This accessibility statement applies to the BOSS website.
This website is run by the NHS Business Services Authority. We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website. For example, that means you should be able to:
- change colours, contrast levels, and fonts
- navigate most of the website using just a keyboard
- listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of NVDA)
We’ve also made the website text as simple as possible to understand.
AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.
How accessible this website is
We know some parts of this website are not fully accessible, as:
- you cannot skip to the main content when using a screen reader
- the language of the website is not identified on most pages
- pages contain missing or inappropriate form labels
- pages contain empty or missing links
- the contrast between foreground and background makes the website difficult to read
- you cannot zoom to 300% without the text spilling off the screen
- some pages are difficult to navigate using just a keyboard
- there are issues with error handling when using a screen reader
- you will encounter visual issues when tabbing through the screen with the keyboard
- you may not be able to navigate most of the website using speech recognition software
How to request content in an accessible format
If you need information on this website in a different format like accessible PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or braille, you can contact us by:
Email: accessibility@nhsbsa.nhs.uk
We’ll consider your request and get back to you in 5 working days.
This inbox is only for accessibility queries. This inbox is not for technical queries or IT problems. If you have a query that is not about accessibility, go to the ‘Contact us’ section of this page.
Reporting accessibility problems with this website
We’re always looking to improve the accessibility of this website. If you find any problems that are not listed on this page or think we’re not meeting accessibility requirements, you can contact us by:
Email: accessibility@nhsbsa.nhs.uk
This inbox is only for accessibility queries. This inbox is not for technical queries or IT problems. If you have a query that is not about accessibility, go to the ‘Contact us’ section of this page.
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).
Contact us
For all queries not accessibility related, you can contact us by:
Email: css@nhsbsa.nhs.uk
Technical information about this website’s accessibility
The NHS Business Services Authority is committed to making its 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 2.1 AA standard, due to the non-compliances listed below.
Non-accessible content
The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons.
Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations
The website does not have the option to skip the repeated content in the page header. For example, a ‘skip to main content’ option. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.4.1 (Bypass Blocks) and 3.2.3 (Consistent Navigation).
The website does not identify the language for the screen. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 3.1.1 (Language of Page).
Pages have issues with missing and empty form labels. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.4.6 (Headings and Labels), 1.1.1 (Non-text Content), 1.3.1 (Info and Relationships) and 3.3.2 (Labels or Instructions).
Certain pages have issues with missing and empty links. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.4.4 (Link Purpose).
Pages contain elements that have very low contrast between foreground and background. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.4.3 (Contrast Minimum).
You cannot zoom to 300% without the text spilling off the side of the screen. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.4.10 (Reflow).
Some pages contain technical features that means navigation with a keyboard could be difficult. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.1.1 (Keyboard) and 3.2.2 (On Input).
Error messages do not clearly describe what went wrong and how to fix the problem. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 3.3.1 (Error Identification).
You will encounter visual issues when tabbing through the screen with the keyboard. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.1 (Keyboard Accessible).
It’s not possible to navigate all of the website using speech recognition software. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 4.1.2 (Name, Role, Value) and 4.1.3 (Status Messages).
We plan to fix these issues. We'll make sure new content we publish meets accessibility standards.
Disproportionate burden
Not applicable.
Content that’s not within the scope of the accessibility regulations
Not applicable.
What we’re doing to improve accessibility
We’re committed to making sure this website is compliant to WCAG 2.1 ‘AA’ standard.
Every new released website will be designed, built and tested to meet ‘AA’ standards by default.
Preparation of this accessibility statement
This statement was prepared on 21 September 2020. It was last reviewed on 27 September 2021.
This website was last tested on 24 September 2021. The test was carried out by the NHSBSA test and front end development teams.
We tested all of the website screens to meet ‘AA’ WCAG 2.1 standards, using manual and automated tests.
We run each webpage through automated Wave, Lighthouse and Axe accessibility tools then manually test with screen readers (NVDA) and standards checklists.
These checklists contain standards that have been compiled using WCAG, NHS service manual and GDS guidance.