Accessibility statement
Southdown is committed to making this website accessible and easy to use for as many people as possible, including people with disabilities and people who use assistive technologies.
We have designed and developed this website with accessibility in mind and aim to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 at Level AA.
Using this website
We have designed the website so that, wherever possible, you can:
- navigate the site using a keyboard as well as a mouse or touchscreen
- zoom in and enlarge text without losing access to content
- use screen-reading software to navigate and understand the content
- understand links without relying solely on their surrounding text
- navigate pages using clear headings and a consistent structure
- use forms with clear labels and instructions
- access important information without relying on colour alone
- pause or avoid unnecessary movement and animation
We use plain language wherever possible and aim to organise information so that it is easy to find and understand.
Accessibility toolbar
The website also includes the Accessibility Widget by OneTap, which provides additional controls for people who would like to adapt the way the website is displayed.
Depending on the settings selected, the toolbar can be used to make adjustments such as changing text size and spacing, altering contrast, highlighting links, using a more readable font and reducing or stopping animations.
These tools are provided as an additional way to personalise your experience. They do not replace the accessibility built into the design, structure and content of the website.
If you need information in another format
If you need information from this website in a different format, such as large print, Easy Read or another accessible format, please contact us.
We will consider your request and do our best to provide the information in a format that meets your needs. These are Southdown’s current general contact details.
Reporting an accessibility problem
We are always looking for ways to improve the accessibility of our website.
If you find something difficult to access or use, or think we are not meeting accessibility requirements, please contact us at:
It is helpful if you can tell us which page you were using, what went wrong and, where relevant, which browser, device or assistive technology you were using.
Technical information about this website's accessibility
Southdown aims for this website to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.2 AA standard.
Accessibility has been considered throughout the design and development of the website, including navigation, keyboard use, colour contrast, content structure, forms, responsive layouts and use with assistive technologies.
Compliance status
This website has been designed to conform to WCAG 2.2 AA.
A final accessibility review is being carried out as part of the website launch process. This statement will be updated with the confirmed compliance status and details of any remaining accessibility issues identified through testing.
Documents and downloadable content
The website contains PDF, Word and other downloadable documents, including some documents produced before the current website was developed.
We aim to make documents published on the website accessible. Some older documents may not meet the same accessibility standards as the website itself.
If you are unable to access information contained in a document, please contact us and we will work with you to provide the information in an appropriate alternative format.
Third-party content
Some parts of the website may use content or services provided by third parties, such as maps, videos, embedded services or external websites.
We aim to choose accessible services wherever possible, but we may not have full control over the accessibility of third-party content.
If third-party content prevents you from accessing information you need, please contact us and we will try to provide an alternative.
What we are doing to improve accessibility
Accessibility is an ongoing process rather than a one-off exercise.
We will continue to review the website, respond to feedback and address accessibility issues as they are identified. We will also encourage everyone who publishes or edits website content to consider accessibility when adding pages, images, documents and other material.
Southdown is committed to inclusive communication and follows the principles of the Accessible Information Standard in its work with people who have communication needs.
How we tested this website
The redesigned website has been reviewed using a combination of automated and manual accessibility testing.
Testing includes checks covering:
- keyboard navigation and visible keyboard focus
- heading structure and page landmarks
- colour contrast
- text resizing and browser zoom
- links and interactive controls
- images and alternative text
- forms and form labels
- responsive behaviour across different screen sizes
- selected testing with screen-reading technology
The website has been assessed against the WCAG 2.2 AA standard.
Preparation of this accessibility statement
This statement was prepared in September 2026 as part of the launch of Southdown’s redesigned website.
It will be reviewed following accessibility testing, significant changes to the website, and periodically as part of the ongoing maintenance of the site.
