New accessibility requirements for public sector bodies

Understanding new accessibility requirements for public sector bodies
Government Digital Service updated 17 May 2019

• New regulations came into force for public sector bodies on 23 September 2018 which say that websites or mobile apps must meet accessibility standards and be ‘perceivable, operable, understandable and robust’. 
• From January 2020, the Government Digital Service (GDS) will monitor public sector bodies’ compliance by examining a sample of public sector websites every year. GDS can request access to intranets, extranets or any public sector website. From June 2021, GDS will also check mobile applications published by public sector bodies.
• See the gov.uk digital accessibility website for the four steps to make sure online services are accessible.

UK National Screening Committee: information development guidance

UK National Screening Committee: information development guidance
PHE 10 August 2018

• This guidance provides best practice in terms of developing public information resources such as leaflets to support the national screening programmes. 
• The guidance provides a definition of ‘personal informed choice’.
• The steps outlined are User need, Research, Development of resources (including engagement, surveys, consultation and documentation), Approval, Publication, Distribution and Evaluation & Review.