Transparency data

Accessibility statement: SIA online services

Updated 29 March 2021

This accessibility statement applies to the SIA’s online services, excluding our licensing site (which has its own accessibility statement). The services covered by this statement are:

• criminal record indicator
• contact us form
• decision timescale indicator
• register of approved contractors
• register of withdrawn approvals
• report a crime a crime or concern form
• search for a training provider

These services are run by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). We are committed to making our digital services accessible in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

We want as many people as possible to be able to use our online services. For example, that means you should be able to:

• change colours, contrast levels and fonts
• zoom in up to 300% without the text spilling off the screen
• navigate most of the service 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)

We have also made the text as simple as possible to understand. AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.

1. Technical information about the accessibility of our online services

The services are partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard.

2. Non-accessible content

The content that is not accessible is outlined below:

• all the body text is normal style, not bold, italics or all capitals - this fails because some text is presented in bold or italics
• clicking the mouse on the label of every form field, causes the field to become focused - this fails because clicking on the field title does not go to the input field
• the spacebar, ‘Enter’ key or arrow keys can be used to tick a form field - this fails because you cannot select a checkbox using the keyboard (for example, in the decision timescale indicator
• the currently focused element is always obvious - this fails because the selection field is too faint (WCAG 1.4.11 AA)
• everything can be done as easily as with a mouse - this fails because there are actions that can be completed with a mouse and not a keyboard
• there is a Skip link that appears when tabbed to, to avoid the need to tab through elements common to every page - this fails because there is no option to skip

3. How we tested our online services

The services were and are currently being tested for compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines V2.1 level A and level AA, and these tests have been carried out internally.

We used the Website Accessibility Conformance Evaluation Methodology (WCAG-EM) approach to deciding on a sample of pages to test.

4. What we are doing to improve accessibility

We plan to identify and fix issues incrementally as they are identified via a programme of quarterly maintenance releases.

5. Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared on 11 September 2020. It was last reviewed on 4 December 2020.

Our online services were last tested on 4 December 2020. Testing was carried out internally by the Security Industry Authority.

We tested each service based on a user’s ability to complete key journeys. All parts of the chosen journeys were tested. Journeys were chosen on a number of factors including usage statistics, risk assessments and subject matter.

6. How to request content in an accessible format

If you need information in a different format contact us and tell us:

• the services that you are having trouble using
• your name and email address
• the format you need, for example, audio CD, braille, BSL or large print, accessible PDF

7. Reporting accessibility problems with our online services

We are always looking to improve the accessibility of our online services. If you find any problems not listed on this page or think we are not meeting accessibility requirements, contact us at webmaster@sia.gov.uk.

8. Enforcement procedure

If you contact us with a complaint and you are not happy with our response contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

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’).