GovService - accessibility statement

This accessibility statement applies to our forms built using GovService, developed by Granicus, which are identifiable by their URL beginning with kentcc-self.achieveservice.com.

The content on this website is designed for everyone to find, read, and understand. It is compatible with assistive technologies and developed to meet the accessibility standards outlined in this statement.

View the site your way

There are a number of customisation options for your browser and device that could help you use this website and other websites more effectively.

AbilityNet provide advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.

Feedback and contact information

Email digitalaccessibility@kent.gov.uk if you have an accessibility query including if you:

• are experiencing issues with accessing information or using the website
• find an accessibility problem not listed on this statement
• have positive feedback on the accessibility considerations made.

When you contact us there is a process in place that will acknowledge your contact, tell you who is dealing with it and give you a timescale by which you can expect a reply.

Alternative formats

If you need information in an alternative format, such as braille or a language other than English, contact us:

An English-speaker will take details of what you need and arrange a translation or interpreting service for you.

We may not be able to meet your requirements immediately, but we will try to provide an interpreter (or translation service) to help you as quickly as possible.

Complaints process

If you have reported a problem with our website or asked for an alternative format, but you are not happy with our response, you can use our complaints process to register your difficulty. This helps us improve our systems.

Enforcement procedure

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’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

Technical information about this website’s accessibility

Kent County Council is committed to making this website accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

Compliance status

This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2 AA standard, due to the non-compliances listed below.

Non-accessible content

We formally test the accessibility of key user journeys that represent the breadth of content across our website on a regular basis against Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2 AA standard.

Some parts of the website may not work for everyone. Below are known issues that we either need to fix, cannot fix, or do not need to fix right now.

If you find something that does not work that we missed, remember to contact us.

Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations

This section covers issues that we need to fix and are working with the provider to do so.

However, platform development schedules are not within our control.

1. Skipped heading levels

All forms are missing headings at level 2.

This is not compliant with WCAG guideline 1.3.1.

2. Use of graphics to represent meaning

We use red asterisks to tell users which fields are mandatory without explaining that meaning.

This is not compliant with WCAG guideline 1.1.1, WCAG guideline 1.3.3 or WCAG guideline 1.4.1.

3. Colour contrast

The visual focus indicator on our select buttons does not meet at least 3:1 contract ratio.

These are not compliant with WCAG guidelines 1.4.11 or WCAG guideline 2.4.7.

4. Text spacing

When text spacing is applied to the site, some content within the form does not change.

This is not compliant with WCAG guideline 1.4.12

5. Instructions on field use

There are no instructions available for users of assistive technology explaining how to use the range picker field.

This is not compliant with WCAG guideline 3.3.2.

6. Missing focus indicator

When a file has been uploaded the user has the option to open the file, or delete it. There is no visible focus indicator when these options are focused upon.

The keyboard focus is not visible for 3 keyboard tabs after tabbing from 'Close' within the Granicus cookie banner

These issues are not compliant with WCAG guidelines 2.4.7.

7. Illogical keyboard sequence

When the save button is clicked, the confirmation pop-up does not receive keyboard focus immediately after the button is clicked.

The date and time picker fields are not keyboard focusable.

These are not compliant with WCAG guidelines 2.1.1 or WCAG guideline 3.3.2.

8. Inaccessible PDF confirmation documents

Some of our processes allow users to download a PDF summary of their submission.

This document is not a tagged document and not compliant with any WCAG guidelines related to PDF documents.

Our platform developer, Granicus, expects to deliver a fix for this by mid-2024.

9. Disproportionate burden

Not applicable.

Content that’s not within the scope of the accessibility regulations

This section covers issues that we do not need to fix right now. The law calls these exemptions.

1. PDFs and documents

Some of our PDFs that are not essential to providing our services were published before 23 September 2018. Any new PDFs or documents we publish will meet accessibility standards.

2. Maps

Our website uses online maps. Where there is a map, the information being displayed is provided in an alternative format on the same web page.

Third party content

Our website contains third party content. We do not have control over and are not responsible for the accessibility of this content, but we make best endeavours to work with the third party to improve its accessibility. This may include:

• links to non-KCC websites
• content or functionality on our website that we do not control, develop, or fund
• content hosted on other websites, such as social media sites.

Read our third party accessibility statements.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared on 19 February 2020. It was last reviewed on 26 November 2024.

This website was last tested on 10 January 2022. The test was carried out by Kent County Council.