Digital Accessibility Policy

The University of Edinburgh is committed to ensuring that its websites and applications (including mobile applications) are accessible to the widest possible audience, including disabled users.

Policy intention

The intention of this policy is to state clear accessibility principles that all University of Edinburgh websites and applications (including mobile applications) are required to adhere to by law.

The University is legally required to comply with the AA standard of the latest version of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG):

Policy definitions

  • A website is a page or pages published on at least one web server.
  • An application is a software programme that performs a specific function for an end user, either accessed on a browser or software programme installed on a device.
  • A mobile application is application software for use on smartphones and tablets, excluding the software that controls those devices (mobile operating systems) or hardware.
  • A business owner is the individual responsible for a website, application or mobile application on behalf of the University.

Policy dimensions

For the purpose of this policy, the term “websites” includes:

  • Internally-facing to the University (e.g. intranets)
  • Externally-facing (available to the general public)
  • Created by the University
  • Developed externally for the University
  • Hosted by the University
  • Managed by the University
  • All material on these pages, such as documents, audio, video and any other additional files, including content added to external platforms such as social media.

For the purpose of this policy, the term “application” includes:

  • Systems built in-house
  • Systems provided by external suppliers
  • Third-party systems we purchase or use
  • Software programmes installed on a device (unless for sole use by one individual)
  • All material included within these applications, such as documents, audio, video and any other additional files, including content added to external platforms such as social media.

For the purpose of this policy, the term “mobile application” includes:

  • Systems built in-house for access on mobile devices or tablets
  • Systems provided by external suppliers
  • Third-party systems we purchase for use on mobile devices or tablets
  • All material included within these mobile applications, such as documents, audio, video and any other additional files, including content added to external platforms such as social media.

Policy principles

The University of Edinburgh will adhere to the following principles in relation to its websites, applications and mobile applications:

  • Meet the University of Edinburgh’s responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010, The Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012, The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 in addition to The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2022.
  • Meet level AA of the current W3C version of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
  • Host an accessibility statement that follows the UK government template and is updated every 12 months at minimum, including provision of appropriate channels of communication for feedback about accessibility.
  • The University will make reasonable adjustments to ensure specific individual needs that cannot be addressed by mainstreamed adjustments are met. The way users can contact us to report accessibility issues must be clearly given in the accessibility statement for the site as per the UK government template.
  • It is the responsibility of the business owner at the University to provide information in alternative formats, free of charge, to users upon request.
  • Test for accessibility with automated and manual methods, including assistive technology.
  • Testing must be undertaken by independent body for externally developed systems and not the supplier or manufacturer.
  • The Business Owner should maintain dialogue with manufacturers and suppliers to ensure compliance and work towards WCAG AA standards.
  • Responsibility for ensuring the accessibility testing and an accessibility statement resides with the business owner.

Guidance and Support

The University supports staff building and maintaining University websites, applications and mobile applications to enable them to comply with this policy, including training and documentation. More information can be found on the Disability Information website who provide guidance and training in this area:

Ensuring Websites and Applications are Accessible 

Changes to this policy

This policy will be reviewed whenever the legislation or guidelines change, or at least every three years, to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of our user community.

Other relevant policies

Policy updates

This policy was last reviewed and updated in December 2025.

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