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Accessible documents policy

This accessibility statement applies to documents published by the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration.

Using our documents

The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration publishes documents in PDF format.

We want as many people as possible to be able to use those documents. For example, when we produce a document we make sure to:

  • provide a plain text webpage (‘HTML’) option where possible
  • tag headings and other parts of the document properly, so screen readers can understand the page structure
  • make sure we include alternative text alongside non-decorative images, so people who cannot see them can understand what they are there for
  • avoid using tables, except when we are presenting data
  • use plain English whenever possible

How accessible our documents are

New documents we publish should be fully accessible, however, we know that some of our older documents (published before 23 September 2018) are not accessible. For example, some of them are not tagged up properly - and do not contain proper headings. We do not currently have plans to make these documents accessible, but if you need to access information in them, you can contact us and ask for an alternative format.

What to do if you cannot use one of our documents

If you need a document we have published in a different format, you can contact us:

Email address: chiefinspector@icibi.gov.uk

Telephone: 03000 720128

Post:

Accessible Documentation
Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration
3rd Floor
28 Kirby Street
Farringdon
London
EC1N 8TE

As part of providing documents in another way, we will need to send you messages or documents. You should tell us how you want us to send messages and documents to you. You should tell us if you need them in a different format - for example: large print, audio recording or braille.

Reporting accessibility problems with one of our documents

We are always looking to improve the accessibility of our documents. If you find any problems that are not listed on this page or you think we are not meeting accessibility requirements, you can contact us:

Email address: chiefinspector@icibi.gov.uk

Telephone: 03000 720128

Post:

Accessible Documentation
Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration
3rd Floor
28 Kirby Street
Farringdon
London
EC1N 8TE

Enforcement procedure

In England, Wales and Scotland, 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’). If you are not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

In Northern Ireland, the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’). If you are not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

Technical information about the accessibility of our documents

The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration is committed to making their documents accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

The documents the Independent Chief Inspector publishes are partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard, due to the non-compliances listed below.

Non compliance with the accessibility regulations

Some of our documents are not properly tagged, or do not use accessible headings or structures. This means that they do not meet the success criteria for navigation set out in standard 2.4.6 of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA.

When we publish new documents we will make sure our use of diagrams meets accessibility standards.

Content that is not within the scope of the accessibility regulations

Many of our older PDFs do not meet accessibility standards - for example, they may not be structured so they are accessible to a screen reader. This does not meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 success criterion 4.1.2 (name, role value).

Any new PDFs will meet accessibility standards.

How we tested our documents

We conducted a basic accessibility check in November 2019. The test was carried out by the Corporate Services Team within the office of the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration.

The web editors for the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration are entirely reliant on the GOV.UK platform and follow all guidance distributed by the GOV.UK Design System. We tested:

  • our homepage
  • a sample of images
  • a sample of PDF documents

What we are doing to improve accessibility

We are improving accessibility by carrying out accessibility checks on all our new documents.

We will shortly be running a ‘disproportionate burden’ assessment with a view to deciding how many of our older documents can be made accessible.

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