Introduction
Purpose
Advance HE is committed to ensuring digital accessibility and strives to continually improve the user experience for everyone by making its website and applications as accessible as possible. In line with the UK 2018 accessibility requirements for public sector bodies and conforming to Level AA of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2.
Advance HE offers services and products to the European market and therefore ensures that it conforms with the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882).
This Accessibility Statement (“the Statement”) applies to Advance HE’s website and Advance HE’s Portal which is run by Advance HE.
This statement has been prepared following a self-assessment of the page templates that make up Advance HE website using a mixture of manual checks, semi-automated testing tools and assistive technology tools.
Website Accessibility
General Description
The Advance HE website plays a key part in helping the organisation achieve it charitable aims and purpose to help higher education transform lives by realising the potential of its people to benefit staff, students and society.
The Advance HE website provides information and resources to support in the delivery of our services which are delivered both online and in person. These include:
- Professional development programmes
- Conferences and events
- Provision of both direct and accredited professional recognition through Fellowship aligned to the Professional Standards Framework
- Provision of Equality Charters to enable organisations to apply for an award recognising their commitment to, and progress on, equality and diversity
- Teaching Excellence Awards
- Staff and student surveys
- Consultancy services across Teaching and Learning, Leadership, Governance and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The website provides information in different formats including text, images, video and audio. The website signposts and links to other online environments which support delivery of our services; these include:
- My Advance HE Portal (“the Portal”)
- Digital Learn – an online learning environment, offering a range of digital learning products.
- Connect – an platform to enable groups working in higher education globally to convene and interact as well as providing access to resources
Advance HE’s goal is to make its website content accessible to as many people as possible to be enable them to use this website. For example, users should be able to:
- Resize text up to 200% without loss of information.
- Listen to the website using a screen reader.
- Change colours, contrast levels and fonts using browser or device settings.
- The website text as simple as possible to understand.
- Provide assistive technology, enabling all website visitors to customise their experience through a range of options to suit their online accessibility and language needs.
Website Accessibility
Advance HE are ensuring the website conforms to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) in the following ways:
- Providing additional descriptive context to elements to ensure a diverse set of accessibility technology can be easily used across the site.
- Ensuring the website visitor experience is consistent for all users regardless of browsing or assistive technology and can be navigated using limited peripheral devices.
- Sufficient colour contrast is used to ensure that information is legible to visitors who may have a degree of colour vision deficiency.
- Navigating the site has been a key focus of testing, Advance HE have worked on both the desktop and mobile menus so users who rely on assistive technology can access the inner pages of the website without hindrance.
- Website visitors can use screen readers to access site content, with an assistive technology toolbar.
- Text alternatives for non-text content such as images are available.
- Web pages are structured logically and semantically using appropriate headings and labels.
- Content can be accessed using a keyboard.
- Text is resizable with an assistive technology toolbar which enables text to be resized, and colours and contrast altered to different colour themes.
- Web pages use colour contrast combinations which are sufficient.
- Advance HE avoids conveying information using only colour and provide an accessible alternative such as text where possible.
- Multimedia content has captions, where appropriate.
Advance HE acknowledges the following areas of the website is not fully accessible:
- Most older PDF documents are not fully accessible to screen reader software.
- Pre-recorded video content that was published before 23 September 2020 may not have closed captions, audio descriptions or transcripts.
Compliance Status
Advance HE is committed to making its website accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 and the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882).
The website has been tested against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standard.
This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard, due to the non-compliances and the exemptions listed below.
This website was last tested on 15 April 2024 against the WCAG 2.1 AA standard. The website was tested using the following:
- Using only a keyboard (without the use of a touchpad, mouse, or touchscreen) to navigate and interact with the website.
- Using screen readers such as Apple Voiceover.
- Using the ReciteMe accessibility toolbar and Recite Me Accessibility Scanner.
- Generic browser settings, such as font size and page zoom controls.
The testing was carried out by Advance HE in conjunction with web development supplier Creode.
Non-Accessible Content
The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons.
- Some of our call-to-action buttons may use generic text, such as Find out more.
Website: Specific Services Offered
Advance HE offers a number of specific services available for purchasing from users on the website. This section outlines specific accessibility requirements for these services that are not covered by the generic website compliance outlined previously.
Fellowship
Advance HE offers direct fellowship application routes on their website. This aspect of the website contains a variety of materials to support users in navigating the Fellowship application process.
The majority of the materials in this area of the website falls out of scope as advised under the section 3. However, the following services are in scope:
- New Application Process – Advance HE is currently moving the application process for direct Fellowship onto Survey Monkey Apply (a third-party supplier). This will be completed post 28 June 2025 and will be reviewed in line with the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882).
- Fellowship Podcast – Advance HE produces Fellowship podcasts which are linked on the website. These links take the user to a third-party listening platform, such as Spotify, Zencaster and Apple. Transcripts are available for users.
- Fellowship Case Studies – Advance HE releases regular publications alongside marketing and communication publications on Fellowship case studies. Publications prior to 28 June 2025 will be out of scope, however moving forward these communications will be in line with accessibility obligations.
In addition to this, the Fellowship services offered on the website is supported by the following third-party suppliers:
- Moodle – Fellowship services utilises Moodle to support with its Fellowship Application Builder. View details of the accessibility arrangements for Moodle.
Delivery Services
Advance HE offers delivery services to users which includes online or onsite programme and events for users to purchase to attend. This area of the website contains the upcoming events and programmes, supporting materials, and payment terminals.
The majority of the materials in this area of the website falls out of scope as advised under the section 3. However, the following services are in scope:
- Third Party Events Platform – Advance HE uses Event Mobi to support with the delivery of its events. Event Mobi’s VPAT Statement.
End Point Assessments
Advance HE offers End Point Assessment services to Apprentices and their Training Providers. This area of the website contains the application process and supporting handbooks, policies and videos to guide users through the service. The following areas have been identified in scope which are offered by third-party suppliers:
- Process – Advance HE utilises Survey Monkey Apply to support with the End Point Assessments process. Survey Monkey’s VPAT Statement.
- How to Videos – Advance HE has created “How to Videos” for users to support them in navigating our platforms. These were published prior to 28 June 2025, therefore may not be fully accessible. Any new or edited version will be done so in line with accessibility requirements.
Advance HE Portal Accessibility
General Description
The Advance HE Portal “the Portal” provides users with an interactive account allowing them to access data relating to themselves and services procured at Advance HE. The Portal also provides customers a platform to purchase services, programmes and events offered by Advance HE, as well as a store for any qualifications or Fellowship membership that they hold.
The Portal is offered to institutions who are members of Advance HE, giving them access to member benefits and data held on their employees relating to services the institution has procured from Advance HE.
Portal Accessibility
Advance HE appointed an external audit firm (AbilityNet) to conduct an audit on its Portal platform. This audit was conducted in July 2025.
Compliance Status
Advance HE is committed to making the Portal is accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 and the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882).
The Portal has been tested against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standard.
This Portal is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard, due to the non-compliances and the exemptions listed below. The areas of non-compliance have been identified below.
WCAG 1.1.1 Non – Text Content
- Some informative images do not have appropriate alternatives to allow content to be understood by all users or be compatible with assistive technology.
- Decorative images have no alt attribute to allow content to be understood by all users or be compatible with assistive technology.
- Functional images have inappropriate text alternatives to allow content to be understood by all users or be compatible with assistive technology.
WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships
- Form fields are not associated with error messages that are visually pinned to fields, making it unclear to users and assistive technology.
- There are elements contained in heading tags that do not title or categorise other content, meaning that assistive technology cannot communicate relationships effectively to users.
- Content containing <table> tags which are not in tabular data, meaning table semantics are inappropriately exposed to assistive technology.
- There are radio buttons that are not associated with visual group label, meaning the purpose of form fields may be unclear to users.
- Form fields that are not associated with their visual label, making the purpose of form fields unclear.
- There are elements that are visually communicated as being interrelated, unordered list items. However, this structure has not been programmatically determined.
WCAG 1.3.2 Meaningful Sequences
- An appropriate reading order has not been programmatically determined.
WCAG 1.3.5 Identify Input Purpose
- Some input fields do not use <autocomplete> attribute which means fields will not autofill correctly, creating a particular disadvantage to users navigating the web.
WCAG 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum)
- There is regular text that does not meet the required contrast ratio, particularly disadvantaging users might struggle to perceive text that fails the colour contrast requirements.
- There is regular link text that does not meet the required contrast ratio, particularly disadvantaging users might struggle to perceive text that fails the colour contrast requirements.
WCAG 1.4.4 Resize Text
- Some content does not remain visible when content and functionality are zoomed in at 200%.
WCAG 1.4.10 Reflow
- Some content and functionality cannot be accessed when screen size is 320 x 256px and 100% zoom, or 1280 x 1024px and 400% zoom.
- When pages are reflowed, users are required to scroll up, down, left and right in order to access content and functionality.
WCAG 2.1.1 Keyboard
- Some interactive elements are not completely compatible with a keyboard.
- Links built with anchor tags have no <href> value which means interactive elements are not compatible with the use of a keyboard.
WCAG 2.4.3 Focus Order
- There are modal dialogs where the background elements can still be access with a keyboard, disadvantaging keyboard users. The illogical focus order may make the page difficult to understand and interact with.
- There are elements that control new content being opened and closed. When closed the focus does not return to the element that triggers the content, disadvantaging keyboard users and may make the page difficult to understand and interact with.
WCAG 2.4.7 Focus Visible
- There are interactive elements that receive focus but which do not provide any visual cue. There is no difference between when the element is no receiving keyboard focus and when the element is receiving keyboard focus, meaning keyboard users may struggle to track their position on the page.
WCAG 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions
- There are elements that do not have a permanent label, disadvantaging users that find navigating the web challenging. Users may struggle to understand the purpose and operation of the interactive elements. The temporary labels may confuse or misguide users.
- There are elements that identify themselves as required with an asterisk symbol. However, the meaning of the symbol is not explained.
WCAG 4.1.2 Name, Role and Value
- There are model dialogs that do not have accessible names.
- There are interactive elements that do not have accessible names.
- There are elements that are visually highlighted as currently relevant but are not programmatically determined as such.
- There are interactive elements that have inappropriate accessible names.
- There are interactive elements that descriptive <placeholder> attributes. However, these do not have accessible names.
- There are anchor tags with no <href> attributes, which mean they are technically not determined as links.
Non-Compliance
Exemptions
Advance HE is committed to making all aspects of the digital learning services accessible; however it has identified that there are various aspects of its offering which are out of scope.
Content Published Prior to 28 June 2025
Under the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882), any published content which is classified as “Pre-Recorded, Time-Based Media” and “Office File Formats” which were published prior to the 28 June 2025 are out of scope (Article 02/4(a/b)).
However, Advance HE will ensure that any edited or new content will be in line with accessibility obligations under the European Accessibility Act.
Where possible, Advance HE has produced video content which will have appropriate captions, audio descriptions and transcripts as necessary.
Third-party content
Some of Advance HE services include third party content which Advance HE holds no control over, such as documents which are sent for uploading to the website, for example presentation slides used by conference speakers.
The accessibility regulations do not require Advance HE to manage these kinds of content, but if users have a problem with any of the content hosted on the website, please contact Advance HE using the methods above outlined in section 3.
Advance HE does not have control over and are not responsible for the accessibility of this content and therefore exempt under Article 02/4(d) of the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882), however will work with third-party suppliers as far as possible to address accessibility concerns.
Archived Content
The content in Advance HE Knowledge Hub part of the website is not needed for active administrative processes; and some of it has not been updated or edited after 23 September 2019 and is classified as an archive.
This kind of historically recorded content is exempt from meeting the digital accessibility regulations.
If users require a specific piece of archive content and it is not accessible, please contact Advance HE using the methods above in section 3 and the team will endeavour to provide an accessible version of the content on request.
Improvement Plan
Advance HE plans to carry out further tests against Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) level 2.2 and make improvements where possible.
Advance HE is currently in the process of developing a new website which will incorporate the required accessibility obligations under the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882). In addition to this, there will also be a review of the Portal with considerations on making this more accessible and user friendly.
View the Advance HE Accessibility 2030 Roadmap.
Further Information
Advance HE is committed to enhancing the accessibility of its website. If users identify any issues not covered on this page, please reach out to the Communications team using the email or address provided below.
Should users require the course information in an alternative format such as accessible PDFs, large print, easy read, audio recordings, or braille, please ’contact the Communication team on the contact information below.
Email: communications@advance-he.ac.uk
Telephone: 03300 416201
Enquiries Form: customer enquiry form
Address: Advance HE IC 2.12 Innovation Centre, Innovation Way, York Science Park, York, YO10 5DG.
The Communications team will aim to respond to any requests or concerns within seven working days.
Complaints Procedures
In the first instance, should a user have a complaint regarding how Advance HE has responded to their concerns and request, they can raise a complaint as per the Advance HE’s Complaints, Comments and Matters of Concern Policy by emailing the Compliance team on compliance@advance-he.ac.uk.
After the inhouse complaints procedure has concluded, and should the user continue to be unsatisfied with the service, they can raise their concerns to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) who is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’). Users can contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).
For Northern Ireland users, they can raise their complaint with the Equalities Commission for Northern Ireland who are responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’) in Northern Ireland.
