Access for all

Structured web pages

Accessibility

picture of keyboard use
We make every effort to make this site (and indeed all our software and websites) accessible and easy to use for everyone, no matter what browser you choose to use, and whether or not you have any disabilities. The site's layout takes into account users who are blind or visually impaired. It is fully compatible with popular screen reading software. If you have difficulties using a mouse, the site can be navigated using only a keyboard.
In technical language, all pages on this site are valid Hyper Text Mark-up Language (XHTML) 1.0 Transitional and use Cascading Style Sheets level 3 (CSS3). This website conforms to the UK government guidelines for websites. It also follows the Worldwide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0, meeting all level double-A checkpoints.
Maintaining an accessible site is an ongoing process and we are continually working to offer a user friendly experience. However, if you have any problems using this web site please contact us by email here.
contact us in other ways »

Accessibility is something we build into everything we do.

Nick Maunder director

navigating with the keyboard

Access Keys and Tab Order

Access keys let you navigate around a website using the keyboard. We've also adjusted the tab order to help keyboard users. You may find tabbing and access keys a convenient way to move round the site without having to move your mouse at all. If you are not familiar with how to use access keys, and as usual, all browsers are different, there are some hints below.
This site uses the following access keys:
  • S - Skip navigation
  • 1 - Home page
  • 3 - Navigation
  • 8 - Terms and conditions
  • 9 - Contact us
  • 0 - Accessibility and access key details
Skip navigation on any given page allows you to bypass the navigation areas and go directly to that page's main content.

Browser wars

Browsers for PCs

  • Firefox 2: Hold down the SHIFT key and the ALT key and then press the number of the access key
  • Firefox 1.5 for PCs: Hold down the ALT key and press the number of the access key
  • Opera 9: Hold SHIFT and the ESC key and the list of access keys will appear
  • Internet Explorer 5+: Hold down the ALT key, press the number of the access key, release both keys then press ENTER
  • Internet Explorer 4: Hold down the ALT key and press the number of the access key
  • Netscape 7: Hold down the ALT key and press the number of the access key
  • Netscape 6+: Hold down the ALT key and select the number/letter of the access key
  • Netscape earlier versions: Access keys are not supported

The return of the Mac

Browsers for Macs

  • Firefox 2: Hold down the SHIFT key and the ALT key and then press the number of the access key
  • Firefox 1.5: Hold down the CTRL key and press the number of the access key
  • Safari: Hold down the CTRL key and press the number of the access key
  • Opera 9: Hold SHIFT and the ESC key and the list of access keys will appear
  • Internet Explorer 5+: Hold down the CTRL key and press the number of the access key
  • Internet Explorer 4.5: Access keys are not supported