¤	the use of clear and simple language which is easy to understand
¤	the use of common web conventions
¤	avoiding the use of blinking or flickering elements
¤	the use of validated HTML and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS).

Standards compliance
Our website has been developed to conform with level A compliance, as specified by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). We have deliberately made limited use of JavaScript, and completely avoided all functionality requiring browser add-ons.

We have also performed extensive user testing in pilot groups, and utilised a range of automated tools specifically for accessibility purposes. Furthermore, we have tested using a variety of screen reading applications, on both PCs and Macs, and with a number of different operating systems.


Background, text and colour
We have carefully selected colours, fonts and text sizes to benefit all users, including those with visual impairments:

¤	Colours Font and background colour combinations have been checked against the different colour blindness conditions to ensure that information remains as clear as possible. Content conveyed using colour is also available without colour.
¤	Font and text size We recognise that some users may want to change their text size, so the use of fixed sized fonts has been avoided where possible. To change the text size simply go to the 'View' menu at the top of your browser. Depending on your browser there will be an option called 'Text Size' or 'Text Zoom', which can be used to either increase or decrease your text size.
¤	Style sheets We have made extensive use of cascading style sheets (CSS) for visual layout, although where possible, the site is also accessible to browsing devices which do not support style sheets.

Non-text elements
Providing alternatives for non-text elements gives visually impaired and screen-reader users wider access to our website. They have therefore been provided where appropriate. Furthermore, we have avoided the use of animations, video, and other multimedia features.


Scripts
The use of JavaScript on this website has been deliberately limited, to improve usability and ensure equal access to those who have scripting disabled.


Links and navigation
To make our website easy to use and improve the experience for everyone, it’s been structured with the following aspects in mind:

¤	Navigation We've made navigation links between pages consistent throughout, with no requirement for scripting
¤	Pop-up windows We do not use pop-up windows unless linking to a third-party site, such as a regulatory body.

Frames and tables
Using clearly defined tables allows information to be clearly conveyed, and makes the completion of form fields more intuitive.

¤	Frames We have intentionally made limited use of frames on this website, and any frames we do use have descriptive titles to help screen readers make sense of them.
¤	Tables We have used tables for layout where appropriate, ensuring the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are adhered to at all times. This means tables have no structural mark-ups for visual purposes, and make most sense when presented in a linear way.