visible against adjacent colours.

Meaningful images should include appropriate text alternatives.

Alternative text should explain the purpose or relevant content of an image rather than simply repeat its filename or provide unnecessary visual detail.

Images that are purely decorative should normally use empty alternative-text attributes so that screen readers can ignore them.

Where charts, diagrams, infographics or other complex images communicate important information, we aim to provide the same essential information through:

• adjacent explanatory text;
• a data table;
• an accessible summary;
• a detailed description; or
• another suitable alternative.

Images containing substantial amounts of text should be avoided where ordinary webpage text could be used instead.

Where the website includes audio, video, podcasts or other multimedia, we aim to provide appropriate alternatives. Depending on the content, these may include:

• captions;
• subtitles;
• transcripts;
• audio descriptions;
• text summaries;
• accessible media controls; and
• options to pause, stop or control playback.

Video should not normally play automatically with sound.

Flashing or rapidly changing content should be avoided, particularly where it may create a risk for people with photosensitive epilepsy or another neurological condition.

Some older, externally hosted or third-party multimedia content may not meet every accessibility requirement. Where we become aware of a material barrier, we will consider whether an accessible alternative can be provided.

We aim to provide consistent and predictable navigation throughout the website. Links should:

• use meaningful and descriptive wording;
• make sense when read out of context;
• avoid vague labels such as "click here" where a clearer description can be provided;
• indicate when they download a document where appropriate; and
• identify links that open an external website where this is helpful.

Pages should use logical heading structures so that users can understand and navigate the content more easily.

Menus, search features and repeated page components should operate consistently across the website.

Online forms should be designed so that users can understand:

• what information is required;
• why it is being requested;
• which fields are mandatory;
• what format should be used;
• whether an error has occurred; and
• how to correct an error.

We aim to ensure that:

• form fields have programmatically associated labels;
• instructions are provided before they are needed;
• required fields are identified clearly;
• errors are described in text;
• error messages do not rely solely on colour;
• focus moves appropriately following an error where necessary; and
• users have a reasonable opportunity to review important information before submitting it.

You should not send highly sensitive, classified, security-sensitive or confidential information through a general website form unless Verix has provided an approved secure method.

The website may include downloadable documents such as:

• PDF files;
• Microsoft Word documents;
• presentations;
• reports;
• guidance;
• policies; and
• marketing materials.

We aim to make new documents accessible by using:

• correctly structured headings;
• meaningful reading order;
• descriptive links;
• document titles;
• alternative text for relevant images;
• accessible tables;
• sufficient colour contrast; and
• selectable and searchable text.

Some documents supplied by third parties or created before current accessibility arrangements were introduced may not be fully accessible.

Where an inaccessible document contains information needed to access a service or understand an important requirement, we will consider providing an accessible alternative on request.

Some information may be published in PDF format because the document needs to retain a consistent layout or be downloaded, printed or formally circulated. Accessible PDF documents should use:

• document tags;
• logical heading structures;
• appropriate reading order;
• meaningful bookmarks where appropriate;
• alternative text;
• accessible tables;
• descriptive links; and
• selectable text.

Scanned image-only PDFs should be avoided unless an accessible text alternative is also available.

PDF accessibility can vary according to the document, browser, PDF reader and assistive technology being used.

Users who cannot access a PDF should contact us to request the content in a more suitable format.

JavaScript may be used to provide navigation, forms, interactive components, cookie preferences or other website functionality. We aim to ensure that JavaScript-based components:

• can be operated with a keyboard;
• provide accessible names and instructions;
• communicate changes of status to assistive technology;
• manage keyboard focus appropriately; and
• do not create unnecessary barriers.

Some website functionality may not operate fully where JavaScript has been disabled.

Where practical, essential information should remain available even if advanced interactive functionality cannot be used.

Animations, transitions and moving content should be used carefully.

Where motion is not essential, users should be able to pause, stop or hide content that:

• starts automatically;
• lasts for more than a brief period; or
• could distract from the main content.

The website should respect relevant device or browser preferences, such as reduced-motion settings, where reasonably possible.

We aim to use clear, professional and understandable language. Content should generally:

• use concise sentences;
• explain technical terms where appropriate;
• use headings and subheadings;
• avoid unnecessarily complex language;
• use lists only where they improve comprehension;
• define abbreviations on first use where needed; and
• present important information in a logical order.

Some articles and professional materials may necessarily include technical, legal, regulatory or specialist terminology.

Where possible, we will provide enough context to help non-specialist readers understand the key message.

The website is intended to work on mobile and touchscreen devices. We aim to ensure that:

• content adapts to smaller screens;
• users do not need to scroll in two directions to read ordinary text;
• buttons and controls have adequate target sizes;
• controls are sufficiently separated;
• functionality is not dependent on complex gestures alone;
• screen orientation is not unnecessarily restricted; and
• content remains usable when text is enlarged.

The website may link to or incorporate services provided by third parties, including:

• video and podcast platforms;
• social-media services;
• maps;
• recruitment platforms;
• event-registration tools;
• document viewers;
• analytics services; and
• external websites.

Verix does not control the accessibility of every third-party website or platform.

We will seek to select reputable providers and configure services accessibly where reasonably possible. However, some third-party content may not meet the same accessibility standard as the Verix website.

Accessibility concerns relating to third-party services may also need to be raised directly with the relevant provider.

Accessibility limitations may arise from:

• third-party content or embedded platforms;
• older downloadable documents;
• complex charts or diagrams;
• scanned documents;
• externally supplied videos without complete captions;
• technical limitations of the website platform;
• content created before current accessibility standards were adopted; or
• errors introduced during routine content updates.

Verix will seek to identify and address material accessibility barriers through testing, user feedback and ongoing review.

Following a formal accessibility audit, this section should be updated to list:

• each known WCAG failure;
• the pages or features affected;
• the impact on users;
• any available workaround;
• the planned correction; and
• the expected review or completion date.

If you need information from the website in a different or more accessible format, please contact us.

Depending on the information and your needs, an alternative format may include:

• an accessible PDF;
• a Microsoft Word document;
• an HTML webpage;
• plain text;
• large print;
• an audio version;
• an accessible data table;
• a transcript; or
• another reasonable format.

Please tell us:

• which page, document or information you need;
• the format you require;
• how we should contact you; and
• any deadline or circumstance we should be aware of.

We will consider each request reasonably and aim to respond as promptly as practicable. The time required will depend on the nature, length and complexity of the material and the format requested.

We welcome feedback about the accessibility of the Verix website. Please contact us if you:

• cannot access information;
• cannot navigate a page;
• cannot use a form or interactive feature;
• find that content does not work with assistive technology;
• encounter poor colour contrast;
• find missing or unhelpful alternative text;
• discover an inaccessible document;
• cannot access captions or a transcript; or
• believe that the website does not meet an accessibility requirement.

When reporting a problem, it will help if you provide:

• the web address of the affected page;
• a description of the problem;
• the device and browser being used;
• the assistive technology being used, where relevant; and
• your contact details if you would like a response.

Feedback may be submitted through the contact details or contact form published on the Verix website.

Written correspondence may also be sent to:

When we receive an accessibility concern, we will seek to:

• acknowledge the issue;
• understand the barrier experienced;
• identify whether an alternative format or immediate workaround is available;
• investigate the relevant page, document or feature;
• prioritise the issue according to its impact;
• make a reasonable correction where practicable; and
• use the learning to improve related content or services.

Some issues may require assistance from the website developer, hosting provider, software supplier or third-party platform.

Accessibility should be considered throughout the design, development and management of the website. A proportionate accessibility-testing programme may include:

• automated accessibility scans;
• keyboard-only testing;
• screen-reader testing;
• browser zoom and reflow testing;
• colour-contrast testing;
• form and error-message testing;
• review of headings and page structure;
• review of alternative text;
• testing on mobile devices;
• testing with different browsers;
• review of downloadable documents; and
• testing by disabled users or accessibility specialists.

Automated testing alone cannot identify every accessibility problem. Manual and user-based testing should therefore form part of a mature accessibility-review process.

This notice should be reviewed:

• after a significant website redesign;
• when major new functionality is introduced;
• following an accessibility audit;
• after a material accessibility complaint;
• when WCAG or relevant legal guidance changes; and
• at least annually.

Accessibility is a shared responsibility. Verix will seek to ensure that relevant:

• website designers;
• developers;
• content authors;
• marketing personnel;
• document creators;
• external suppliers; and
• website administrators

understand the importance of accessible digital content.

Accessibility requirements should be considered when procuring new digital systems, commissioning website development and creating new online content.

Verix Advisory Limited is a private-sector organisation.

The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018 apply principally to public-sector bodies and do not automatically apply to Verix in the same way.

However, Verix recognises the importance of inclusive access and aims to use WCAG 2.2 Level AA as the principal technical benchmark for its website.

Verix will also take account of its responsibilities under applicable UK equality law, including the duty to make reasonable adjustments where relevant.

We may update this Accessibility Notice to reflect:

• changes to the website;
• accessibility-testing results;
• identified barriers;
• corrective work;
• changes to technical standards;
• updated legal or regulatory guidance; or
• feedback from users.

The latest version will be published on the website with the date of the most recent update.

Questions, feedback and requests for accessible information may be submitted using the contact details or contact form published on the Verix website.

Written correspondence may be sent to: